The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story

:

Season 1
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 17, 2018
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 242 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 209 out of 242
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 242
  3. Negative: 21 out of 242

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User Reviews

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  1. eagleeyeviking
    Jun 29, 2018
    9
    What starts out as a frustrating retelling of Gianni Versace’s murder morphs into a multifaceted and endlessly enthralling examination of Andrew Cunanan, bolstered by a masterful performance by Darren Criss.
  2. Ascospore
    Apr 12, 2018
    8
    Man, this was surprisingly good. This is a story worth telling, and it is brilliantly told, getting more riveting in the second half of the season. The People vs OJ was one thing, but the Assassination is entirely another. 9/10 for production, casting, acting, set design, soundtrack, pacing and brilliant writing.
  3. broadwaybabyxo
    Jan 18, 2018
    10
    Came into ACS: Versace expecting to be disappointed after the first season. It blew me away. The acting (Darren Criss & Penelope Cruz are standouts), the cinematography, the directing, the intense edge-of-your-seat storytelling. One of the best premiere episodes I've seen. Excited to see more!
  4. ksm5084
    Jan 18, 2018
    10
    Color me surprised. Following one of the most critically acclaimed seasons in TV history, my expectations were tempered for the second season. Wow, was I wrong. I loved every minute, every second of the show's premiere. Phenomenal cinematography, a moving score, beautiful dialogue, and those quirky Ryan Murphy moments were on full, vibrant display - but the cast performances wereColor me surprised. Following one of the most critically acclaimed seasons in TV history, my expectations were tempered for the second season. Wow, was I wrong. I loved every minute, every second of the show's premiere. Phenomenal cinematography, a moving score, beautiful dialogue, and those quirky Ryan Murphy moments were on full, vibrant display - but the cast performances were absolutely incredible. You would be hard-pressed to find a stronger cast on TV, or perhaps film. Edgar's sensitive interpretation is heartbreaking. Cruz is epic and commands from the moment she arrives. But special note must be made of Darren Criss - whose layered, nuanced portrayal of a psychopath turns this show into the ultimate must-see show of 2018. Bottom Line: Come for Versace, stay for Cunanan.… Expand
  5. ella871
    Jan 18, 2018
    10
    I saw the episode last night and am instantly hooked. The cast is to die for. Darren Criss will undoubtedly take home an Emmy for lead, and I can see Penelope and Edgar getting one as well for supporting. I have a love-hate with Ryan Murphy productions, but this one is just fantastic. I have a hard time thinking any other limited series will come close to it this year. 10/10
  6. Ripandread
    Feb 16, 2018
    9
    The actor who played the killer should be nominated for an Emmy. The guy was so convincing that he scared the Hell out of me. The acting, script and directing also deserves high marks. It's nice to actually watch an excellent television series compared to the "reality shows" that take up space on TV.
  7. amberdaily
    Jan 23, 2018
    10
    Definitely check this show out. This will be a strong Emmy contender, all the way around. Performances, directing, cinematography - it's a an excess of riches.
  8. LanaLang
    Jan 18, 2018
    10
    I'm an outlier in that I didn't love the first season of this show (though I did think it was good, just not great), so I went into this season with modest expectations. I am happy to be proven wrong. Maybe this type of season - manhunt vs. courtroom is just more my speed, but I'm already hooked. in particular, I was impressed with Ricky Martin and Darren Criss. Just stellar. LookingI'm an outlier in that I didn't love the first season of this show (though I did think it was good, just not great), so I went into this season with modest expectations. I am happy to be proven wrong. Maybe this type of season - manhunt vs. courtroom is just more my speed, but I'm already hooked. in particular, I was impressed with Ricky Martin and Darren Criss. Just stellar. Looking forward to seeing more from Edgar Ramirez and Penelope Cruz as well.… Expand
  9. rauleliseo1
    Mar 7, 2018
    0
    Tragic cast and horrible script. Book was much better. Bye, Ryan Murphy & Darren Criss.
  10. celeste8730
    Feb 3, 2018
    10
    I wasn't expecting to like season 2 after the first season of OJ - but I was totally wrong! I like it just as much because it went a totally different route. Very cinematic and strong acting performances, led by Darren Criss and Penelope Cruz. Looking forward to the rest of the season.
  11. tvaaaa
    Mar 1, 2018
    0
    It's going nowhere, sadly. Waste time. Ryan, you can do much better.........
