In 2016, there was one true crime show that was on everyone’s lips and secured its place in TV history – American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson.
The Ryan Murphy true crime anthology series launched with a dramatisation of the most famous trial of the 90s, where OJ Simpson was tried for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown and friend Ron Goldman.
Although the professional footballer – familiarly known at the time as The Juice – was acquitted of all criminal charges, the question over his involvement remained a subject of intrigue and fascination for decades to come, outlasting his death in 2024.
American Horror Story showrunner Murphy, alongside screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, tackled this notorious saga with his signature high-drama flair tempered by a grittiness that helped it make its mark.
Not only did it become the most-watched FX drama series ever at the time, drawing in millions, but it was a rare critical and audience hit – landing 97% and 94% scores on Rotten Tomatoes, respectively.
The show had all the elements of a near-perfect drama.
The true crime premise, which had already captured so many across the globe- featuring a car chase, shocking courtroom scenes (if the glove doesn’t fit, then you must acquit!) and a head-spinning verdict – was executed by a stellar cast.
Sarah Paulson and Sterling K. Brown starred as co-prosecutors Marcia Clark and Christopher Darden; John Travolta and Courtney B. Vance stepped up as defence lawyers Robert Shapiro and Johnnie Cochran; David Schwimmer embodied OJ’s close friend Rob Kardashian; and Cuba Gooding Jr played the disgraced athlete.
All in all, the show raked in nine Emmy awards, two Golden Globes and was featured in all the major ‘best of 2016’ lists.
What happened to OJ Simpson after the double homicide trial?
Although OJ Simpson walked away from the 134-day trial, cleared of all charges, he remained a controversial cultural figure.
In 2008, he was sentenced to up to 33 years in prison for armed robbery and kidnapping after a botched attempt to steal sports memorabilia that he believed belonged to him.
He was released on parole in 2017 and granted early discharge for good behaviour in 2021.
In May 2023, he announced he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and he died in April 2024, aged 76.
Beyond the trial, the 10-part drama also delves into the complex American legal system, racial dynamics in the 90s and the sheer influence of this case on the global psyche, which has left an imprint to this day.
‘The verdict was never the end game. the show is gripping even in its slowest moments. must watch, even for those who think they know about the case,’ Avant S wrote on X.
‘This was one of the best anthology series I have ever seen. The writing and plot was strong, but the acting was OUTSTANDING,’ Chadd J said.
‘Great show. Superb acting. Sharp writing. Tension from the first to the last episode. Fantastic Sarah Paulson,’ Man F added.
The enthusiasm from viewers was also matched by critics, who reached a consensus that the series found a balance between sensational and grounded.
‘The People v OJ Simpson worked so well not just because it was deftly written and beautifully acted, but also because knowing the outcome made the story feel, if anything, even more astonishing than it did at the time,’ The Spectator declared.
‘The People v. O.J. may be the best vehicle thus far for bringing up complex, broader questions about American justice, without losing sight of the human toll,’ The Atlantic shared.
‘American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson brilliantly walks a fine line between sensationalism and dramatisation,’ Screenrant reflected.
The People v. O.J. Simpson is available to stream on Disney Plus.
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