The Best True-Story TV Shows of 2024 (So Far)
1
ShĆgunShĆgun isnât technically a true story, but the series is based on real historical figures and events. If youâre not familiar with seventeenth-century Japan, this is a great place to start. Set in 1600, the show centers on Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a daimyo whose life is upended when an English sailor named John Blackthorne is shipwrecked in Japan. The result? An epic power struggle that plays out on FX and Hulu. When youâre finished watching, check out the James Clavell novel that inspired the show.
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2
Feud: Capote vs. the SwansTruman Capote will always be remembered as the king of gossip. Feud: Capote vs. the Swans explores a tumultuous point in his life, when he published a little story called âLa Cote Basque, 1965â in Esquire. The textâthough fictionalâspilled his friendsâ darkest secrets and destroyed his social standing in New Yorkâs high society. Capote vs. the Swans unpacks one of the biggest feuds of the decade.
Watch on Hulu
3
Genius: MLK/X People often paint Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X as enemies, but thatâs not the full picture. The two civil rights leaders had different methods for liberation, but their mission was the same. Genius: MLK/X explores their formative years as young activists and the experiences they shared, which prompted their involvement in the civil rights movement. Even if youâre well-versed in American history, youâll surely learn something new.
Watch on Disney+
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4
ManhuntEveryone knows what happened to Abraham Lincoln, but have you ever wondered what happened to John Wilkes Booth? Manhunt depicts the search for Booth after he killed the sixteenth U.S. president. Described as a âconspiracy thriller,â Manhunt connects Lincolnâs death to a lesser-known political struggle to preserve his plans for reconstruction after the Civil War. The miniseries is based on the New York Times bestseller Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincolnâs Killer.
Watch on Apple TV+
5
Baby ReindeerBaby Reindeer is difficult to watch, but it still deserves your attention. Richard Gadd stars as a fictionalized version of himself: a lonely bartender whoâs stalked by one of his patrons. Due to the showâs stark depiction of intimidation and assault, Baby Reindeer became one of Netflixâs most-discussed series this year. Itâs the type of show that sticks with you long after the finale, especially when you remember that itâs all based on a true story.
Watch on Netflix
6
Masters of the AirMasters of the Air follows a group of young Air Force members during WWII. Their mission is to help defeat Nazi Germany and liberate Europe. As the war wages on, the men band together to protect themselves in the sky as well as the civilians down below. Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Barry Keoghan, and Anthony Boyle star on this series, which was produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. After watching, you can learn more by picking up its inspiration: Donald L. Millerâs book Masters of the Air: Americaâs Bomber Boys.
Watch on Apple TV+
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7
Under the BridgeUnder the Bridge chronicles the death of Reena Virkâa fourteen-year-old girl who was attacked by her friends in 1997. The series is based on Rebecca Godfreyâs book of the same name. Riley Keough stars as Godfrey, a writer who takes an interest in Reenaâs story and works with a local detective (Lily Gladstone) to understand what happened. We were huge fans of this series, but weâd recommend tuning in with a box of tissues. Youâre going to need them.
Watch on Hulu
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Best of 2024
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