If you’ve ever found yourself glued to the TV screen thinking, “There’s no way this actually happened,” you’re most definitely not the only one. As it turns out, the truth really can be much stranger, and often even more inspiring, than fiction. From courtroom dramas that have viewers on the edge of their seats to stories of everyday heroes who defy the odds,shows based on true stories prove that reality can be an even more powerful source of empowerment and inspiration.
FromThe English GametoWhen They See Us, these television shows remind us that the most captivating narratives are the ones rooted in real life. So, whether you’re looking for a good dose of hope or a shot of courage, these inspiring series based on real-life events are must-watch reminders that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
10’The English Game' (2020)
Created by Julian Fellowes
Perfect forDownton Abbeyenthusiasts who also enjoy sports narratives,Julian Fellowes’The English Gameis set in the 1870s and dramatizes how two footballers—working-classFergus Suter(Kevin Guthrie) and the wealthyArthurKinnaird(Edward Holcroft)—bridge England’s class divide to transform football from an elite pastime into the world’s most celebrated game.
At its heart,The English Gameexplores themes of social mobility and inclusion, as well as the power of collective action.It is an inspiring series that delves into sport as a bridge between classes, with the performance of the two talented leads helping make this captivating watch even more touching. While it is about the birth of football first and foremost, the series reminds audiences that real progress comes from teamwork and the daring to change the norms.
The English Game
9’Dopesick' (2021)
Created by Danny Strong
Delivering an unflinching look at America’s opioid crisis,Dopesickbrings together the stories of doctors, patients, prosecutors, and pharmaceutical executives to expose how OxyContin’s marketing upended lives and communities. The series is set mainly in Appalachia from the late 1990s to the early 2000s, jumping across timelines and perspectives to deliver a unique viewing experience.
Not only isthe real-life inspiredDopesicka great series in the technical sense, delivering moody visuals that fully immerse audiences in its bleak narrative, but it also features plenty of memorable performances, includingMichael Keaton’s Dr. Finnix andKaitlyn Dever’s Betsy. At its core,Dopesickis a call to empathy and accountability that reminds viewers that there’s a story behind every statistic.
8’Unbelievable' (2019)
Created by Susannah Grant, Michael Chabon, Ayelet Waldman
When it comes to true story drama series,Unbelievableeasily ranks among the most moving and memorable. It tells the story of a teenager (Kaitlyn Dever) who is charged with lying about her sexual assault, and the two female detectives (Toni ColletteandMerritt Wever) who uncover the truth behind a series of similar assaults. The series weaves Marie’s ordeal with the investigation led by the detectives.
Unbelievableis inspiring in the sensethat it truly listens to stories that are too often dismissed; it rises beyond just being a regular crime drama to become a call to believe and care for victims. By thoughtfully exploring the institutional apathy and effects of disbelief, it is an indictment of how a flawed justice system often fails survivors.
Unbelievable
7’Five Came Back' (2017)
Created by Laurent Bouzereau and Mark Harris
This riveting three-part documentary chronicles how five legendary Hollywood directors, ranging fromFrank CapratoGeorge Stevens, put their careers on hold to document World War II from the front lines. Narrated by the iconic and belovedMeryl Streepand featuring commentary from contemporary filmmaking legends likeSpielberg,Coppola, anddel Toro,Five Came Backis a beautiful meditation on the power of storytelling in shaping public perception.
Thisfascinating Netflix WWII docuseriesdelves into the moral ambiguities of propaganda, the personal costs of bearing witness to such terrifying acts, and never shies away from critiquing the era’s ethical gray zones. Ultimately,Lauren BouzereauandMark Harris' series is atestament to the courage of artists who risked everything to show the world the truth, resulting in an inspiring, refreshing entry in the genre.
Five Came Back
6’Rocket Boys' (2011–)
Created by Nikkhil Advani
This meticulously crafted biographical drama chronicles the journeys ofDr. Homi J. Bhabha(Jim Sarbh) andDr. Vikram Sarabhai(Ishwak Singh), two visionaries who spearheaded India’s nuclear and space programs. By balancing the personal and the political, the series offers an intriguing outlook during the formative decades.
