“Based on a True Story”: A Dark Thriller with “You”-like Tendencies

Table of Contents

Kaley Cuoco’s Latest Series is an Impressive Psychological Thriller

Introduction

Kaley Cuoco has been working hard to build a reputation as a streaming queen after her long-running stint on “The Big Bang Theory.” She is now starring in “Based on a True Story,” a psychological thriller series on Peacock that is both twisty and darkly comic. The show is being likened to two popular Netflix shows: “You” and “Dead to Me.”

The Plot

The show is a testament to upper-middle-class angst, as it follows the struggles of Ava (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan (Chris Messina), who are trying to keep up with their wealthier friends from Los Angeles’ west side. The two are hit with bad news when Nathan gets demoted from his job as a tennis pro at a posh club. However, their luck seems to take a positive turn when Matt (Tom Bateman), a friendly plumber, enters their lives, offering them an unexpected opportunity to make money by creating a true-crime podcast about serial killers.

The Show’s Appeal

The main couple is repeatedly tested regarding their morals and values, and it’s interesting to see how far they’ll go to protect their investment, even if it means selling their souls, as Nathan puts it. The storyline also includes the question of becoming parents and the anxieties that come with it. The show’s creators successfully worked Cuoco’s pregnancy into the storyline, which added another layer to the couple’s apprehensions about both money and the kind of example they’re setting for their unborn child.

The Cautionary Note

While “Based on a True Story” is an impressive psychological thriller, it’s essential to note that the show closes with a cliffhanger, leaving its audience with a challenge: can the show sustain its delicate high-wire act? Additionally, the show relies too much on realistic-looking fantasy sequences as a fake-out device, becoming increasingly irritating with each use.

Conclusion

Despite its minor flaws, “Based on a True Story” is a commendable effort on Peacock’s part. The popular streaming service has been taking some intriguing programming risks, and “Based on a True Story” is no exception. Whether it will become another clever series on a lower-profile streaming service remains to be seen.