American Crime Story

Name: American Crime Story
Genre: Crime, Drama
Released: 2016-02-02
Cast: Sarah Paulson, Beanie Feldstein, Annaleigh Ashford, Margo Martindale, Edie Falco

2016 | 3 seasons | Crime, Drama

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It won 13 Emmys, it earned strong reviews (85% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite a short run with a modest audience. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved Law & Order: Special Victims Unit or The Act, start here.
The mood: Dark and gritty.
The pace: 3 seasons: a few weeks of evenings.
What might put you off: Rated TV-MA: meant for adults.

An anthology series centered around some of history's most famous criminal investigations.

How it earned its rating

CriticsStrong
85% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesSolid
7.6 out of 10
AwardsVery strong
Won 6 Emmys: Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Limited Series, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie, Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie and 2 more. Won 3 Golden Globes: Golden Globe Awards: Best Miniseries or Television Film, Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film, Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film. Won 1 BAFTA: British Academy Television Awards: Best International Program. Won 7 Critics' Choice Awards: Critics' Choice Television Awards: Most Exciting New Series, Critics' Choice Television Awards: Best Movie/Miniseries, Critics' Choice Television Awards: Courtney B. Vance, Critics' Choice Television Awards: Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries and 3 more. Won 1 PGA Award: Producers Guild of America Awards: David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Limited Series Television. Also nominated for 15 more Emmys. Plus 7 other awards.
Reach & staying powerBelow par
Ran for 3 seasons and reached a solid audience; interest faded quickly after launch
Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 371K people sought it out in the past year

Season by season

The show overall is a Saturday Special. Here's how each season stacks up; The People v. O.J. Simpson is the high point.

The People v. O.J. Simpson2016 · 10 episodes · 97% on Rotten Tomatoes · 7.9 out of 10
Friday
The Assassination of Gianni Versace2018 · 9 episodes · 88% on Rotten Tomatoes · 7.6 out of 10
Saturday
Impeachment2021 · 10 episodes · 69% on Rotten Tomatoes · 7.8 out of 10
Saturday