Parents' Guide to Based on a True Story

TV Peacock Drama 2023
Based on a True Story TV show poster: A man and a woman look back over their shoulders with worried looks on their faces.

Common Sense Media Review

Stephanie Morgan By Stephanie Morgan , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Biting murder podcast drama has sex and graphic violence.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 15+

Based on 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

BASED ON A TRUE STORY begins with a beautiful young woman (Natalia Dyer of Stranger Things) being brutally stabbed to death. Cut to a pregnant woman (Kaley Cuoco of The Big Bang Theory) and her husband (Chris Messina of The Mindy Project) experiencing financial troubles and deciding to make a murder podcast with the serial killer who killed her (Tom Bateman). Will it be a hit? Or will the star of the show kill the other hosts before they get a chance to cash in?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 3 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

A biting take on the murder podcast industry and the blurred line between truth and exploitation. Based on a True Story delves deep into the disturbing trend of capitalizing on the gruesome acts of killers. With a cast of intriguing characters, the series keeps viewers guessing as it weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives. Set against the backdrop of California's breathtaking coastline and stunning homes, Based on a True Story is as much about midlife crises and marriage as murder, making it a more thoughtful watch than you'd expect. Plus, it'll leave you hooked from the very first episode with a cliffhanger that demands a binge-watching session.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what Based on a True Story is trying to say about murder podcasts. How do you feel about them? How do you think the families of the victims feel about them?

  • Do the characters in the series think about other people? What is empathy and why is it so important?

  • What is this series saying about love and marriage? Do the relationships seem realistic. Why do the characters keep saying things are "so LA"?

TV Details

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Based on a True Story TV show poster: A man and a woman look back over their shoulders with worried looks on their faces.

What to Watch Next

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