10 Must-Watch TV Series Based on True Stories

1. "The Durrells" (2016 – 2019)

First on the list is "The Durrells," a delightful adaptation of Gerald Durrell's autobiographical books. This series recounts the eccentric Durrell family's exploits as they leave the dreary, rain-soaked confines of England for a life of sun, sea, and endless mishaps on the Greek island of Corfu in the 1930s. It's quirky, wholesome, and as warm as a Greek summer, painting a vivid picture of the Durrells' unconventional life and the colorful locals they befriend.

2. "The Great" (2020 – Present)

"The Great" is an outrageously funny and loose (like, really loose) retelling of Catherine the Great's rise to power in 18th century Russia. Elle Fanning's Catherine is full of wit and ambition, while Nicholas Hoult's Peter III is deliciously insufferable. The series cheerfully puts a disclaimer right up front: it's "an occasionally true story," and it rides the line between satire and historical drama beautifully.

3. "Harley and the Davidsons" (2016)

Buckle up for "Harley and the Davidsons," a miniseries that follows the origin story of the legendary Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The series captures the wild ambition of three young men in a backyard shed as they face all sorts of shenanigans, including rival businesses, patent wars, and racing competitions. It's a throttle-to-the-handlebars ride that offers high-speed races and the thrill of innovation, all wrapped up in the story of a now-iconic brand.

4. "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" (2017 – 2023)

While not based on one particular true story, "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" draws heavily from the experiences of pioneering women comedians in the late 1950s. The titular character, Midge Maisel, ditches her perfect housewife life for a career in stand-up comedy, shocking everyone around her. It's a smart, sparkling comedy with top-notch performances and snappy dialogue that'll make you wish you could teleport back in time to the New York City comedy scene.

5. "The Crown" (2016 – Present)

Although it's not exactly lesser-known, "The Crown" deserves a spot on this list because of its dramatic (and sometimes highly speculative) depiction of the British royal family's reign. The lavishly produced series offers a captivating look behind the royal curtain, exploring the personal and political dilemmas that Queen Elizabeth II and her family have faced. While the creators do take liberties with the historical facts for the sake of drama, it's still a beautifully-crafted, binge-worthy series that faced quite a lot of controversy.

6. "Chernobyl" (2019)

"Chernobyl" might not be your go-to choice for a light-hearted Friday night in, but its hauntingly gripping retelling of the 1986 nuclear disaster is a must-watch. This critically acclaimed miniseries focuses on the men and women who made incredible sacrifices to save Europe from unimaginable disaster. It's as harrowing and tense as a trip to the dentist, but with way more radiation. Sure, it's a grim tale, but it's an important one told with remarkable skill.

7. "Mindhunter" (2017 – 2019)

For fans of true crime, "Mindhunter" is a must-see. Based on the early days of criminal profiling at the FBI, the series follows agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench as they interview some of the most infamous serial killers in history. The series balances chilling interviews, personal drama, and some remarkably bad '70s ties to create an addictive mix of crime, psychology, and polyester.

8. "Alias Grace" (2017)

"Alias Grace" is a gripping miniseries based on Margaret Atwood's historical novel, itself based on the true story of Grace Marks, an Irish immigrant and servant in Upper Canada who was convicted of the brutal murders of her employer and his housekeeper in 1843. The series delves deep into Grace's psyche through a series of interviews with a psychiatrist. Is she a ruthless murderer or a victim of circumstance? The series keeps you guessing right up until the end.

9. "Unbelievable" (2019)

"Unbelievable" is an emotional rollercoaster ride that'll make you want to scream at the screen and hug it at the same time. Based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning article, the series follows the true story of a teenager who was charged with lying about being raped, and the two detectives who follow a twisting path to arrive at the truth. It's an immensely powerful series that does a remarkable job of balancing intense emotions, hard facts, and a fair amount of righteous anger.

10. "Mrs. America" (2020)

Last but not least, we have "Mrs. America," a series that plunges us into the heated political battles of the 1970s over the Equal Rights Amendment. It primarily follows conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly, played with icy perfection by Cate Blanchett. The series is packed with power-house performances and offers a captivating look at the feminist movement and the backlash it faced.