Because let’s be real, a new comedy series starring Kaley Cuoco is definitely going to get a second season whether it deserves it or not. I’m not saying Based on a True Story is not deserving of a second season, but this certainly is not as good as other comedies I’ve watched recently.
Really, this had for the making of a huge hit in my eyes. It features an incredible cast who gets a struggling couple tangled in with a serial killer. Too bad their predicament is their own making. Yes, Ava is a pregnant real estate agent married to Nathan Bartlett who used to be a tennis star (one of the only to beat Federer, you know) and though you’d think they’d have enough going for them to get by, they don’t. That’s why when Nathan was one of the last ones seen talking to a cute, young waitress found dead in her apartment the next morning, they both totally agree to an insane idea.
It doesn’t take long for Ava, a true crime fanatic, to piece together that maybe their new plumber, and Nathan’s good friend, Matt, might be the one who killed the waitress…and a whole lot of other women. That’s something interesting that gets touched on in this show. I think police were tying the “Westside Ripper” to thirteen murders, but Matt claims it’s much, much more. That could probably be said for all of the serial killers that have been caught. Instead of turning Matt into the police like a normal human being would, Ava determines this is their meal ticket out of “poverty.” She tells Nathan that they should start a podcast with Matt, the Westside Ripper, and cash in on all of his stories.
Nathan’s moral qualms about starting this podcast last as long as I can do pull-ups (like three seconds in case you were wondering). Matt is all in, and though he’s promised he’s done with killing, you know he’s not! He’s young, he’s psychotic. There will definitely be more bodies. I can’t say I was surprised by any of the ones that showed up, and things that shake out during the final two episodes made me realize just how stupid Ava and Nathan are. They could certainly be helping themselves while still keeping some version of the podcast going.
Overall, I found the show enjoyable, though I never felt much excitement to start a new episode. Some of that has to do with how shitty the Peacock app is, but I digress. I never found myself laughing, and I found it supremely strange how they kept focusing on infidelity. I realize a ton of people do it and it served the story to a degree, but I’m not sure I understand its full intention in the show. I think most who tune into this series will enjoy it and I don’t think anyone has to worry about where it cuts off. I’d be shocked if this didn’t land another season, I’m just not sure when we’re going to get it.