TV Shows Based on a True Story from 2024

‘Feud: Capote vs. the Swans’ (Season 2)

Ryan Murphy’s Feud anthology brings to life the tumultuous story detailed in Laurence Leamer’s book Capote’s Women. The series follows Truman Capote, portrayed by Tom Hollander, as he delves into the lives of society’s elite women, his so-called “swans.” This depiction captures his rise and fall within high society, showcasing the devastating fallout from his betrayal. This series premieres on FX and streams on Hulu the next day.

• Cast: Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Chloë Sevigny, Calista Flockhart, Demi Moore, Molly Ringwald, Treat Williams, Joe Mantello, Russell Tovey,Tom Hollander
• Genre: Drama 
• Rating: 8.4/10 IMDB
• Runtime: 8 Episodes
• Created By: Ryan Murphy, Jaffe Cohen, Michael Zam
• Trailer: Watch here

‘Genius: MLK/X’

Genius: MLK/X dives into the early influences of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, portrayed by Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre, respectively. This docu-drama on National Geographic profoundly looks at their lives beyond their public personas as leaders. It emphasizes their roles as husbands and fathers, contributing to the Civil Rights Movement and making their stories accessible and deeply human.

• Genre: Biographical, Anthology
• Runtime: 4 seasons
• Network: National Geographic
• Release: April 25, 2017 – present
• Trailer: Watch here

‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’

The Monster anthology series by Ryan Murphy returns with a gripping narrative of the Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, who became infamous for their parent’s murder in 1989. Starring Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch, the series delves into the dark corners of family secrets and tragedy, exploring the alleged abuses that led to the murder. This intense series is set to release on Netflix.

• Cast: Javier Bardem, Ari Graynor, Chloë Sevigny
• Genre: Horror
• Created By: Ian Brennan, Ryan Murphy
• Trailer: Watch here

‘Manhunt’

Search portrays the relentless pursuit of John Wilkes Booth after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. In this true crime drama, Tobias Menzies delivers a compelling performance as Edwin Stanton. The series weaves through the complexities of loyalty and justice during a tumultuous time in American history, making it a standout show on AppleTV+.

• Cast: Tobias Menzies, Anthony Boyle, Lovie Simone
• Genre: Conspiracy fiction
• Rating: 7.2/10 IMDb
• Runtime: 7 Episodes
• Directed by: Carl Franklin, John Dahl, Eva Sørhaug
• Trailer: Watch here

‘The New Look’

Set in Nazi-occupied Paris, The New Look vividly brings to life the rivalry between Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, played by Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche. This series, airing on AppleTV+, captures the resurgence of Paris through the lens of fashion amidst the backdrop of World War II. It’s a tale of creativity and resilience, underscored by a stellar cast.

• Cast: Ben Mendelsohn, Juliette Binoche, David Kammenos
• Genre: Drama
• Rating: 7.4/10 IMDb
• Runtime: 10 Episodes
• Created by: Todd A. Kessler
• Trailer: Watch here

‘Daughters of the Cult’

Daughters of the Cult offers an unflinching look at the life inside Ervil LeBaron’s notorious cult. This ABC News Studios docuseries highlights the stories of survivors who escaped the clutches of the so-called Mormon Manson. The series is a harrowing exploration of faith and violence, providing a voice to those who lived through this ordeal.

• Cast: Bix Krieger, Chiyeko Jones, Igor Grbesic
• Genre: Documentary
• Rating: 6.4/10 IMDb
• Runtime: 5 Episodes
• Created by: Sara Mast
• Trailer: Watch here

‘Mary & George’

Mary & George follows the strategic maneuvers of the Countess of Buckingham (played by Julianne Moore) as she positions her son George to become an influential figure in King James I’s court. This Starz series adapted Benjamin Woolley’s book The King’s Assassin into a riveting narrative about power and manipulation in England’s royal court.

• Cast: Julianne Moore, Nicholas Galitzine, Tony Curran, Laurie Davidson, Trine Dyrholm, Nicola Walker
• Genre: Historical drama
• Rating: 7/10 IMDb
• Runtime: 7 Episodes
• Directed by: Oliver Hermanus, Alex Winckler, Florian Cossen
• Trailer: Watch here

‘Crime Nation’

Crime Nation tackles modern true-crime tales, focusing on the role of social media in solving crimes. This CW series engages with a new age of digital detectives, exploring high-profile cases like the Delphi murders. Each episode unpacks a different case, drawing viewers into the investigative process and the quest for justice.

