HBO's 'DTF St. Louis' Inspired by True Crime Story

The new series puts a dark, comedic spin on a real-life murder case involving adultery and false identities.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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HBO's latest drama series 'DTF St. Louis' is inspired by a 2017 New Yorker article about a real-life murder case involving a dentist accused of killing his friend to 'get him out of the way' amid an affair with the friend's wife. While the show maintains some of the core details from the original true crime story, the writers have crafted a new narrative that explores the themes of middle-age existential crises and the 'desperate need to fit in or find someone to feel safe' through the lens of a twisted love triangle.

Why it matters

The show's creator, Steven Conrad, drew inspiration from his own personal experiences with friends falling into the 'trap' of seeking excitement without consequences through dating apps, highlighting the broader cultural phenomenon of adults grappling with a 'second adolescence' in middle age. By putting a darkly comedic spin on a real-life murder case, 'DTF St. Louis' aims to explore complex themes around sexuality, relationships, and the human condition in a unique and thought-provoking way.

The details

Originally, 'DTF St. Louis' was set to be an adaptation of the 2017 New Yorker article 'My Dentist's Murder Trial: Adultery, False Identities, and a Lethal Sedation' by James Lasdun, which detailed the true story of Dr. Gilberto Nunez, a dentist in New York's Hudson Valley who was indicted for the murder of his friend Thomas Kolman in 2011. The prosecutors claimed Nunez was having an affair with Kolman's wife and killed him to 'get him out of the way.' While Nunez was ultimately acquitted of second-degree murder charges, he was found guilty of felony forgery and served time in prison. The show's creators have taken the core premise of the true crime story and crafted a new narrative that centers around a twisted love triangle and the use of a fictional hook-up app called 'DTF St. Louis'.

  • The real-life murder trial of Dr. Gilberto Nunez took place in 2015.
  • Nunez was released on parole in 2022.

The players

Dr. Gilberto Nunez

A dentist in New York's Hudson Valley who was indicted for the murder of his friend Thomas Kolman in 2011, amid an affair with Kolman's wife. Nunez was ultimately acquitted of second-degree murder charges but found guilty of felony forgery and served time in prison.

Thomas Kolman

The friend of Dr. Gilberto Nunez who was found dead outside a gym, leading to Nunez's indictment for his murder.

Linda Kolman

The wife of Thomas Kolman, who was having an affair with Dr. Gilberto Nunez according to his account.

Steven Conrad

The creator of the HBO series 'DTF St. Louis', who drew inspiration from his own personal experiences with friends falling into the 'trap' of seeking excitement without consequences through dating apps.

James Lasdun

The author of the 2017 New Yorker article 'My Dentist's Murder Trial: Adultery, False Identities, and a Lethal Sedation', which served as the initial inspiration for the 'DTF St. Louis' series.

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What they’re saying

“That idea that there could be excitement without consequences. I had friends who were falling into that trap, and that just seemed like an unlikely bargain.”

— Steven Conrad, Creator of 'DTF St. Louis' (People)

“That same misguided, desperate need to fit in or to find someone to feel safe, it comes back around in middle age, and it can lead to bad decision-making.”

— Steven Conrad, Creator of 'DTF St. Louis' (People)

The takeaway

By taking inspiration from a real-life true crime case and weaving in themes of middle-age crises, sexuality, and the human need for connection, 'DTF St. Louis' aims to offer a unique and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of modern relationships and the consequences of poor decision-making.