
25 Best TV Shows Based on True Stories

25. Roman Empire
Roman Empire chronicles the lives of some of the most influential leaders of ancient Rome. The series brings to life the power struggles, triumphs, and challenges that helped shape one of history's greatest civilizations. | © Netflix

24. Bonnie & Clyde
Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, an American robbery team, were responsible for a 21-month crime spree in 1932. They robbed gas stations, restaurants, and small-town banks, chiefly operating in Texas, Oklahoma, as well as other states. | © Sony Pictures Television

23. The Defiant Ones
The Defiant Ones explores the unlikely partnership between Jimmy Iovine, the son of a Brooklyn longshoreman, and Dr. Dre, a native of Compton. Their collaboration sparks a series of groundbreaking events that have forever reshaped contemporary culture. | © HBO

22. Unbelievable
A teenager is charged with lying about being raped, but two detectives follow the trail to uncover the truth. Their investigation gradually reveals the deeper reality behind the allegations. | © Netflix

21. Manhunt
The aftermath of the first American presidential assassination and the fight to preserve and protect the ideals that were the foundation of Lincoln's Reconstruction plans. | © 20th Television

20. Dopesick
The series takes viewers to the epicenter of America's struggle with opioid addiction, from the boardrooms of Purdue Pharma to a distressed Virginia mining community, to the hallways of the DEA. | © 20th Television

19. The Long Shadow
The Long Shadow dramatizes one of the most notorious serial killer cases in British history, following the hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper between 1975 and 1981. The extensive investigation, involving over a thousand officers, forever changed the way the British police operated. | © ITV

18. Dahmer
Over more than a decade, convicted killer Jeffrey Dahmer murdered 17 teenage boys and young men, leaving behind a trail of unspeakable tragedy. How did he manage to evade capture for such a long period? | © Netflix

17. The Offer
The Offer follows the untold journey of Oscar-winning producer Albert S. Ruddy, revealing his behind-the-scenes experiences during the making of The Godfather. | © Paramount Pictures

16. Baby Reindeer
Baby Reindeer follows Donny's warped relationship with a relentless female stalker, exploring the lasting impact their dangerous connection has on him. He is forced to confront a deep, dark trauma long buried in his past. | © Netflix

15. When They See Us
Five teens from Harlem become caught in a nightmare when they're falsely accused of a brutal attack in Central Park. | © Netflix

14. The Crown
The Crown follows the political rivalries and romances that marked Queen Elizabeth II's reign, along with the defining events that reshaped Britain in the latter half of the 20th century. | © Netflix

13. Generation Kill
Generation Kill follows a Rolling Stone reporter embedded with the 1st Recon Marines during the initial American-led assault on Baghdad in 2003. The series offers a raw, firsthand look at the chaotic realities of modern warfare. | © HBO

12. Versailles
In 1667, the powerful 28-year-old King Louis XIV of France set out to build the world's grandest palace, Versailles. However, his project is soon complicated by a strained budget, scandalous affairs, and political intrigues. | © BBC Two

11. The Dropout
The Dropout follows Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, who dropped out of college to launch a tech startup with the bold aim of transforming the healthcare industry. | © 20th Television

10. Boardwalk Empire
An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law by secretly working with gangsters during the Prohibition era. His double life reveals the blurred line between power and corruption in a time when ambition and vice ruled the streets. | © HBO

9. Band of Brothers
The story of Easy Company of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division and their mission in World War II Europe, from Operation Overlord to V-J Day. The series offers an immersive look into the bravery, sacrifice, and camaraderie that defined these soldiers. | © HBO

8. A Very English Scandal
This series follows British Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe, who finds himself accused of plotting to murder his gay ex-lover. In 1979, he was forced to stand trial, exposing a turbulent and controversial chapter in British politics. | © BBC One

7. Victoria
Victoria follows the early years of Queen Victoria, capturing her unexpected rise to the throne. It then traces her journey through courtship and marriage to Prince Albert, offering a glimpse into the making of a young monarch. | © ITV

6. Spartacus
Spartacus follows the life of a legendary gladiator who began as an ally of the Romans before being betrayed and forced into the brutal world of combat. His journey takes him from the arena to the helm of a fierce rebellion that reshapes the course of history. | © Starz Originals

5. The Americans
At the height of the Cold War, married KGB spies pose as Americans in Washington, D.C., secretly gathering critical intelligence for their homeland. Their hidden life blends everyday family routines with dangerous covert operations, exposing the high cost of living a double life. | © FX

4. Genius
Genius tells the story of Max Perkins's time as a book editor at Scribner, where he managed works by famous writers like Thomas Wolfe and Ernest Hemingway. The series shows how his guidance played an important role in shaping great literature. | © 20th Television

3. American Crime Story
American Crime Story is an anthology series centered on America's most notorious crimes and criminals. Each season delves into high-profile cases, clearing up the intricate details and motivations behind these infamous events. | © 20th Television

2. Chernobyl
Chernobyl follows the harrowing events of April 1986, when one of the most catastrophic nuclear disasters in history strikes the Soviet Union. The series follows the courageous individuals who risked their lives in the chaotic days, weeks, and months that followed. | © HBO

1. Narcos
A unique look at the criminal exploits of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, as well as the many other drug kingpins who plagued the country through the years. The series shows the complex web of power, corruption, and relentless ambitions. | © Netflix
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