Peacock has handed a straight-to-series order to Based On A True Story, a comedy thriller series from Jason Bateman and Craig Rosenberg. Inspired by a bizarre true event, the series is about a realtor, a plumber, and former tennis star whose lives unexpectedly collide, exposing America’s obsession with true crime, murder, and the slow-close toilet seat.
Rosenberg, who executive produces Amazon’s The Boys and has also worked on Lost and Preacher, will write and serve as showrunner on the series. Bateman will exec produce via his Aggregate Films alongside his production partner Michael Costigan. Roxie Rodriguez also serves as co-executive producer for Aggregate Films. UCP will produce the show.
Lisa Katz, president of scripted content at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said in a statement:
“Inspired by real events, Based On A True Story explores America’s obsession with true crime and serial killers. Along with our colleagues at UCP, we’re thrilled Craig Rosenberg, Jason Bateman, Michael Costigan and Roxie Rodriguez have partnered with Peacock for what is sure to be a wild ride filled with unexpected twists and turns and lots of humor.”
UCP President Beatrice Springborn added:
“There are some true stories that are stranger than fiction as is the case for the events that inspire this show. It is a twisted, thrilling and incredibly funny series that combines the comic and suspense talents of the dream team of Craig Rosenberg, Jason Bateman, Michael Costigan and Roxie Rodriguez to create the perfect show for Peacock.”
This is just the latest series based on real events that Peacock have developed. Last year the streamer released Dr. Death, a show about Christopher Duntsch, a neurosurgeon who became infamous for permanently mutilating his patients. And in March, they released Joe vs. Carole, which follows the criminal case of the Tiger King Joe Exotic.
Anything related to true crime remains incredibly popular, so it’s not a surprise that these shows based on stranger-than-fiction stories keep getting made. Costigan has a pretty good track record when it comes to the shows he’s worked on, so Peacock will be quietly confident that Based On A True Story can initially draw in fans with its premise, but keep them thanks to its quality.
#Peace.Love.BasedOnATrueStory
