20 Must-Watch TV Shows Inspired by True Events

About this gallery:

For this list, we focused on TV shows based on real events and true stories – though that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re all historical or set in ancient times (sorry, no caveman dramas here). We also decided to list them in order of release, from oldest to newest, because, well… we like a little organization in our chaos.

Think we missed a must-watch true-story series? Yeah, we probably did – narrowing it down to just 20 was tough. So go ahead, drop your favorites in the comments and let’s keep this list growing!

Band of Brothers (2001)

If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to be part of Easy Company during World War II – but without, you know, actually being in a war – this is the show for you. Executive produced by none other than Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, Band of Brothers takes you through the harrowing journey of real-life soldiers, from boot camp to the frontlines of Europe. It’s intense, emotional, and packed with battle sequences that will have you gripping your seat. Plus, you’ll spot a young Damian Lewis before he was Brody in Homeland and even a baby-faced Michael Fassbender in the mix. War has never felt so real – or so binge-worthy. | © HBO

Foyle's War (2002)

Murder mysteries and World War II – what’s not to love? Foyle’s War is like if Sherlock Holmes decided to trade in Victorian London for 1940s Britain. The brilliant Michael Kitchen plays Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle, a man who takes crime-solving very seriously, even when the world is literally at war. But don’t expect battlefield action; this show is all about the slow-burn intrigue, with Foyle unearthing corruption, espionage, and wartime secrets one case at a time. If you love a detective drama with a historical twist, this one is for you. Also, it makes you feel smarter just by watching. | © ITV

Spartacus (2010)

If Gladiator left you wanting more blood, betrayal, and barely-there togas, Spartacus is here to quench your thirst. This show isn’t just based on history – it grabs history by the throat, tosses it into the Colosseum, and lets it battle to the death. It’s got everything: epic fight scenes, intense political scheming, and dialogue that makes you want to shout, "I am Spartacus!" (even if you’re just watching from your couch). Sure, it takes some creative liberties with history, but with this much action and drama, are you really complaining? | © Starz

The Americans (2013)

Remember when spies were all about cool gadgets and suave one-liners? Well, The Americans flips that idea on its head. Set during the Cold War, this show follows two deep-cover KGB agents posing as the perfect American couple – except they’re actually deadly spies. Starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys (who, by the way, have incredible chemistry on and off-screen), it’s a slow-burning thriller that mixes espionage with good old-fashioned family drama. The disguises are wild, the tension is relentless, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Trust no one. | © FX

Narcos (2015)

Cocaine. Cartels. Chaos. Narcos is like an adrenaline shot straight to the heart, chronicling the rise and fall of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and the DEA agents trying to take him down. Wagner Moura delivers a chilling performance as Escobar, making you both fascinated and terrified by his power. But this show isn’t just about Escobar – it dives deep into the brutal world of the drug trade, showing just how messy (and deadly) things can get. It’s got shootouts, betrayals, and some of the most binge-worthy storytelling you’ll find. Just don’t try any of Pablo’s business strategies at home. | © Netflix

The Crown (2016)

Ever wondered what it's like to be Queen Elizabeth II? Well, The Crown gives you a front-row seat to the royal drama – minus the corgis and palace security. This lavish Netflix series dives into the life of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, from her early days of wearing that ridiculously heavy crown to navigating political turmoil, scandals, and family feuds. Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton all take turns portraying the Queen at different stages, and every season is basically an Emmy magnet. Plus, it’s the closest you’ll get to Buckingham Palace without booking a flight to London. | © Netflix

American Crime Story (2016)

True crime lovers, this one’s for you. American Crime Story isn’t just another crime procedural – it’s a masterclass in storytelling, diving deep into some of the most infamous real-life cases. From The People v. O.J. Simpson (where Sarah Paulson and Sterling K. Brown absolutely steal the show) to The Assassination of Gianni Versace (which will make you terrified of Darren Criss), each season delivers gripping performances and jaw-dropping details. It’s like reliving history – only with way better cinematography and a much more dramatic soundtrack. | © FX

Victoria (2016)

If you loved The Crown but wished for more 19th-century corsets and romance, Victoria is your answer. Jenna Coleman brings Queen Victoria to life with all the sass, strength, and royal drama you could ask for. This show isn’t just about political duties and ruling an empire – it’s also a love story, as Victoria’s relationship with Prince Albert is enough to make you swoon. Plus, the period costumes are chef’s kiss. History has never looked this elegant, and let’s be honest, we’re all here for a bit of regal escapism. | © ITV

The Durrells (2016)

Family vacations are usually a mix of chaos and relaxation – but what if your family just packed up and moved to a sunny Greek island? That’s exactly what happens in The Durrells, a delightful series based on the real-life memoirs of Gerald Durrell. Set in the 1930s, it follows a British family trying (and often failing) to adapt to their new life in Corfu. Between eccentric locals, hilarious misadventures, and enough wildlife to fill a small zoo, this show is pure feel-good entertainment. Warning: it may cause serious wanderlust. | © ITV

Mindhunter (2017)

