Sometimes, life mirrors art, and at other times, it’s the reverse. A prime example of this phenomenon is the captivating realm of television series inspired by real events. From intense miniseries that delve into significant newsworthy incidents to engaging anthology series featuring various historical figures, creating a series grounded in actual events is a guaranteed strategy to attract a substantial audience.
There’s an undeniable allure in witnessing real-world narratives unfold on the small screen. Programs like The Offer, which chronicles the making of The Godfather, and Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, centered on the infamous Indian stockbroker and fraudster, demonstrate that when executed skillfully, TV shows based on true stories can achieve remarkable success.
10
‘American Crime Story’ (2016–)
Developed by Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski, Brad Falchuk, and others
Co-created by the influential and often controversial Ryan Murphy, American Crime Story stands out as one of the most remarkable contributions to television history. The anthology format that explores different true-crime narratives each season is not only intriguing but also showcases the exceptional storytelling abilities of the creators involved.
The inaugural season, which centers on the infamous O.J. Simpson murder trial, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the series, while the subsequent seasons, focusing on the assassination of Gianni Versace and the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, are equally compelling. This show is considered one of the finest anthology series of the 21st century, distinguished by its stellar performances, meticulous research, and diverse tones across each season.
9
‘Genius’ (2017–)
Created by Kenneth Biller and Suzan-Lori Parks
While National Geographic is renowned for its documentary series and factual programming, it has also produced a remarkable drama series that compensates for the scarcity of other dramatic offerings: Genius. This series stands out as one of the best anthology series ever created, featuring compelling and psychologically rich narratives that elevate small-screen biographies to an art form.
The inaugural season focuses on the life of Albert Einstein, while the subsequent seasons explore the stories of Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, and the unique juxtaposition of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. in the fourth season. Although the first season is often regarded as the strongest, all seasons offer exceptional storytelling, unforgettable music, and outstanding performances that have defined television excellence.
8
‘The Offer’ (2022)
Created by Michael Tolkin
When someone proclaims The Godfather as the greatest film of all time, it’s a commonly accepted statement, often taken for granted. However, the reality is that this classic film has a fascinating development story that is just as compelling as the movie itself. This intriguing narrative forms the basis of The Offer, which reveals the complexities of the filmmaking process.
For devotees of The Godfather, this miniseries is an essential watch. Even those who believe that Francis Ford Coppola‘s masterpiece is overly self-indulgent will find value in The Offer. With exceptional performances, high production values, and sharp writing, the show has garnered praise despite a mixed critical reception—currently holding a modest 57% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—indicating its cult following among audiences that cannot be overlooked.
7
‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)
Created by Peter Morgan
Among the most lavish productions from Netflix, The Crown stands out as one of the network’s most expensive and critically acclaimed series. This Royal docuseries has captured the attention of audiences and critics alike throughout its run for numerous reasons. Although it incorporates some creative liberties regarding the historical narrative of Queen Elizabeth II and her inner circle, particularly in its later seasons, it remains a superb adaptation from start to finish.
This series is a must-watch for fans of soap operas and tales surrounding the British monarchy. However, it skillfully avoids feeling like a mere promotional vehicle for the Royal Family, instead opting to humanize these historical figures in captivating and relatable ways. With outstanding casting, strong performances, and exceptional writing, The Crown is undeniably addictive, drawing viewers into its richly woven narrative.
The Crown
- Release Date
-
2016 – 2022
- Writers
-
Peter Morgan
6
‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)
Created by Joe Penhall
Another standout offering from Netflix, Mindhunter has become notorious for its cancellation due to insufficient viewership to support its escalating production costs. Nevertheless, despite having only two seasons of this exceptional true-crime drama available on Netflix, it remains an essential watch for anyone invested in riveting storytelling.
Highly bingeable and addictively engaging, Mindhunter delves into the sociological, psychological, and cultural dynamics surrounding serial killers with an unmatched level of depth and complexity that many other true-crime series fail to achieve. This series is undeniably one of the most significant crime dramas ever produced, and its absence of additional seasons is considered a major loss for the television landscape.
Mindhunter
- Release Date
-
2017 – 2019
- Showrunner
-
Joe Penhall
5
‘When They See Us’ (2019)
Created by Ava DuVernay
Based on the real-life events surrounding the 1989 Central Park jogger case, When They See Us emerges as one of the most significant and poignant television miniseries of our time. Renowned as one of the best miniseries inspired by true stories, it delivers a harrowing narrative that humanizes its characters and sheds light on their experiences in a profoundly admirable manner.
More than just a heartbreaking tale, When They See Us serves as a vital commentary on societal issues. The performances, writing, and direction are strikingly powerful, with creator and director Ava DuVernay meticulously unveiling the brutal realities of the American justice system, a theme that remains alarmingly relevant today.
4
‘Narcos’ (2015–2017)
Created by Carlo Bernard
Netflix has established itself as a powerhouse for true-crime dramas, and one of its pioneering original series is Narcos, which focuses on the notorious narcoterrorist Pablo Escobar and the subsequent rise of the infamous Cali Cartel.
While the series incorporates dramatization and some fictional elements, it remains a captivating portrayal of true events that are equally horrifying and fascinating. Enhanced by top-notch production values and outstanding writing, featuring a stellar cast including Wagner Moura, Pedro Pascal, and Damián Alcázar, it stands as one of the best-acted shows on Netflix.
Narcos
- Release Date
-
2015 – 2016
- Showrunner
-
Chris Brancato
3
‘Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story’ (2020)
Directed by Hansal Mehta
India boasts an array of remarkable stories, many of which have been adapted into outstanding television shows, including those that rank among IMDb’s highest-rated series. A standout example is the series Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, a gripping docudrama detailing the rise and fall of the stockbroker who dramatically influenced the Indian stock market.
This narrative encapsulates the timeless themes of ambition and greed, especially when grounded in true events involving real people. Scam 1992 excels as a riveting thriller, featuring a commanding performance by Pratik Gandhi, and is complemented by exceptional writing and direction that make it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates quality television.
2
‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)
Created by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg
Regarded as one of the most lauded television series of all time and the finest miniseries of the 2000s, Band of Brothers requires no introduction. This HBO masterpiece, produced by the legendary Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, is often heralded as one of the greatest war-themed TV shows ever.
It’s not just about the ensemble cast or the brutally realistic depiction of World War II; it’s also about the unprecedented production values and the series’ unique focus on the characters and their arcs, which sets it apart from most war dramas. Band of Brothers has aged gracefully, continuing to resonate with audiences today.