  12. saishlizandro
    Mar 7, 2018
    1
    Snoooooooooozfest... they should cancel it after 2 episode.... Ryan Murphy, you can do better!
  13. Happi
    Jan 21, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I thought Versace: ACS was really well-done. I love how it's more than just about the murder of Versace, covering homophobia by law enforcement & society's obsession with celebrities. The acting was consistently good (Criss & Ramirez are outstanding, Martin & Cruz are very good) & the cinematography was gorgeous. The writing, in particular the lines spoken by Criss, Ramirez & Cruz, was impressive. Am really looking forward to Episode 2.… Expand
  14. tatianasorrey
    Mar 5, 2018
    10
    Fabulous show! I've waited to watch until now and binged the 7 episodes. Most incredible television I've seen in years. Awards are on the horizon for Darren Criss!
  15. PT30
    Jan 18, 2018
    10
    Can't wait to see the next episode! I don't know the last time I saw a show that wasn't available to binge watch but I kinda like it! Always good to have something to look forward to. I thought all of the actors were great, though Darren Criss and Penelope Cruz stood out to me the most.
  16. teresaxowiles
    Feb 12, 2018
    10
    A fantastic follow up to the People vs. OJ. It's hard for me to keep interest in a show, and this one does the trick. Superb cast, excellent direction and beautifully shot. So glad I tried it!
  17. hilotesta43
    Mar 5, 2018
    10
    Finding myself looking forward to this series every week. Another home run for Murphy & crew. Though it seems like the less Murphy is involved the better. I read that he only directed episode one (which I actually loved). Well done!
  18. triniblueski
    Mar 5, 2018
    10
    can't believe there's only 9 episodes! i love how deep they're diving into the mind of a sociopath. the focus on the victims is also top-notch storytelling. loving Darren Criss, Cody Fern & Fin Wittrock!
  19. mmh35
    Mar 3, 2018
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first episode of The Assassination of Gianni Versace is excellent. It tends to wander off after that when they are focusing too much on the character of Andrew Cunanan and less on Gianni Versace. The show is not called Andrew Cunanan; but it starts to think that it is. The cast is wonderful though. Edgar Ramirez and Darren Criss are both terrific. Penelope Cruz and Ricky Martin have some very nice scenes; even though Cruz’s Donatella Versace accent gets jarring at times. Finn Wittrock, Cody Fern, Annaleigh Ashford and Judith Light all add something special. Ryan Murphy proves that he’s a powerhouse creator. It’s both a heartbreaking and entertaining show.… Expand
  20. CineAutoctono
    Jan 18, 2018
    8
    "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story" was a great start to one of the events that moved the world. The famous Italian designer Gianni Versace. The story is very good, and the photography is excellent, in addition to the characters and the cast that embody them. Including Edgar Ramirez, who reincarnates in good shape the famous designer, Ricky Martin and Penelope Cruz,"The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story" was a great start to one of the events that moved the world. The famous Italian designer Gianni Versace. The story is very good, and the photography is excellent, in addition to the characters and the cast that embody them. Including Edgar Ramirez, who reincarnates in good shape the famous designer, Ricky Martin and Penelope Cruz, did not wait. And the killer's performance was almost impeccable. This becomes a great biographical series of crime that has been seen and will be seen in history.… Expand
  21. mrharrybeck
    Feb 9, 2018
    6
    Good enough to hold attention for an hour or so, nowhere near distinct enough in anyone's memory. Though, the performance of Darren Criss sticks with you in every single episode.
  22. don_Lorenzi
    Jan 25, 2018
    8
    Extravagant, violent & exquisite performances. The Assassination of Gianni Versace is visually stunning and narratively satisfying. The performance of Darren Criss is intense and provocative at the same time, while Penelope Cruz is very sexy blonde in the role of a young Donatella Versace. Visually the show is amazing, warm and cold colors blend perfectly with the fairly glamouros darkExtravagant, violent & exquisite performances. The Assassination of Gianni Versace is visually stunning and narratively satisfying. The performance of Darren Criss is intense and provocative at the same time, while Penelope Cruz is very sexy blonde in the role of a young Donatella Versace. Visually the show is amazing, warm and cold colors blend perfectly with the fairly glamouros dark storytelling.… Expand
  23. charleslampwick
    Jan 1, 2019
    2
