Based on a True Story – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Based on a True Story

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2023

28%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Dark comedy where a couple befriends a serial killer for podcast content—as morally bankrupt as it sounds, but apparently entertaining.

7.2/10

78%

76%

→

Based on a True Story

show

TV-MA, 2023

28%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Dark comedy where a couple befriends a serial killer for podcast content—as morally bankrupt as it sounds, but apparently entertaining.

7.2

78%

Jump to

Also rated on

7.2/10

78%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Look, this isn't for kids, and that's completely fine. It's a dark comedy thriller for adults that satirizes our weird cultural moment where everyone's obsessed with true crime content.

The reviews are decent, suggesting it's entertaining if you're into dark humor and meta-commentary on podcast culture. But let's be clear: this is about a couple who literally befriend a serial killer to turn it into content. It's intentionally morally bankrupt, and that's the point.

For parents, this is firmly in the "watch after the kids are asleep" category. It's got violence, mature themes, and a premise that's designed to make you uncomfortable about how we consume murder as entertainment. If you loved shows like The White Lotus or other dark satires, this might be your jam. But keep it far away from anyone under 18.

Age Fit

This is strictly for adults 18+. While Common Sense Media says 15+, the premise alone—befriending a serial killer to make podcast content—is dark, cynical, and involves mature content that's really better suited for college-age and older viewers who can handle the satirical commentary without being disturbed by the violence.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This is a dark comedy thriller about a couple who befriend a serial killer and turn it into a podcast. The premise centers on murder, exploitation of tragedy, and morally compromised characters. Not emotionally healthy content, and definitely doesn't model kindness or cooperation in any meaningful way.

Imaginative

The premise is certainly original—a satirical take on true crime podcast culture meets actual serial killer thriller. It's a creative concept that plays with meta-commentary on our cultural obsession with murder entertainment. However, it's not the kind of imaginative that invites creative expression or exploration; it's more clever premise than truly imaginative execution.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this for 15+, which signals mature content. This is a show about serial killers with violence, likely sexual content, strong language, and disturbing themes throughout. The entire premise involves murder and befriending a killer. Absolutely not safe for younger viewers, and even for teens it's heavy material with plenty of trigger warning content.

Enriching

There's some satirical commentary on true crime culture and podcast mania that could spark interesting discussions about media ethics and our societal fascination with murder. The show has decent reviews (78% RT critics, 76% audience, 7.2 IMDb), suggesting it's well-executed entertainment. However, the enrichment value is limited—it's primarily dark entertainment rather than something that builds skills or provides meaningful personal growth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Sharp satire of our cultural obsession with true crime podcasts and murder entertainment
Solid reviews across the board suggest it's well-executed dark comedy (78% critics, 76% audience)
Original premise that's timely and taps into current media landscape
Could spark conversations about media ethics and exploitation of tragedy for entertainment

⚠

What to Watch For

This is absolutely adults-only—serial killer content, violence, mature themes throughout
Dark humor and morally compromised protagonists mean it's not uplifting viewing
The entire premise is about exploiting murder for profit, which is intentionally uncomfortable
Not appropriate for anyone under 17-18, despite CSM's 15+ rating

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think we're so obsessed with true crime podcasts and murder documentaries?"
"Where's the line between telling important stories and exploiting tragedy for entertainment?"
"Would you ever listen to a podcast made by someone who actually knew the killer? Why or why not?"

Stills