Watch American Crime Story
- TV-MA
- 2016
- 3 Seasons
-
8.4 (96,639)
American Crime Story is a true crime anthology series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk for the FX network. The show premiered in 2016 with the first season, "The People v. O.J. Simpson," which focused on the trial of former football player O.J. Simpson for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. The show boasts an impressive cast, including Cuba Gooding Jr. as O.J. Simpson, Sarah Paulson as prosecutor Marcia Clark, John Travolta as defense attorney Robert Shapiro, David Schwimmer as Simpson's friend Robert Kardashian, Courtney B. Vance as defense attorney Johnnie Cochran, Nathan Lane as defense attorney F. Lee Bailey, Jordana Brewster as Denise Brown (Nicole Brown Simpson's sister), Selma Blair as Kris Jenner (Kardashian's ex-wife), and Billy Magnussen as Kato Kaelin (Simpson's houseguest at the time of the murders). The first season of the show explores not only the trial itself, but also the events leading up to it and the cultural and societal factors that influenced it. The show delves into issues such as race relations, celebrity, and media manipulation, and offers a fascinating look at one of the most famous trials in American history. Throughout the season, viewers are taken on a journey through the trial, experiencing all of the highs and lows alongside the real-life figures at the center of the case. The show offers a nuanced look at both the prosecution and the defense, and doesn't shy away from exploring some of the more controversial elements of the trial (including allegations of racism within the LAPD and the so-called "Dream Team's" sometimes-unscrupulous tactics). One of the standout performances in the series comes from Sarah Paulson, who is almost unrecognizable as prosecutor Marcia Clark. Paulson brings a depth and complexity to the character, who was often criticized in the media for her appearance and demeanor. She captures Clark's determination, vulnerability, and humanity, and offers a powerful portrayal of a woman who was unfairly maligned by the public. Cuba Gooding Jr. also delivers a strong performance as O.J. Simpson, capturing the former football player's charm, charisma, and the contradictions that made him such a compelling figure. Gooding Jr. is particularly effective in showing Simpson's increasing paranoia and desperation as the trial drags on. John Travolta's turn as Robert Shapiro is memorable for his transformation into the slick, silver-haired lawyer. Shapiro is portrayed as a shrewd and calculating figure who is more concerned with his own image than with justice. The performance is a bit over-the-top at times, but Travolta clearly enjoys playing the role. David Schwimmer's portrayal of Robert Kardashian is also noteworthy, showing the attorney as a loyal friend to Simpson who struggles with his own doubts about the case. Courtney B. Vance's Johnnie Cochran is another standout, with the actor bringing a swagger and charisma to the character that makes him a force to be reckoned with. Overall, "The People v. O.J. Simpson" is a gripping and thought-provoking series that offers a fresh perspective on a case that many viewers might think they already know everything about. The show is well-written, well-acted, and expertly directed, and is a must-watch for fans of true crime stories and legal dramas.
