Peacock’s ‘Based on a True Story’ Is a Thrilling Watch That Will Keep Audiences Guessing

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Published Jun 8, 2023

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Peacock

*Warning: Spoilers ahead*

OK, let’s be honest. In recent years, there has been a sudden influx (and overwhelming demand) of true-crime content. Just look at the success of shows and movies like Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Candy, The Staircase and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. The bottom line: America is obsessed with true-crime stories and notorious serial killers.

Allow us to introduce you to the newly released Peacock comedy-thriller series, Based on a True Story, which takes that very concept and puts a comedic twist on the oft-glamorized genre. The first season (consisting of eight episodes) follows a married couple named Ava (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan Bartlett (Chris Messina), who find themselves in the middle of a gripping murder mystery after someone they know turns up dead.

So, is the show worth the watch? Keep reading for an honest review of Based on a True Story.

The first episode doesn’t waste any time in throwing the viewer right into the murder mystery. In classic slasher fashion, we’re on the edge of our seats as we watch a masked assailant (dressed entirely in black) gruesomely stab a woman in her apartment. In a matter of seconds, we’re taken back to two weeks earlier, where we learn the killer (referred to as the West Side Ripper) has struck again through a news broadcast Ava (Cuoco) is watching on her phone.

Peacock

From her eagerness about gruesome murder cases to her slightly terrifying knowledge of serial killers, Cuoco nails being a true-crime-obsessed fan perfectly. In contrast, Messina’s comedic timing makes him a joy to watch. Whether he’s saying a witty comeback or trying (and failing) to be the voice of reason in his relationship, The Mindy Project alum still manages to make us laugh even though his character is *really* going through it. Oh, and don’t even get us started on the pair’s strong on-screen chemistry because *chefs kiss*.

Kaley and Chris Based on a True Story CAT

Peacock

Based on a True Story will keep you guessing throughout. Just by the first episode alone, we can already tell that this comedy-thriller is gearing up to be a fun, wild and chaotic ride.

PureWow Rating: 4 Out Of 5 Stars

If the rest of the eight episodes are anything like the first, Based on a True Story (that showcases the uber-talented Cuoco and Messina quite well), is going to be a thrilling watch.

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Karelle McKay

Assistant Editor, News And Entertainment

Covers all things news and entertainment
Has over 5+ years of reporting on celebrity news and pop culture
Studied Journalism at Brooklyn College

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