“Is 'Based on a True Story' a Worthy True Crime Parody? A Review of Kaley Cuoco’s Lead Role”

Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina Anchor Messy, if Charming, Crime Comedy ‘Based on a True Story’: TV Review

The Rise of the True Crime Critique

The allure of true crime comedies and satires, like the new Peacock series “Based on a True Story,” has grown tremendously over the years. The rise of the true crime industrial complex has led to a smaller in scale, but nevertheless significant, true crime critique phenomenon. While television shows like “The Investigation” and “Only Murders in the Building” have mastered the art of the true crime parody with varying degrees of lightheartedness, “Based on a True Story” tries to master the same art with darker overtones and cynical commentary on the exploitative world of true crime production.

A Fresh Tale of Absurdity and Exploitation

Directed by Craig Rosenberg, the series follows the trials and tribulations of Ava (Kaley Cuoco) and Nathan (Chris Messina), a struggling married couple in sunny Los Angeles. When Ava, an avid true crime enthusiast, discovers that their new plumber, Matt (Tom Bateman), is an active serial killer, she proposes an absurd and unethical scheme to use him as the centerpiece of a groundbreaking true crime podcast in exchange for kickbacks. While the show satirizes the exploitative nature of the true crime industry, it tends to lean too heavily on the gimmick of the main character as a source for comic relief and plot development without providing any constructive commentary.

Opportunities Lost and Found

“Based on a True Story” uses a frenetic pace of storytelling, lighthearted parody, and passive irony as the driving force of its humor but often fails to fully develop the potential of its characters. The protagonist’s marriage and struggles before they gravitate toward their criminal scheme offer an intriguing satire of economic anxiety and classism. However, while the show’s cynicism towards victims, criminals, and hosts of true crime podcasts is apparent and entertaining, it lacks direct criticism of the companies that profit from promoting and selling violent crimes to audiences.

Final Thoughts

“Based on a True Story” is a charming and entertaining satirical exploration of the true crime industry. But the lack of substance such as character development, ethical commentary on the true crime industrial complex, or even a coherent plot structure diminishes its impact as satire. In conclusion, while there is value in laughing at the idiosyncrasies of true crime, it is crucial to move beyond that and actively scrutinize the problematic aspects and consequences of the genre to prevent the exploitation of victims, murderers, and the audience.