10 Saddest TV Shows Based on True Stories

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It’s tough watching characters face hardship in a TV show, but it’s even more painful knowing those struggles actually happened to real people. While shows based on true stories can be difficult to watch, they’re important because we must remember injustices and suffering. These stories allow us to connect with others, understand their experiences, and learn from them.

Keep tissues handy – these shows are incredibly moving and will likely leave you heartbroken. While some characters don’t find resolution or relief, others experience a glimmer of hope. Regardless of how things turn out, you’ll be impressed by the performances, storytelling, and overall quality of the production. You’ll be so captivated, you’ll wish they could continue, but each story reaches a natural conclusion.

Here are 10 very sad TV shows based on true stories.

10
‘A Friend of the Family’ (2022)

The series A Friend of the Family tells the disturbing true story of the Broberg family and their ordeal in the 1970s. When the Brobergs – Mary Ann, Bob, and their children Jan, Karen, and Susan – befriend their new neighbors, the Berchtolds, they don’t realize the danger that lies ahead. Robert “B” Berchtold, the Berchtold family patriarch, quickly focuses his attention on Jan, and it becomes clear something is wrong. In 1974, he kidnaps Jan when she’s 12 years old. Shockingly, after she’s returned home, he kidnaps her again two years later, when she’s 14.

Be Careful Who You Trust

This compelling drama slowly ratchets up the tension, keeping you on the edge of your seat with a growing sense of dread. Colin Hanks delivers a standout performance as Mr. Broberg, a seemingly ordinary man who is the only one who seems to recognize something is wrong. The other characters are so trusting that they don’t see the danger building around them. While Anna Paquin is also excellent, Hanks truly shines. He plays a quiet, observant character who quietly accepts the results of his choices. To ensure accuracy, the real Jan Broberg often consulted with the show’s writers, offering feedback and corrections to the script.

9
‘A Small Light’ (2023)

Set in Amsterdam in 1933, “A Small Light” tells the story of Miep Gies, a young woman struggling financially who takes a job as a secretary for Otto Frank, a Jewish businessman who escaped Nazi Germany and started a new life in the Netherlands. When the Nazis invade in 1940, Miep bravely helps hide the Frank family in a secret attic apartment. The series explores how long she can keep their hiding place a secret.

Beating the Nazis, by Whatever Means Necessary

With plenty of suspenseful moments – like when a stranger threatens Miep with a gun in one episode – and thoughtful storytelling, A Small Light is a compelling watch. The show also features a dramatic romance between Otto’s daughter and the son of his business associates, but overall it maintains a somber and moving tone.

Sean Hart delivers a standout performance as Willem ArondĂ©us, an artist who bravely fought against the Nazis in the Netherlands. The film offers a fresh perspective on the well-known story of Anne Frank and her diary, focusing on the experiences of those who surrounded her – which will be particularly interesting for those familiar with the historical events.

8
‘When They See Us’ (2019)

The miniseries When They See Us brings attention back to the injustice surrounding the 1989 Central Park jogger case. Five young men of color were wrongly accused, convicted, and imprisoned for a crime they didn’t commit. Years later, in 2002, their convictions were overturned when evidence showed another individual acted alone in the assault.

Remembering One of the Justice System’s Biggest Fails

This compelling miniseries is both frustrating and captivating, offering a stark critique of the American justice system that will resonate with a wide audience. The tightly-paced, straightforward crime drama earned an impressive 11 Emmy nominations, and its four-episode length makes for a remarkably satisfying viewing experience. Omar Dorsey delivers an inspiring performance as a determined community organizer fighting for five accused individuals, while Len Cariou is captivating as the district attorney who grows increasingly troubled by the case.

7
‘Unbelievable’ (2019)

“Unbelievable” tells the story of Marie Adler (Kaitlyn Dever), a young woman who faced charges for falsely reporting a sexual assault, and the two determined detectives (played by female leads) working to catch a serial rapist. The series is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning article, “An Unbelievable Story of Rape” by T. Christian Miller.

Believe the Victims

Though the show is well-made in many ways, the acting is truly exceptional. All three main actresses received nominations for major awards, including the Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe Awards, and Toni Collette also earned an Emmy nomination for her role as a detective. The show powerfully portrays difficult themes like trauma and injustice, and importantly, emphasizes the need to support those who have experienced harm. Viewers will also appreciate the realistic and detailed police work, particularly the thorough examination of social media. It’s a level of detail rarely seen in other crime dramas.

6
‘The Act’ (2019)

The series, ‘The Act,’ is based on the real-life story of Gypsy Blanchard and the murder of her mother, Dee Blanchard. For years, Dee subjected Gypsy to false illnesses and medical abuse, controlling her life and preventing her from becoming independent. The show explores the events leading up to the crime, revealing how Dee fabricated illnesses, even convincing Gypsy she had cancer, and how their relationship deteriorated as Gypsy began to uncover the truth.

