Inventing Anna and 3 Other Most Intriguing TV Series Based on Real Events
Liked Chernobyl and Mindhunter? These series are for you.
Some stories are so surprising that they could be mistaken for fantasy. However, life is full of oddities. We have collected a series of stories based on real events, ranging from chilling crimes to large-scale historical dramas.
1. The Offer, 2022
Based on producer Albert S. Ruddy's true memoirs, the project reveals how a near-failure turned into a cinematic masterpiece The Godfather.
Paramount Studios did not believe the gangster drama would be successful. The mafia threatened the film crew, and Marlon Brando and the then-unknown Al Pacino became stumbling blocks.
This is a must-watch for movie buffs: a cameo by Sinatra, brilliant performance by Matthew Goode, and an atmosphere reminiscent of an era when art was born in the fight against the system.
2. Wolf Hall, 2015-2025
The Tudor period is more than just another page in the history books. It is a gripping saga of power, passion, and betrayal that continues to captivate people five centuries later.
Based on Hilary Mantel's novels, the historical drama Wolf Hall immerses viewers in the political intrigue of Henry VIII's court. At the center of the plot is Thomas Cromwell, the king's cunning adviser, who masterfully manipulates palace conspiracies.
The long-awaited second season, which concludes Cromwell's story, was released in 2024. It's the perfect choice for fans of complex political intrigue and lavish costume dramas.
3. Manhunt, 2017-2020
Manhunt reimagines the typical crime drama format. Rather than relying on chases and cliched dialogue, it presents a complex interweaving of human destinies and systemic errors.
Each season tells a separate story united by the topic of the "hunt for a man" and its consequences. For years, the FBI has unsuccessfully searched for Ted Kaczynski, a terrorist who sent bombs to scientists.
Agent Jim Fitzgerald must reconcile with his conscience by publishing Kaczynski's manifesto in newspapers, allowing his writing style to aid in identifying the author. Thus, freedom of the press becomes a weapon in the hands of a maniac, and viewers see how democratic institutions can sabotage themselves.
4. Inventing Anna, 2022
Set in a world of glamour, ambition, and artful lies, this story is based on the true tale of Anna Delvey and is portrayed by Julia Garner.
What begins as a fairy tale about a small-town girl who conquered New York gradually turns into a thriller about social engineering and the price of the American dream.
The main character evokes admiration for her audacity and disgust for her cynicism, forcing viewers to change their attitude toward her repeatedly. The events are presented through the lens of a journalistic investigation, adding documentary depth and tension to the story.