What post-apocalyptic fantasy series on Netflix follows a naive hybrid deer-boy named Gus as he navigates a world ravaged by a virus and searches for his mother, accompanied by a protective loner named Jepperd?

The series described, a post-apocalyptic fantasy on Netflix featuring a naive hybrid deer-boy named Gus and his gruff protector Jepperd, is "Sweet Tooth (Review)." This engaging show transports viewers to a world ten years after "The Great Crumble," a devastating virus known as "the Sick" wiped out most of humanity. Concurrent with the pandemic's onset, hybrid babies—born with animal characteristics—began to appear, leading many fearful humans to hunt them, unsure if they are the cause or a symptom of the virus.

The story centers on Gus, a sheltered young deer-hybrid who has lived in isolation with his father in a remote forest. After his father's death, Gus ventures into the ravaged outside world, longing to find his mother. He forms an unlikely bond with Tommy Jepperd, a hardened wanderer often referred to as "Big Man," who reluctantly becomes his guardian. Together, they embark on a perilous journey across a lush, overgrown America, encountering both allies and dangerous adversaries while searching for answers about Gus's origins and the mystery behind the hybrids.

"Sweet Tooth" is an adaptation of a critically acclaimed comic book series created by Jeff Lemire and published by DC Comics' Vertigo imprint. Executive produced by Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey, the Netflix series offers a slightly more hopeful and adventurous tone than its darker comic counterpart, emphasizing themes of family, prejudice, and the enduring power of hope in a world turned upside down. The series was filmed in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, which contributes to its visually stunning depiction of a thriving post-human natural world.