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Season 1 – Based on a True Story

Play trailer 1:48 Poster for Season 1 – Based on a True Story Jun 2023 Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
74% Tomatometer 50 Reviews 77% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Three strangers join forces to capitalize on America’s obsession with true crime and make their dreams come true.
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Based on a True Story — Season 1

Based on a True Story — Season 1

What to Know

Critics Consensus

True crime enthusiasts have been satirized more sharply, but engaging leads and a lightly humorous touch make Based on a True Story worth investigating.

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Critics Reviews

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Jasper Rees Daily Telegraph (UK) The vapidities of Los Angeles and social media are easier targets but mercilessly hit by a script that’s well served by a cast with reliably funny bones. Rated: 4/5 Dec 29, 2023 Full Review Craig Mathieson The Age (Australia) Suspension of disbelief is a highwire act in Based on a True Story, but the show benefits from the couple’s risky, short-sighted instincts and some delicious twists. Rated: 3.5/5 Jun 14, 2023 Full Review John Anderson Wall Street Journal It would have required a much more delicate hand than the one piloting this particular barge to navigate the narrow inlet between couples’ comedy and social satire that lies in the path of Based on a True Story. Jun 13, 2023 Full Review Srijoni Rudra Digital Mafia Talkies Based on a True Story gets so entangled with the crime thriller angle that the humor is lost. The idea was good on paper; perhaps it would have been compelling as a film, but the eight episodes felt a little too stretched. Aug 23, 2025 Full Review Andrew Murray The Upcoming Although Rosenburg’s true crime satire is let down by its clashing tone, its engaging plot is what makes this show an enjoyable watch. Rated: 3/5 Jan 4, 2024 Full Review Chris Wasser Sunday Independent (Ireland) Like Only Murders…, it's about a grisly murder and a band of opportunistic podcasters. Unlike Only Murders…, it tries way too hard to justify its existence. Jan 4, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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L. F It is what it is - A light, easy to watch comedy-drama which pokes fun at the true crime genre and world of endless podcasts. Sadly, the over-use of dream/fantasy sequences became a little tiresome. Having this happen multiple times (sometimes within the same episode!) meant that they lost their impact and felt predictable. Other than that, the storyline kept my attention and I thought it was well acted. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/18/25 Full Review Spicy B Wanted so very much to love this, hooked in the beginning, but got bored super fast with weird repetitive dream sequences and a total loss of plot. Sigh. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 04/25/25 Full Review Gareth v While this satire on true crime podcasts has it's moments, it does have a number of flat spots. Sort of show you can binge in an afternoon if you're after something breezy and not very challenging. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/17/25 Full Review Ronnell S I love the original take on this a fun and enjoyable show Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/20/25 Full Review Esra Y Binged in one sitting. Script balances goofiness and gore. Just the right amount of sarcasm about the madness that is true crime industry. Twists hook you enough. Acting is very good. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/18/25 Full Review Audience Member Funny, very entertaining, and some fun twists. Very much how there’s a season 3 Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/31/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Based on a True Story — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Kaley Cuoco

Ava Bartlett

Chris Messina

Nathan Bartlett

Tom Bateman

Matt Pierce

Priscilla Quintana

Ruby Gale

Liana Liberato

Tory Thompson

Natalia Dyer

Chloe Lake

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jun 8, 2023 The Great American Art Form A realtor and a former tennis star struggle to stay afloat in life and love as a serial killer puts Los Angeles on high alert. Details Episode 2 Aired Jun 8, 2023 BDE Ava and Nathan try to maintain appearances; Nathan is questioned by detectives at work; Matt asks for a meet. Details Episode 3 Aired Jun 8, 2023 Who's Next Nathan struggles to keep his story straight; Ava and Nathan spar with Matt for creative control; Matt makes a new friend. Details Episode 4 Aired Jun 8, 2023 The Survivor Ava, Nathan and Matt attend a true crime convention; a surprise panelist threatens the podcast; Nathan has a moral crisis. Details Episode 5 Aired Jun 8, 2023 Ted Bundy Bottle Opener After a shocking incident at CrimeCon, Ava and Nathan probe Matt for the truth; Matt takes matters into his own hands; Ruby forces Ava and Nathan out of their comfort zone. Details Episode 6 Aired Jun 8, 2023 Love You, Buzzfeed Ava and Nathan attend a charity auction where new and old wounds are laid bare; Ruby gets closer to the truth; Ava does damage control. Details Episode 7 Aired Jun 8, 2023 National Geographic A game-changing idea hits Nathan as he reckons with a devastating failure; Ava confronts her buyer; Matt pushes for a new, more hands-on approach. Details Episode 8 Aired Jun 8, 2023 The Universe With the cards finally on the table, Ava and Nathan race against time to prevent a tragedy; Matt prepares to expand the operation. Details

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Based on a True Story — Season 1

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Based on a True Story — Season 1

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Season Info

Network
Peacock
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jun 8, 2023
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