FX Gives Ryan Murphy Another Anthology Series; First Season To Focus On O.J. Simpson
American Horror Storyis doing such good business for FX, the network has given series creatorsRyan MurphyandBrad Falchukanother anthology series. This one is calledAmerican Crime Story, and unlikeAmerican Horror Storyit’s based on real life. Specifically, in Season One, the murder trial of oneO.J. Simpson.
Hit the jump for more on the Ryan Murphy OJ Simpson TV series.
Deadlinereports FX has already given a ten-episode straight-to-series order forAmerican Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson. Murphy will direct the first episode from a script byScott AlexanderandLarry Karaszewski(The People Vs. Larry Flynt).Jeffrey Toobin’sThe Run of His Life: The People V. O.J. Simpsonserves as the source material.
“This is an exciting project for me, as I’ve been looking for the right property which could serve as an extension of theAmerican Horror Storybrand I love so much,” said Murphy. “The O.J. case was as tragic as it was fascinating — it seemed like everyone had a stake in the outcome. It was really the beginning of the modern tabloid age.”
American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpsonwill follow the Simpson trial from the perspective of the lawyers. Among other things, it’ll look at “the chaotic behind-the-scenes dealings and maneuvering on both sides of the court, and how a combination of prosecution confidence, defense wiliness, and the LAPD’s history with the city’s black community gave a jury what it needed: reasonable doubt.”
The topic has the potential to attract controversy, especially with regard to the sensitive racial issues surrounding the case. But Murphy’s never been one to avoid that kind of drama. Murphy already has some experience depicting historical events. His HBO filmThe Normal Heart, based on Larry Kramer’s autobiographical play about the HIV/AIDS crisis, won the Emmy for best TV movie this year.
Shooting onAmerican Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpsonwill begin early next year in Los Angeles. No cast or premiere date has been announced as of yet. LikeAmerican Horror Story,American Crime Storywill reboot itself each year with a whole new true-crime tale. In the meantime,American Horror Story: Freak Showpremieres Wednesday,October 8on FX.
