SummaryRealtor Ava Bartlett (Kaley Cuoco), her ex-tennis star husband (Chris Messina) and a plumber take advantage of people's obsession with true crime in this dark comedy thriller created by Craig Rosenberg.
Created By:Craig Rosenberg
Based on a True Story
Season 1 Premiere:
Jun 8, 2023
Metascore
Mixed or Average
59
User score
Mixed or Average
6.0
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All Seasons
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
59
48% Positive
13 Reviews
13 Reviews
44% Mixed
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
7% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
Jun 6, 2023
84
It’s brutal, it’s hilarious, and it’s so well done. In a June stacked with returning series premieres, Based on a True Story is a new show absolutely worth latching onto.
Jun 8, 2023
80
Sharp writing and keen comedic timing by the show’s main players make “Based on a True Story” an amusingly disturbing journey into the world of true-crime fandom and the queasy worship around homicidal maniacs like Dennis Rader, better known as “BTK,” and John Wayne Gacy.
User score
Mixed or Average
6.0
52% Positive
14 Ratings
14 Ratings
30% Mixed
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
19% Negative
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
Jun 10, 2023
10
From the brutal start that felt like it was paying homage to Drew Barrymore's iconic murder scene in 'Scream' to the shocking moments that followed, each episode held my attention. Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina deliver magnetic performances, making their characters relatable and engaging. Tom Bateman's portrayal of the very scary Matt Pierce brings a chilling authenticity to the role of a serial killer. The Peacock series pokes fun at society's obsession with murder, satirizing our fascination with serial killers and true crime podcasts. After the first episode, I couldn't resist binge-watching the rest. The fast-paced events and gripping plot kept me on the edge of my seat. Each episode flew by in minutes, enhanced by a fun soundtrack that heightened the chaotic atmosphere of the show. It's a must-watch for fans of dark comedies and true crime podcasts. With its blend of lighthearted drama, and intense moments, it satisfies cravings for captivating storytelling. Cuoco, Messina, and Bateman deliver standout performances, creating characters that were relatable, engaging, and endearing. Damian At
TalkTeaV
Jun 8, 2023
70
Like a good, however flawed, podcast, there’s a bunch you might wish you could skip over, but it still leaves you curious and impatient for the next episode.
Nov 21, 2024
60
While we still like seeing Cuoco and the rest of the cast of Based On A True Story, we’re still not buying that the Season 2 story will be as good as what we saw in Season 1.
Jun 6, 2023
58
It’s not as brazen as Poker Face, as innovative as Mrs. Davis, or as bizarre as The Resort, but BOATS scratches the itch for an entertaining, if not illogical, TV comedy.
Jun 12, 2023
40
A seemingly daring, dark premise that disguises a mild domestic comedy. It promises slashing satire. It cuts like a butter knife.
Jun 7, 2023
30
The series has proved itself incapable of reading the (living) room into which it has imposed itself, or of actually staying aboard the ethical tightrope it has strung across a murky basin of bad taste.
Jun 21, 2023
8
It's funny, and both leads play their characters straight enough that you'll buy into their lives. The premise is beyond ridiculous, so the script strains hard to get you to suspend disbelief. Still, well worth a watch.
Jun 17, 2023
6
A married couple (Kaley Cuoco & Chris Messina) decides to jump on the true crime bandwagon by creating their own podcast. Things get interesting when they meet an actual serial killer (Tom Bateman) who decides to team up with them. This combo comedy/thriller mostly works, but like so many series now, it could have been shorter. If you wade thru the wasted scenes in the early eps, there are surprises and shocks to entertain. Cuoco always tries too hard to be funny, so she never works for me, but there are sufficient situations and other characters who add to the humor. The series has its flaws and takes a while to take off, but once it gets rolling the dark comic elements and shocking surprises manage to ultimately payoff. (It ends with a cliffhanger, signaling a 2nd season).
Production Company:
- Aggregate Films
- Overlook Productions
- Universal Content Productions (UCP)
Initial Release Date:Jun 8, 2023
Number of seasons:2 Seasons
Rating:TV-MA
Awards
California on Location Awards
• 3 Nominations
ReFrame
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Venice TV Award
• 1 Nomination