Breaking Free
 In the Worst Way

You’ll be left wondering how a mother could treat her daughter this way. The Act is a truly shocking drama, inspired by real events and the daughter’s own account. It’s heartbreaking to watch the mother’s actions, and one scene – where the daughter realizes she’s actually 19, not 15 as her mother claimed – is particularly unforgettable. The mother kept her daughter in the dark to control her relationships. Joey King and Patricia Arquette both earned Emmy nominations for their performances, and the entire cast deserves recognition for their incredible work.

5
‘Painkiller’ (2023)

Inspired by Patrick Radden Keefe’s New Yorker article and Barry Meier’s book Pain Killer, the series Painkiller explores the origins of the opioid crisis and the role of Purdue Pharma’s marketing practices. The show follows Glen Kryger, a mechanic who becomes addicted to opioids after a workplace injury, and Edie Flowers, a determined investigator fighting for accountability.

Different Kinds of Drug Dealers

Taylor Kitsch delivers a moving performance as a mechanic desperate to escape his suffering. However, Uzo Aduba truly shines as the investigator who uncovers truths others miss. The series also critiques the pharmaceutical industry, particularly the Sackler family, often labeled as deeply harmful. While Painkiller clearly presents a perspective on the opioid crisis, it also encourages viewers to form their own opinions, even questioning the role patients played in their own situations.

4
‘The Salisbury Poisonings’ (2020)

The series The Salisbury Poisonings tells the story of the attempt to poison Sergei Skripal (played by Wayne Swann), a former spy who once worked for both Britain and Russia. After disagreeing with his superiors and serving a 13-year prison sentence, Skripal and his daughter were poisoned with a deadly nerve agent called Novichok while they were sitting in a park. Although they survived, the poison also harmed others nearby.

Analyzing Collateral Damage in Espionage

This captivating story of bravery and deceit truly shines as a miniseries thanks to Anne-Marie Duff Menzies’ powerful and moving performance as a public health director, and the incredibly evocative settings. Unlike many spy stories that focus only on the agents, The Salisbury Poisonings thoughtfully acknowledges the impact on ordinary people, which feels remarkably genuine. The use of real archival footage further enhances the sense of realism.

3
‘Five Days at Memorial’ (2022)

Based on the true story following Hurricane Katrina, Five Days at Memorial depicts the desperate struggle for survival at New Orleans’ Memorial Medical Center. When the power goes out and floodwaters rise, doctors and patients face impossible conditions and dwindling supplies. The series focuses on Dr. Anna Pou (Vera Farmiga) and her determination to save every patient possible.

Curbing Unexpected Horrors

The miniseries Five Days at Memorial powerfully depicts the difficult ethical choices, intense desperation, and incredible strength of people facing a crisis. Originally planned as part of the American Crime Story anthology, it unfolds like a disaster film, constantly presenting new problems just as others seem to be resolved. What makes it even more impactful is that it’s based on a true story, and fans of Sheri Fink’s book of the same name will appreciate how faithfully the series adapts the source material.

2
‘The Girl from Plainville’ (2022)

In 2014, 18-year-old Conrad Roy III, a marine salvage captain, tragically took his own life after battling with social anxiety and depression. It was later revealed that his girlfriend, Michelle Carter, then 17, had sent him numerous troubling text messages, seemingly encouraging him to die. She was ultimately found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. The series, The Girl from Plainville, explores the events leading up to this heartbreaking case and seeks to explain what happened.

Dating the Devil

It’s heartbreaking to see a young soldier, who joined seeking structure and fairness, fall apart. While the series might have been slightly shorter, the eight episodes allow you to really connect with the characters. The acting is superb, especially from Ryan, Fanning, and Sevigny. It’s worth watching for the story, the performances, and the beautiful visuals. And, it might also prompt you to check in with any teenagers you know and pay attention to their relationships.

1
‘Chernobyl’ (2019)

The series Chernobyl tells the story of the nuclear disaster that occurred at the Chernobyl plant in Pripyat, Ukraine, and the urgent efforts to contain the damage afterward. An explosion on April 26, 1986, caused hundreds of deaths and illnesses. The cleanup involved over half a million people and cost an estimated $84.5 billion, making it one of the costliest disasters ever.

Incredibly Flawless

HBO’s disaster series, initially planned as a movie, is a stunning success. It earned 19 Emmy nominations, winning awards for its limited series format, directing, and writing. It also took home the Golden Globe for Best Miniseries or Television Film. The show brilliantly connects the personal stories of those affected by the disaster with the actions of those who responded, while also exposing the bureaucratic failures that worsened the situation. It’s remarkable how such a tragic event has been turned into such a captivating television experience, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a show that’s as well-made as this one.

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2025-11-03 01:26