    Something to do with if only there'd be gay marriage none of this would have happened, the absolutely cracking cast are the only decent thing (other than the cinematography) that is worth keeping from this dreadfully clichéd 'dramatisation' which makes everyone seem as shallow as presumably they really are (so I guess that's authentic) where the writer(s) and director seem to think thatSomething to do with if only there'd be gay marriage none of this would have happened, the absolutely cracking cast are the only decent thing (other than the cinematography) that is worth keeping from this dreadfully clichéd 'dramatisation' which makes everyone seem as shallow as presumably they really are (so I guess that's authentic) where the writer(s) and director seem to think that simply piling on the dead bodies constitutes a narrative (this could have been Shakespeare's debate with Middleton). Might just have made a half-decent feature film, clearly FX were desperate for something to fill their schedules.… Expand
  24. jgzeger
    Feb 9, 2019
    8
    Although not every episode is as good as the first, this is, without a doubt, a quality series worth watching, Darren Criss is sensational. He was good on Glee but he shows his real talents here. The remainder of the cast is very good too, as is just about everything in this production.
  25. Evic21
    Jan 25, 2019
    9
    Although the pacing isn't as sharp as "O.J." and the chronology might be confusing at first, "Versace" proves to be a deeply disturbing tale of a man wrapped up in his own lies and his inability to show truth. "Versace" is bleak, disturbing and so down right creepy that it will haunt you for days. Criss' stunning performance holds it all together as his character spirals out of controlAlthough the pacing isn't as sharp as "O.J." and the chronology might be confusing at first, "Versace" proves to be a deeply disturbing tale of a man wrapped up in his own lies and his inability to show truth. "Versace" is bleak, disturbing and so down right creepy that it will haunt you for days. Criss' stunning performance holds it all together as his character spirals out of control into a cold blooded killer.
    Maybe the reason Cunanan murdered Versace by chance was because Versace was everything Cunanan wanted to be: wealthy, powerful, openly gay and above all, someone special. All these unanswered questions make for some high end television.    … Expand
  26. cherold
    Jun 16, 2018
    9
    Wildly cinematically stylish season is quite different from season one but just as riveting. The structure is fascinating as the series continually travels back in time. The lead is terrific and the study of psychopathy is first rate.
  27. violetvixin22
    Apr 15, 2019
    3
    I do not understand why Spanish actors are used in this. Their accents are horrible. There were no Italian actors around? Nonsense.
  28. charbent201
    Jun 7, 2018
    10
    I've been hearing such great buzz about this show. I really don't know why I've waited this long. It's undoubtedly the best show of the year - maybe one of the best series in the past decade. The depth of the show is incredible, and the best part about it is that it is actually SAYING something. The acting is just stellar across the board - Darren Criss is utterly magnetic (never saw himI've been hearing such great buzz about this show. I really don't know why I've waited this long. It's undoubtedly the best show of the year - maybe one of the best series in the past decade. The depth of the show is incredible, and the best part about it is that it is actually SAYING something. The acting is just stellar across the board - Darren Criss is utterly magnetic (never saw him in anything - a future star no doubt); Edgar Ramirez was spot-on with his emotional performance; Penelope Cruz stole every scene she was in; and the rest of the supporting cast (Fern, Wittrock, Briones, Light, Alder) were fantastic. I can't say enough. Do yourself a favor and watch.… Expand
  29. luquinhas
    Jul 20, 2018
    10
    With an antropologic view about what happend, Ryan shows us a critical side 'bout the occurred: strong characters whose brings us the great catharsis and empathic feelings. Darren Cris was amazing with a well **** done performance and about Penelope's performance im just speechless about how she incorporated Donatella and her force and personality. The photography is also incredible, theWith an antropologic view about what happend, Ryan shows us a critical side 'bout the occurred: strong characters whose brings us the great catharsis and empathic feelings. Darren Cris was amazing with a well **** done performance and about Penelope's performance im just speechless about how she incorporated Donatella and her force and personality. The photography is also incredible, the inner-mind-concept of the assassin's figure is just well developed, the social enviroment about the LGBTQ context, the feminin empowerment, the fashion-transition of the 90's to 00's was just docked into the script and intentions of catharsis into the viewer. Absolutly one of the bests Tv Series of 2018.… Expand
  30. Bertaut1
    Apr 23, 2019
    7
    Decent, but not a patch on the previous season

