If you’re looking for another show to watch, Based on a True Story is a wild ride. This dark comedy stars Kaley Cuoco as a woman who gets into the idea of a true crime podcast.
Of course, there’s a twist to the story. She has worked out how the murderer in her town is. She and her husband decide to get the murderer on the podcast and find a way to get him to confess. This murderer is sneaky, though. He knows the game they’re playing, and he figures out a way to turn the tables on them.
The second season is now out, and it adds more to the twists and turns. The podcast is just a small part of the story now, but there’s still plenty of drama and comedy. The question is whether this is a show to binge with the kids around, or whether to wait for them to go to bed.
Based on a True Story earns its TV-MA rating through violence
This isn’t a series for kids. It’s officially rated TV-MA, meaning that it’s aimed at those 18 and over. Those who are around 16 or 17 may find it okay to watch. It’s funny and wild, but it will depend on their personalities.
Sex & nudity: While there aren’t traditional sex scenes with a lot of female nudity, there are still scenes that are unsuitable for children. There is one scene in particular where a woman is receiving oral sex in her office. There’s another that involves a fantasy while a woman is in the shower. There is very little left to the imagination in these scenes.
The second season doesn’t have as much, but there are still plenty of discussions of sex.
Violence & gore: This is where the show really earns its TV-MA rating. There is a lot of blood and gore from the very beginning, and we vividly see some of the murders happen. The first episode of season 2 includes a dead woman with all her wounds on show in Ava’s car, as Ava is hallucinating her.
There are plenty of stab wounds and cuts on show throughout the series. Some of the violence you don’t even see coming. For example, there’s a scene with a couple having dinner when the man suddenly stabs the woman in the chest. There’s also the blood left behind in a crime scene as the investigators need to get to work.
Language: The F-bomb is used regularly throughout the series. There are also mentions of the B-word, “a-hole,” and other similar words.
Alcohol & drugs: The characters regularly drink alcohol throughout the series, and it’s used as a way to socialize and even cope with stressful situations. At the start of season 2, Ava isn’t drinking because she’s breastfeeding, but when she decides to switch to formula, she immediately opts for drinking as much wine as possible to deal with the stress.
There are many scenes in bars. Of course, this means various characters are drinking.
Overall verdict: Who is season 2 appropriate for?
A lot of the topics in the series are going to be too frightening or disturbing for younger children. The show also isn’t going to be entertaining for them. Based on a True Story is written for and aimed at adults.
This is perfect for the true crime podcast fans out there. If you have 16 and 17-year-olds who are fans of this genre, the show could work for them. The gore is going to be the most disturbing aspect of the whole series, so consider your teen’s personality to see if it’s right for them.
Based on a True Story is available to stream on Peacock.