Based on 2 seasons, 16 episodes · through November 21, 2024
Based on a True Story is a dark comedy show about a married couple in Los Angeles who are struggling to make money. When they find out their plumber is a serial killer, they blackmail him into starting a true-crime podcast. The series uses a diverse group of actors to represent the modern city, and Season 2 features a brief cameo by a trans actress playing a woman on TikTok. The main story is a silly, bloody satire about greed and fame rather than a political message.
Why 30%? See the score breakdownBreakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Based on a True Story.
Woke representation / casting
The show uses a diverse supporting cast to match its modern Los Angeles setting. Also, Season 2 Episode 2 has a brief guest cameo by trans actress Rose Montoya, who plays a cisgender woman on a TikTok video. Since this counts as an incidental LGBTQ+ element, the rules require adding extra weight to this score, raising it from a standard baseline.
32%
Woke political dialogue
There is almost no political or activist dialogue in the show. The characters talk about money, marriage, podcasts, and murder. They do not give lectures about modern social issues.
0%
Identity-driven story themes
The story is about greed, fame, and the obsession with true crime. It does not focus on identity themes like race, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
0%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The show pokes fun at rich people in Los Angeles and their shallow lifestyles, including open marriages and chasing internet fame. The husband, Nathan, is also shown as weak and insecure compared to his ambitious wife. This is mostly standard dark comedy and satire of modern culture rather than a serious attack on Western values.
32%
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
The show did not get any anti-woke complaints or backlash. Audiences and critics saw it as a simple comedy and did not find any forced political messaging.
0%
Creator track record context
The creative team is a mix of different people. Main creators and producers like Craig Rosenberg, Jason Bateman, and Kaley Cuoco have low woke scores. However, a few writers and directors, like Jaclyn Moore and Jenée LaMarque, have a history of making activist or queer-focused projects.
32%
Production