InNikkhil Advani’s series, themes of ambition and the cost of genius take the center stage.Rocket Boysis inspiring in the sense that it humanizes its protagonists while celebrating their triumphs, revealing their doubts and flaws, while also addressing issues of class, prejudice, and the intersection of science with art and politics. The series is more than a history lesson; it’s a celebration of the power of dreaming big to shape a nation.
Rocket Boys
5’Call the Midwife' (2012–)
Created by Heidi Thomas
This long-running Britishperiod drama TV seriesfollows the lives of nurses, midwives, and nuns in London’s East End from the late 1950s to the late 1960s. Based onJennifer Worth’s memoirs (though later seasons draw inspiration solely from broader historical research), it follows Nonnatus House, where the team provides compassionate care to expectant mothers against a backdrop of poverty and societal upheaval.
Exploring social justice, the resilience of women, and the transformative power of community and teamwork,Heidi Thomas' inspiring series is a wonderfulshow that addresses issues such as racism, reproductive rights, and the evolving, ever-important role of women. What sets it apart from other series, though, is its incredible radical empathy that gives voice to the marginalized and reminds viewers that even the smallest acts of kindness help shape history.
Call the Midwife
4’A Small Light' (2023)
Created by Tony Phelan and Joan Rater
This pulse-quickening miniseries shifts the lens of theAnne Frankstory toreal-life heroine Miep Gies, the ordinary Dutch secretary whose quiet courage helped shelter and keep the Frank family safe. Within the true story series' eight episodes, audiences followBel Powleyin a career-defining role as she and her character’s husband, Jan (Joe Cole), navigate the daily terrors and small mercies of resistance.
Whether it is thanks to its period-perfect design and haunting score that flawlessly underscores its suspenseful yet hopeful narrative, or the incredible central performances—Powley’s performance always stands out, supported byLievSchreiberand Joe Cole—A Small Lightis an incredibly impactful TV show based on a real event that, much likeCall the Midwife, celebrates the helpers and delivers a quietly radical yet unforgettable message.
A Small Light
3’Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker' (2020)
Created by Nicole Jefferson Asher
Inspired by the life ofMadam C.J. Walker,Self Madeis a four-part miniseries that narrates the extraordinary rise ofSarah Breedlove, from washerwoman to America’s first female self-made millionaire. The show is set in the early 1900s, following Walker, wonderfully played byOctavia Spencer, as she builds a haircare empire against societal challenges, ranging from systemic racism to colorism and gender bias.
Nicole Jefferson Asher’s show dazzles with period costumes and lush set design that fully immerses audiences in the tumultuous early 20th-century America. Additionally, Spencer is a defining aspect of the series, anchoring it with her commanding performance. That said,Self Madeshines in its ability to remind audiences to dream big and lift others as you rise, even in the face of unimaginable odds.
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker
2’Maid' (2021)
Created by Molly Smith Metzler
StarringMargaret Qualleyin her career-defining performance,Maidis equally gripping and emotionally raw, following a young mother who escapes an abusive relationship and struggles to create a new life for herself and her toddler daughter. The show is based onStephanie Land’s memoir.
Maidprovides a compassionate look at the systemic barriers that trap women like Alex in cycles of hardship,celebrating the resilience and labor of single mothers in the meantime. What really sticks with audiences, though, is the way it doesn’t simplify its characters, with each being shown as complex people wrestling their own demons. Whether for its incredible performances, resonant narrative, or immersive direction, this story about survival and hope is a must-see when it comes to real-life-inspired shows.
1’When They See Us' (2019)
Created by Ava DuVernay
Created bythe talented Ava DuVernay,thisfour-part miniseries is a searing depiction of the Central Park Five’s—five Black and Latino teenagers from Harlem—wrongfully accused and convicted for a brutal assault in 1989. The series illustrates their journey from carefree youth to the nightmare of police interrogation, coerced confessions, unjust trials, and years of incarceration.
This exploration of systematic racism and judicial bias is a must-see because it unpacks how race, class, and institutional failures can conspire to destroy lives. Through DuVernay’s honest and intimate direction, the visually arresting series, which ranks on top when it comes to the best true story TV shows, is clearly a call to both empathy and action. Despite being harrowing, it is an ever-relevant and essential watch that reminds viewers what justice is really about.
