“based on a True Story” has been renewed for Season 2 at Peacock.
The eight-episode first season of the dark comedy debuted on the streaming service in June. It starred Kaley Cuoco, Chris Messina, Tom Bateman, Priscilla Quintana, Liana Liberato, Natalia Dyer, and more.
The show is a satire of the true crime genre with elements loosely inspired by real events. The official description of Season 1 states that it is about “Ava (Cuoco) and her husband Nathan (Messina), a down-on-their-luck couple, whose lives collide with an infamous serial killer terrorizing Los Angeles and seize a unique opportunity to capitalize on America’s obsession with true crime by making a podcast with the killer.”
Craig Rosenberg created the series and serves as showrunner and executive producer. Cuoco executive produces in addition to starring. Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan also executive produce via Aggregate Films, with Roxie Rodriguez of Aggregate and Melissa Blake co-executive producing. Alex Buono directed the first and last episodes of Season 1 and served as an executive producer on the season. UCP is the studio.
“based on a True Story” received mostly good reviews from critics upon its release, with Season 1 holding a 74% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
In her review for PvNew, Alison Herman wrote, “While shaky as a satire of true crime, ‘based on a True Story’ is on firmer ground when it comes to Nathan and Ava’s marriage, as well as their relationship to class. Following up on ‘The Flight Attendant,’ Cuoco is comfortable as a frazzled professional thrust into an underworld she doesn’t understand. Paired with Messina as a former pro who peaked when he once beat Roger Federer, she has a partner in panicked complicity.”
