Is Based on a True Story based on a true story?
The comedy thriller series returns for season 2 – but is it actually based on real events?
Having proven to be quite the hit series when season 1 initially premiered last year, Based on a True Story is back on our screens again for its second instalment.
As the release dates are staggered between the US and the UK, US fans will be able to enjoy new episodes from this week, while UK fans will have to wait a little while longer to find out what's set to unfold in this twisted tale of murder.
The dark comedy thriller follows couple Ava (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan (Chris Messina) as they look to capitalise on America's obsession with true crime, but can't begin to imagine how their work would lead them into the path of a serial killer.
This new season sees the pair reckoning with newfound parenthood, as well as trying to make sense of their growing friendship with Matt (Tom Bateman), especially after the deadly events of season 1.
However, given that title and the way events unfold, viewers might be wondering whether the series is entirely fictional, or whether it is based on stranger-than-fiction real events.
Read on for everything you need to know about whether Based on a True Story is really based on a true story.
What is Based on a True Story about?
The dark comedic thriller certainly took us quite the roller coaster ride in season 1, following "a realtor, a former tennis star and a plumber who seize a unique opportunity to capitalise on America's obsession with true crime".
Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina play Ava and Nathan, a couple struggling to make ends meet just as they have a baby on the way.
However, when Ava uncovers the identity of a serial killer who lives in their neighbourhood, dubbed by the press as the West Side Ripper, the couple decide to start up a true crime podcast, bringing the killer himself in on the action.
The official synopsis for season 2 reads: "Season 2 finds new parents Ava and Nathan Bartlett three months into parenthood. Focused on taking care of her family, Ava is determined to resist her true-crime obsession and return to work as a real estate agent while Nathan trains private tennis clients.
"But a series of new murders pulls her back in – is Matt behind the slayings? Is Tory, now entangled in a relationship with Matt, in danger? For a while, life is good.
"Ava’s TikTok habit and her new friend Drew provides a welcome distraction, and Nathan’s all in on reigniting his tennis career as well as his friendship with Matt — until danger comes knocking, literally."
Is Based on a True Story based on a true story?
The comedy thriller series is actually not based on a true story, although it is very loosely inspired by some real events.
When the show was first announced back in 2022, Beatrice Springborn, president of Universal Content Productions, the studio behind the series, said: "There are some true stories that are stranger than fiction, as is the case for the events that inspire this show."
However, the show's creator Craig Rosenberg later clarified its origins, saying: "Over the last decade, a true crime phenomenon has swept over America. Podcasts, documentaries, fictional shows based on true stories – they dominate the culture.
"Murderers have become celebrities, and celebrities have become murderers, which inspired me to create this show.
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"I became fascinated with the idea of a relatable married couple whose youthful dreams hadn't come to fruition and who saw the true crime tidal wave as an opportunity to change their lives and save their marriage.
"Our Los Angeles setting – the city where everybody wants to be famous – became a vivid backdrop to our story of fame, ambition, aspiration and murder.
"Please sit back and join Ava and Nathan as they try to navigate the dangerous proposal they make."
This means that, while the series is inspired by real-life true crime podcasts and America's fascination with them, the specific podcast in the series and the serial killer it details, the West Side Ripper, are both entirely fictional.
With season 2 honing on the growing true crime fascination on social media platforms like TikTok, there are certainly some real-world similarities, but nothing pulled directly from reality.
Based on a True Story season 2 will come to Sky and NOW soon, season 1 is available to stream in full on NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV.
Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.
