10 Must-See TV Shows Inspired By Famous True Stories

We love to be entertained by tales of make-believe and fantasy, but it's hard to deny the power of non-fiction. True crime, historical drama, "inspired by real events"... these have definitely become descriptions that draw viewers in. Which TV shows based on real stories should you be watching? Here are ten that will have you hooked. 

'Alias Grace'

This Margaret Atwood adaptation that is not "The Handmaid's Tale" is inspired by the murder mystery surrounding Grace Marks, a teenage servant accused of killing her boss in 1843. 

'John Adams'

HBO's seven-part period piece from 2008 isn't just for history buffs. It's a riveting portrait of one of America's most notable figures, played to Emmy-winning perfection by Paul Giamatti. 

'American Crime Story'

With the success of "American Horror Story," Ryan Murphy moved on to true crime. His first case? Tackling the OJ Simpson trial in a superbly acted re-telling of the very public and tabloid-y saga. The second installment of the campy-yet-heavy miniseries, "The Assassination of Gianni Versace, " is currently airing. 

'Feud: Bette and Joan'

Speaking of Ryan Murphy... The prolific producer also decided to focus on famous feuds for another series, because why not drum up a little historical Hollywood drama? The first season is inspired by notorious rivals Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Next up? Charles and Diana... 

'GLOW'

Yes -- Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling was a real thing in the '80s. This empowering, silly, and totally tubular comedy -- featuring a fantastic ensemble -- remembers its, um, interesting place in pop culture. 

'Mindhunter'

FBI agent John E. Douglas, who spent his career analyzing the minds of the world's most dangerous serial killers, wrote the 2005 memoir, "Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit." It was only natural that Netflix turn the fascinating subject into a David Fincher-produced '70s crime drama. Fincher also directed the pilot. 

'Narcos'

Drug kingpin Pablo Escobar's name has shown up in pop culture for decades. Remember when Vinny Chase played him in the fictional "Medellin" for "Entourage"? Netflix's "Narcos" is a slick and thrilling throwback that will have you hooked from the pilot. 

'Orange Is the New Black'

With five seasons behind it, you may have forgotten that "OITNB" is loosely based on Piper Kerman's memoir of the same name. Over the years, the show has evolved into mostly fiction, as the real Piper's sentence lasted 13 months and played out differently. 

'Band of Brothers'

Based on Stephen E. Ambrose's 1992 historical novel, Spielberg's celebrated 2001 WWII miniseries is a dramatic portrayal of the events surrounding the Easy Company of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division. 

'Victoria'

If you like soap-opera melodrama and the royals, this sumptuous UK anthology's take on the life of young Queen Victoria will satisfy your television tastes.