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Miniseries based on real life events are effective in two measures. They present and inform viewers about the stories behind some of the most famous and some lesser-known incidents that happened in real life. But they also create a more sustained impact as the shows are presented in a shorter format, which leaves a strong and lasting impression. From the award-winning depiction of the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl to the story of a Miami drug lord in Griselda, here are 9 compelling miniseries based on real life events.
Under the Banner of Heaven, The Staircase, and other miniseries based on real life events.
1. Candy
Starring Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, and others, this biographical crime drama miniseries is created by Nick Antosca and Robin Veith. The show tells the real-life story of Candy Montgomery, played by Jessica Biel, who was accused of murdering her neighbor, Betty Gore, by the means of an axe. The series is set in Wylie, Texas of the 1980s and Biel gives a dedicated performance as the complex suburban housewife, Candy. The case received huge press attention and Betty was supposedly murdered by Candy because Candy’s husband had an affair with Betty. Melanie Lynskey plays the role of Betty in the series and the show is suspenseful. It focuses on the background of Candy and all the events that led to infamous murder. Even though Betty and Candy were friends, the show explores the layered relationship dynamics between the two and the emotional aspects of their friendship. The show is taut, engaging, and captures the time period with its costume, music, and art. Dedicated performances by Biel, Lynskey, and others, also elevates the series and makes it one of those effective miniseries based on real life events.
2. The Spy
Created by Gideon Raff and based on a book by Uri Dan and Yeshayahu Ben Porat, this is miniseries is a French and English-language espionage show. The show is based on the life of Eli Cohen, who was Isreal’s top Mossad spy. Cohen role is played by Sacha Baron Cohen. The series has six episodes and the it is a thrilling and engaging series. While the show received mixed reviews, Cohen’s dedicated portrayal of Eli Cohen was praised and he even received a nomination at the Golden Globe Awards. The historical series takes place during the years that led to the 1967 six-day war between Israel and Syria. The show follows the adventures of Cohen and his past life in Egypt. It then explores Cohen’s present where he infiltrates amidst the Syrian elite and adopts the identity of Kamel Amin Taabet. Ultimately, Cohen is appointed the country’s Deputy Defense minister and becomes a close confidante of Amin al-Hafiz. The show explores Eli’s personal life as well as he navigates fatherhood, marriage, and his espionage duties. While Sacha Baron Cohen is known for his satires, the actor proves that he can take on heavy roles as well and deliver a stellar performance.
3. Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
Starring Evan Peters in the titular role as the real-life serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, this biographical crime drama miniseries is created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. The show was a critical and commercial success, though there was some controversy over the violent and graphic nature of the show. The series is based on the life of famous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, who became one of the most notorious murderers in America between 1978 and 1991. The show dramatizes Dahmer’s life from his childhood to his younger years and showcases his growing murderous tendencies. The series also through a spotlight on how racial bias at the hands of the police and apathy towards crimes against black people, enabled Dahmer to remain free for a long period. Instances where Dahmer was nearly apprehended but got free have therefore been highlighted. The engaging miniseries based on real life stars Evan Peters, who delivers an incredible portrayal of Jeffrey and unsettles the audiences with his piercing acting. While the show has courted controversy, it remains an enthralling miniseries based on real life events.
4. When They See Us
Created by Ava DuVernay and starring Asante Blackk, Caleel Harris, and others, this crime drama miniseries is based on real life events. Even though the show has just four episodes, it weaves a powerful tale of racial bias. The show received widespread critical and commercial acclaim and received multiple nominations at the Emmy Awards. The miniseries based on real life is about the events surrounding the 1989 Central Park jogger case where five Black and one Latino male suspect were falsely accused and prosecuted on charges of rape and assault of a white woman in the New York City Park. The series is an important watch about the presence of racial profiling, discrimination, and inequality in the legal system and popular culture. The show features impressive performances by actors like Jharrel Jerome, Michael K Williams, and others, who portray the resilience and grit of the five people who were wrongly accused. The show covers how the five spent 25 years of their lives, trying to prove their innocence and fighting for freedom. The series has powerful performances and in just four episodes, the miniseries delivers a powerful punch about the ignorance and prejudice that is still present in modern society.