Before Criminal Minds, CSI, and every other crime show that casually throws around terms like "unsub," there was Mindhunter – the series that takes us back to when FBI agents first started figuring out serial killers. Based on real-life interviews with some of the most infamous criminals in history, this show is as chilling as it is fascinating. Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany play the agents pioneering criminal profiling, and trust me, once you start watching, you won’t be able to stop. Just… maybe don’t binge it alone at night. | © Netflix

Genius (2017)

If you ever wished your history lessons came with top-tier acting and cinematic flair, Genius is here to grant your wish. Each season of this anthology series dives deep into the life of a different legendary figure, from Albert Einstein (played by Geoffrey Rush, who makes physics look way cooler than your high school teacher did) to Pablo Picasso and Aretha Franklin. It’s equal parts inspiring and dramatic, proving that behind every genius is a life filled with struggles, triumphs, and just enough chaos to make for compelling television. | © National Geographic

The Defiant Ones (2017)

Ever wonder how Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine went from hustling in the music industry to making billion-dollar deals? The Defiant Ones tells you exactly that. This docuseries isn’t just about music – it’s about ambition, risk-taking, and the wild journey that led to the creation of Beats by Dre. Packed with interviews from legends like Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Bono, it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves a good underdog story. Plus, the soundtrack alone is worth the watch. Just try not to start a rap career after finishing it. | © HBO

Escape at Dannemora (2018)

A prison break, a scandalous love triangle, and a true story that’s almost too bizarre to believe – Escape at Dannemora has it all. Benicio del Toro and Paul Dano play two convicts who manage to manipulate a prison worker (played brilliantly by Patricia Arquette) into helping them escape. The result? A tension-filled, slow-burning thriller that feels like a crime documentary, except it’s so well-acted that you forget you’re watching a dramatization. Also, fun fact: it’s directed by Ben Stiller. Yeah, that Ben Stiller. Who knew he had such a knack for dark, gripping storytelling? | © Showtime

Chernobyl (2019)

If you ever thought nuclear disasters weren’t terrifying enough, Chernobyl will fix that real quick. This HBO miniseries takes you inside one of the worst man-made catastrophes in history, showing not just the explosion itself but the devastating aftermath, government cover-ups, and heroic sacrifices of those trying to contain the damage. It’s haunting, brilliantly acted, and so eerily realistic that you’ll probably Google “radiation poisoning” more than once while watching. Warning: may cause existential dread, but it’s absolutely worth it. | © HBO

When They See Us (2019)

Some TV shows entertain, some educate, and then there’s When They See Us – a show that shakes you to your core. Directed by Ava DuVernay, this miniseries tells the heartbreaking true story of the Central Park Five, a group of Black and Latino teens wrongfully convicted in 1989. With powerful performances and an emotional punch that lingers long after the credits roll, this is not just a show – it’s a wake-up call. Prepare to be enraged, moved, and left in awe of the resilience of these men. | © Netflix

Dopesick (2021)

Prepare to be simultaneously outraged and glued to your screen. Dopesick dives into the origins of the opioid crisis in America, exposing how Big Pharma – specifically Purdue Pharma and its not-so-great business ethics – helped fuel a national epidemic. Michael Keaton delivers a powerhouse performance as a small-town doctor caught in the storm, while the rest of the stellar cast (including Kaitlyn Dever and Rosario Dawson) brings this harrowing story to life. It’s equal parts gripping and gut-wrenching, so maybe keep some stress snacks nearby. | © Hulu

Tokyo Vice (2022)

Ever wanted to live out your Lost in Translation fantasy but with way more crime, neon lights, and Yakuza intrigue? Tokyo Vice is for you. Based on journalist Jake Adelstein’s real-life experiences, this stylish thriller follows an American reporter navigating the dangerous world of Tokyo’s criminal underbelly. Ansel Elgort plays the lead, while Ken Watanabe is effortlessly cool as his mentor. It’s moody, atmospheric, and makes you wish you could speak fluent Japanese while wearing a perfectly tailored suit. | © HBO Max

Cropped Dahmer Monster The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022)

Just when you thought true crime couldn’t get any darker, along comes Dahmer to remind you that, yes, real-life horror is worse than anything Hollywood could dream up. Evan Peters delivers a chilling performance as the infamous serial killer, making you both terrified and deeply uncomfortable (as you should be). This series doesn’t glorify Dahmer but instead highlights the victims’ stories and the systemic failures that let him evade capture for so long. It’s disturbing, binge-worthy, and definitely not something to watch right before bed. | © Netflix

Black Bird (2022)

Take one part psychological thriller, one part prison drama, add in a true story, and you get Black Bird. Taron Egerton plays a convicted felon given a chance at freedom – if he can get a suspected serial killer (played creepily well by Paul Walter Hauser) to confess. No pressure, right? The tension in this series is next level, and every episode feels like a masterclass in suspense. Also, if you needed another reason to watch, it features one of Ray Liotta’s final performances, and he’s as brilliant as ever. | © Apple TV+

Five Days at Memorial (2022)

Hurricane Katrina was already a disaster, but Five Days at Memorial shows just how much worse things got inside a hospital that was left stranded in the storm’s aftermath. Based on real events, this intense medical drama explores the impossible choices doctors and nurses had to make while dealing with power outages, flooding, and limited resources. It’s gripping, emotional, and will probably make you yell at your screen more than once. Just be prepared – this one is heavy. | © Apple TV+