Based on a True Story is a comedy thriller that is essentially a satire on how media turns the most heinous crimes and news into a pop culture movement. Ava and Nathan Bartlett and their shenanigans are at the center of this tragic yet hilarious series. The reference to true crime and serial killers makes one wonder if the show is indeed based on a true story, and if it references any real events or facts at all.
Is Based on a True Story based on a true story?
Yes, Based on a True Story is inspired by real events. It presents this outlandish idea of a podcasting couple who get a serial killer on board for their show as a mockery of how people fancy podcasts and true crime shows. According to sources, Lisa Katz, the president of NBC Universal Television and Streaming stated that the show draws reference from real-life incidents. However, the events in the actual story are just as distinctive and unbelievable, but surely do serve as a wonderful inspiration for a humorous plot.
Based on a True Story’s real events and facts explained
Even though there is little known about the actual events that inspired the story, it is clear that the show takes a dig at the current state of our world. It also demonstrates how we somehow have an unhealthy obsession with serial killers and plays on that. Moreover, we also get a glimpse at how popularity and the desire to be famous or successful can completely override someone’s rationale.
The real people behind Based on a True Story’s characters
The characters in Based on a True Story are perhaps fictional but inspired by real-life personas. At large, they are a representative of the current population and the many people who have lost touch with reality due to their obsession with fame and money.
Is Ava Bartlett a real person?
Ava is a real estate agent from Los Angeles, who is pregnant and stuck in a deteriorating marriage. She is a fictional character who is obsessed with the True Crime genre and begins suspecting her plumber of being a criminal. Eventually, she is the one who proposes the idea of a podcast and ends up tangling herself in a web of lies and deceit, as she faces the consequences of her own choices.
Is Nathan Bartlett a real person?
Similar to Ava, Nathan is also a created character and her husband. Amidst their marital issues, he is expecting a child with Ava. Nathan also suspects the plumber. But he’s torn between protecting his wife and cashing on the opportunity of exploiting a serial killer. Along with Ava, he starts the podcast. And he is willing to go to great lengths to keep their secret under wraps.
Is Matt Pierce a real person?
Matt Pierce is a fictional and charming plumber hired by Ava, who’s also the prime suspect in the Westside Ripper murders. He initially comes off as friendly. But it’s later revealed that Matt has indeed murdered people. When he agrees to do the podcast and it gains popularity, he gets an ego boost. It also ignites the desire to provide “fresh content” for the audience.