5. Inventing Anna
Starring Anna Chlumsky, Julia Garner, and others, this drama miniseries is created by Shonda Rhimes. The series is based on the real-life story of Anna Sorokin, a Russian-born, who used to take the name of Anna Delvey, and become a part of New York’s high society. As Anna Delvey, Sorokin used to pretend that she was a German socialite and an heiress, and used to eventually scam the people out of millions of dollars. While Julia Garner received praise for her immersive and engaging performance, the show received mixed reviews for its inconsistent tone. However, the show is fast-paced and gripping and is helmed and elevated by Garner’s steadfast portrayal of Sorokin. The series takes place in the past and the present as it shows Sorokin navigating a legal battle in the present while also showcasing her past exploits. The series takes place from the point-of-view of a reporter, Vivian (Chlumsky), who is trying to understand Anna’s adventurous life. Garner was nominated at the Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for her role and the series is an exciting watch.
6. The Staircase
Created by Antonio Campos and starring Colin Firth, Toni Collette, Sophie Turner, and others, this one is a biographical crime drama miniseries based on real life. Based on the true crime docuseries of the same name by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, the show focuses on Michael Peterson (Firth), who is a crime novelist and a political hopeful in Durham. However, his life turns upside down when his wife, Kathleen (Collette), is found dead at the bottom of the staircase in their home and Michael is convicted of the crime. The series has eight episodes and strikes the perfect balance between emotionality and suspenseful murder mystery. The series portrays how a trio of French filmmakers document every step of the sensationalized case and how an investigation and a controversial lawsuit affects the Peterson family. The show attempts to explore the complex relations and secrets in the family and the dynamics between each family member. The narrative offers emotional depth to each character and Firth and Collette give a commanding performance as the Peterson couple. The miniseries based on real life is an exhilarating watch and successfully creates an engaging murder mystery thriller.
7. Griselda
Starring Sophia Vergara as Griselda Blanco, along with Alberto Guerra, Karol G, and others, this biographical crime drama is a miniseries based on real life. Directed by Andres Baiz, the series offers a captivating portrayal by Vergara, who plays Griselda Blanco, a famous crime boss. The show follows Griselda’s life as she rises to the top in the Miami drug scene and pursues power and wealth. However, betrayal, paranoia, and drug use lead to her downfall and her misadventures lead to multiple deaths. Even though Griselda turns herself in to the police to save herself from the cartel, she still has to witness the murder of her children while staying in prison. The show is a cautionary tale against the undue accumulation of power and wealth. Vergara delivers a fearless performance and the show covers the underworld scene in Miami from the 1970s to the early 2000s. The series is also stylishly created and has retro-art and several twists and turns. Even though the show is inspired by Narcos, the series creates its own distinctive identity and adds the flair of a feminine touch.
8. Under the Banner of Heaven
Based on the non-fiction book by Jon Krakauer, this true crime drama miniseries is created by Dustin Lance Black. Starring Andrew Garfield, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and others, the series focuses on a devout Latter-Day Saint detective, Jeb (Garfield), who must investigate the murder of Brenda Lafferty (Edgar-Jones) and her daughter in Utah. The show delves into religious fundamentalist beliefs and how Jeb’s faith is tested as he uncovers the fact that Brenda’s brother-in-law, Ron (Sam Worthington), was given a revelation from God to commit these murders. Further, Ron takes along his brother Dan (Wyatt Russell), to commit the shocking crime. The show also explores the roots of Mormonism and explores the strong-willed personality of Brenda in a series of flashbacks. While Russell and Garfield’s performance was appreciated, the show got into controversy over the depiction of Latter-day Saints and deviation from facts. The show is at its heart, an intense character study and therefore gives ample of emotional depth and layers to characters like Jeb, who begin to question their beliefs. Even though Jeb is a fictional character, he is the focal point of the show, who investigates the relationship between religion and society.
9. Chernobyl
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Created by Craig Mazin and starring Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgard, Paul Ritter, and others, this historical drama is a miniseries based on real life events surrounding the infamous Chernobyl disaster of 1986. Directed by Johan Renck, the series has five parts and received widespread acclaim for its direction, accuracy, atmosphere, cinematography, performances, and tone. The show is based on the book by Svetlana Alexievich. The series won several awards at the Emmy and the Golden Globe Awards. The series dramatizes the incidents around the April 1986 nuclear plant disaster, which occurred in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Soviet Union. It portrays the events that led to the unfortunate event, the aftermath, and the extraordinary efforts of many lesser-known people, to contain the radiation. Therefore, the series not only delves into the political aspects of the event but also gives credit to the first responders like firefighters, miners, and others, who risked their lives to contain the disaster. The series is taut, well-paced, and has searing performances by Harris and Skarsgard, who play scientist Valery Legasov and politician Boris Shcherbina respectively. An important aspect in which the series shines is that it uncovers methodically the bureaucratic failures that led to the incident and features a tense courtroom scene that elucidates all the facts. While there are some dramatic liberties in the show, the series effectively portrays the lesser-known stories of the Chernobyl incident.
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