Peacock’s irreverent black comedy Based on a True Story returned for its second season in late 2024, but will the series score a season 3 renewal? Created for the small screen by Craig Rosenberg, the show concerns a true crime-obsessed real estate agent Ava (Kaley Cuoco) who discovers the identity of the notorious serial killer, the “Westside Ripper”, and blackmails the slayer into participating in a podcast about her investigation. Cleverly spoofing the rise in true crime content in recent years, Based on a True Story finds a way to make a dark concept uproariously tongue-in-cheek.

Season 2 of Based on a True Story upped the ante after the shocking conclusion of season 1, and catches up with Nathan (Chris Messina) and Ava several months into parenthood. Overwhelmed with their new lives, Ava begins to suspect that the supposedly reformed Matt (Tom Batemen) is actually behind a series of new murders. All this continues the show’s trend of over-the-top thrills and chills, and naturally, opens the door for even more in season 3. However, Peacock has yet to give the green light for Based on a True Story season 3, but a renewal seems inevitable.

Based On A True Story Season 3 Latest News

A Hopeful Update From The Showrunner

Even before season 2 of the witty true crime series debuted, the latest news comes as a hopeful update for Based on a True Story season 3. While commenting that season 2 is an enclosed story in its own way, showrunner Annie Weisman did express hopes that the show will get picked up for more episodes. When asked about season 3, Weisman said “We certainly hope so. We definitely left the door open.” Nevertheless, she concluded by saying “I think fans will feel satisfied by the end.“

We certainly hope so. We definitely left the door open, but I will also say that I am proud of the fact that, in our eight episodes, we pack a lot in. There’s a lot of comedy, there’s some good romantic comedy storytelling, but we really do tell a close-ended mystery. There’s a lot of twists and turns, but there’s a really good payoff, so I think fans will feel satisfied by the end, but then we also couldn’t resist maybe opening the door to you know some more.

Based On A True Story Season 3 Is Not Confirmed

Peacock Hasn’t Renewed Based On A True Story Yet

Though the scope of Peacock’s original series is rather small compared to other streaming services, they have their fair share of hits as well. Based on a True Story is one such triumph, and there’s no reason to think that the show won’t get renewed if viewership numbers are high enough. The writer’s strike of 2023 may have delayed the streamer’s announcement, but Peacock renewed the show for a second season in October of that year, only a few months after season 1’s conclusion.

Based on a True Story
season 1 premiered in June 2023 while season 2 premiered in November 2024.

Theoretically, Peacock could make their decision even faster this time, considering the fact that the strike is long over and won’t affect production. However, Based on a True Story season 2 will still need to pull in a sufficient number of viewers in order to score an order, but there’s a big chance that it will perform well. Early reviews for season 2 have been very positive, and the star power of The Big Bang Theory alum Kaley Cuoco is enough to add some gravitas to any TV project.

Based On A True Story Season 3 Cast Details

Will Ava & Nathan Return?

The cast of Based on a True Story has changed a lot since season 1, but the main quartet has remained consistent throughout. As such, there’s no reason to think that the big stars of season 1 and 2 won’t be back to reprise their roles if season 3 is picked up. Leading the show is Kaley Cuoco as true crime-obsessed new mom, Ava, and she’ll be joined by her hapless tennis-playing husband Nathan, played by Chris Messina.

Likewise, Tom Bateman will likely be back as the “Westside Ripper” (aka Matt), while, Liana Liberato should return as Ava’s younger sister, Tory, who is also in a relationship with Matt. Other returns are less certain, and there will probably be a slew of new characters introduced in the future as well. With Nathan in trouble with the law, that opens the door for a bevy of characters from the legal side of things, especially if they are determined to bring him down for the Westside Ripper’s crimes.

The cast of Based on a True Story season 3 will likely include:

Based On A True Story Season 3 Story Details

Will Nathan Go Down For The Westside Ripper’s Crimes?

the Westside Ripper waited until the police arrived to make his great escape, seemingly pinning all of his crimes on Nathan.

Unsurprisingly, the ending of Based on a True Story season 2 was filled with more than one shocking twist. Having sussed out the identity of the Copycat Killer, and nearly being killed by the same, Nathan and Ava were rescued by Matt who claimed he was ready to go straight. Promising to turn himself in, the Westside Ripper waited until the police arrived to make his great escape, seemingly pinning all of his crimes on Nathan. On top of that, Tory texted Ava that she was in danger, and the finale offered no closure on that front.

Season 2 will have to reveal what happened to Nathan following his arrest, and his subsequent legal troubles could make up the bulk of the next season. With most of the evidence being somewhat circumstantial, it’s likely that Nathan could get away if some other twist doesn’t befall the couple. Meanwhile, Tory’s relationship with Matt puts her in the crosshairs, especially after he escaped after pinning his crimes on Nathan. Whatever happens in Based on a True Story season 3, it is destined to be as darkly humorous as the previous two seasons.