• Genre: Docuseries
• Runtime: 10 Episodes
• Created by: James Goldston,  Steven Baker,  Mike Sheridan
• Trailer: Watch here

‘Me, Hereafter’

 Hereafter, Hulu offers a unique perspective on true crime, narrating the stories from the viewpoints of the murder victims. This ABC News Studio series combines unseen footage and dramatic reconstructions to guide viewers through the crimes, providing insights into the motives and misdeeds involved. Each episode is a journey towards understanding.

• Cast: Tina Zimmer, Todd Sinkewich, Ian Forsyth
• Genre: Documentary, Crime
• Rating: 7/10  IMDb
• Runtime: 4 Episodes
• Trailer: Watch here

‘Death in the Dorms’

Death in the Dorms revisits tragic stories from various universities, including Jackson State University and the University of Miami. The ABC News Studios series examines how foul play abruptly ended lives, offering a solemn reminder of the unseen dangers that can lurk in academic settings. This series streams on Hulu and Disney+.

• Star Cast: Phillip-Charlie Daniell, Jacob Beitle, Ant Henderson
• Genre: Documentary
• Runtime: 6 Episodes
• Trailer: Watch here

Griselda

Griselda, starring Sofía Vergara as Griselda Blanco, chronicles the ruthless life of the cocaine queenpin who dominated Miami’s drug trade in the 1970s and ’80s. This gritty docuseries on Netflix captures her rise and fall, portraying narcotics’s complex, brutal world through intense narratives and profound storytelling.

• Starring: Sofía Vergara, Alberto Guerra, Christian Tappan
• Genre: Docuseries
• Seasons: 1 (6 episodes)
• Director: Doug Miro, Eric Newman, Carlo Bernard, Ingrid Escajeda
• Trailer: Watch here

American Nightmare

American Nightmare dives into the chilling aftermath of a crime misinterpreted by authorities as a fictional plot akin to Gone Girl. This gripping true crime series on Netflix scrutinizes the systemic failures that follow violent crimes, urging a reevaluation of justice and media portrayal, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts.

• Genre: Docuseries
• Seasons: 1 (3 episodes)
• Rating: 7.5 IMDb
• Trailer: Watch here

Under the Bridge

Under the Bridge, inspired by Rebecca Godfrey’s book, explores the murder of Reena Virk. This drama series, featuring Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough, blends investigative journalism with personal narratives akin to True Detective. It’s a poignant study of crime and community impact, airing on various streaming platforms.

• Starring: Lily Gladstone, Riley Keough
• Genre: Drama series
• Rating: 7.4 IMDb
• Seasons: 1 (8 episodes)
• Trailer: Watch here

American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders

This docuseries unveils the murky depths of the Octopus conspiracy through the eyes of the late journalist Danny Casolaro. American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders engages with the theories and truths that Casolaro chased, offering a look at the power struggles that influence national events. It is available on major streaming services.

• Genre: Docuseries
• Rating: 6.7/10 IMDb
• Seasons: 1 (4 episodes)
• Director: Zachary Treitz
• Trailer: Watch here

Baby Reindeer

Baby Reindeer blurs the lines between true crime and personal narrative. Richard Gadd stars in this Netflix drama, which adapts his stage play about his haunting experiences with a stalker. The series is a raw, emotional journey into the complexities of trauma and the quest for recovery, portrayed with a blend of dark humor and stark reality.

• Cast: Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau
• Genre: Drama, True(-ish) crime
• Rating: 8.0/10 IMDb
• Runtime: 1 season (8 episodes)
• Created By: Richard Gadd
• Trailer: Watch here

True Crime Story: Smugshot

True Crime Story: Smugshot on Sundance TV explores a spectrum of crimes, from petty theft to massive fraud. The series provides a satirical yet insightful look at the entitlement that drives people to commit crimes, offering a unique perspective on the motivations behind criminal acts.

• Genre: Docuseries
• Rating: 7.3/10 IMDb
• Seasons: 1 (6 episodes)
• Trailer: Watch here

These shows captivate with their narratives and illuminate the truths often hidden within our society. Each series provides a window into different facets of human experience, making 2024’s Based on a True Story TV Shows a rich field for both entertainment and reflection.

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