‘Based on a True Story’ Series Preview: Cast, Plot, Photos and Premiere Date

Emmy nominee Kaley Cuoco (The Flight Attendant) and Chris Messina (The Boogeyman) star in Peacock’s new summer series Based on a True Story. Described as a dark comedic thriller, Based on a True Story comes from Craig Rosenberg (The Boys) and is set to premiere on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

“Over the last decade, a true crime phenomenon has swept over America. Podcasts, documentaries, fictional shows based on true stories – they dominate the culture. Murderers have become celebrities and celebrities have become murderers which inspired me to create this show,” explained Rosenberg.

He continued: “I became fascinated with the idea of a relatable married couple whose youthful dreams hadn’t come to fruition and who saw the true crime tidal wave as an opportunity to change their lives and save their marriage. Our Los Angeles setting – the city where everybody wants to be famous – became a vivid backdrop to our story of fame, ambition, aspiration, and murder.”

Kaley Cuoco stars as realtor Ava Bartlett and Chris Messina plays her husband Nathan, a tennis pro. The twosome’s joined by Tom Bateman (Thirteen Lives) as Matt, a plumber who gets pulled into their true crime obsession. The cast also includes Priscilla Quintana as Ruby, Liana Liberato as Tory, Natalia Dyer as Chloe, Aisha Alfa as Carolyn, Annabelle Dexter-Jones as Serena, Li Jun Li as Michelle, and Alex Alomar Akpobome.

Cuoco’s pregnancy was written into the series, and in an interview with Emmys, she provided a little insight into how easily the change was incorporated into the show. “What I love is, they didn’t change the character. The show is super edgy, and none of that changed because I was pregnant. I have belly shirts on, and I’m in my bra, and there are sex scenes, where we have my photo double come in. We had to build this amazing stomach for her.”

“It’s about a normal couple who have kind of lost their spark,” explained Cuoco, describing the series in Emmys’ May 2023 interview. “They’re broke. They have a baby on the way. They’re stressed, and it’s weighing on their relationship. All their dreams kind of went down the drain.”

The eight-episode season, which premieres all at once, is executive produced by Craig Rosenberg, Kaley Cuoco, Jason Bateman, Michael Costigan, and Alex Buono. Rosenberg serves as writer and showrunner, with Buono directing episodes one and eight.