    Telling the story of the murder of Gianni Versace (Edgar Ramírez) at the hands of Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss), what's especially interesting about this season of American Crime Story is the narrative structure. The opening scene of the first episode sees the murder, and the show then goes backwards, with each episode set earlier than the    Decent, but not a patch on the previous season

    Telling the story of the murder of Gianni Versace (Edgar Ramírez) at the hands of Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss), what's especially interesting about this season of American Crime Story is the narrative structure. The opening scene of the first episode sees the murder, and the show then goes backwards, with each episode set earlier than the previous one, an achronological structure that unifies form and content; this isn't about a murder, it's about how Cunanan became a serial killer.

    Within this, the show deals with two interrelated issues; 1) the concept that one must work hard to be successful, and 2) the desire to be remembered. Cunanan is obsessed with the second, but unwilling to acknowledge the first, despite his conviction of his own greatness. His attitude is nicely critiqued by Versace himself ("Life isn't about convincing people you can do great things. It's about doing them"), and the last shot masterfully encapsulates much of Cunanan's deepest existential fears. For all that, however, the season is good, but not great. The last two episodes are far and away the strongest, especially Jon Jon Briones's appearance as Modesto, Cunanan's detestable father, but, overall, it isn't a patch on 'The People v. O.J. Simpson'.    … Expand
  31. hornysoul
    Sep 21, 2018
    10
    Vi primeiro esta temporada, logo, não tinha expectativas para esta produção. Felizmente, fiquei extremamente vidrado no ecrã a ver cada episódio. Darren Criss mais uma vez faz um excelente trabalho na TV. Esta temporada, vencedora de 3 Emmys, é uma das melhores de 2018.
  32. Dsros96
    Oct 30, 2018
    10
    This season blew me. I expected something different but this season got me in the feelings. Darren Cris shows off his acting skills and he brights through the whole season.
  33. Berik
    Jan 16, 2019
    9
    The assassination of Gianni Versace shines a bright light on the darkness inside a troubled young man who has had a path of bad influences behind him. You'll start by hating this man, but in the end you'll also feel sorry for him.

    As the story progresses, it becomes clear this man was a ticking time bomb, being dissatisfied with his entire life while trying to live in the shadow of his    The assassination of Gianni Versace shines a bright light on the darkness inside a troubled young man who has had a path of bad influences behind him. You'll start by hating this man, but in the end you'll also feel sorry for him.

    As the story progresses, it becomes clear this man was a ticking time bomb, being dissatisfied with his entire life while trying to live in the shadow of his father. His father by the way, is a manifestation of lies, laziness and pure selfishness.

    I felt the darkness of Andrew as the story progressed, and it gripped me. Gianni Versace as a character is actually not that interesting compared to Andrew, but he was the one that would end Andrew's rage.

    I was very impressed by this season. I give it a 9/10.    … Expand
  34. movieseeer
    Feb 1, 2019
    7
    Tawdry and salacious are two words that could describe this true life tale of mass murderer Andrew Cunanan. The depth of this made for television series appears mostly surface. There’s lots of baggage in here as Mr. Cunanan offs 5 gay men, lastly Gianni Versace, the famous designer of the Versace brand.

    It’s clear that Cunanan met Versace before his unplanned shooting of him just    Tawdry and salacious are two words that could describe this true life tale of mass murderer Andrew Cunanan. The depth of this made for television series appears mostly surface. There’s lots of baggage in here as Mr. Cunanan offs 5 gay men, lastly Gianni Versace, the famous designer of the Versace brand.

    It’s clear that Cunanan met Versace before his unplanned shooting of him just outside of his home in Florida in 1997, Cunanan had already shot 4 gay men before this fatal encounter with Versace, there is the supposition from some gay characters in the series that the police were slow to act about Cunanan because these men were in gay circles. I tend to doubt that assessment as Mr. Cunanan wasn’t an ordinary killer, he was intelligent in a way that most wanton killers are not, moving from city to city.

    Andrew Cunanan’s life is given a closer look in the series, especially his father who was a white collar criminal who doted and spoiled this boy. Still the series based on a popular Bio of the crime doesn’t come anywhere near to a reality that reveals the why to these astonishing decisions that Mr. Cunanan made. He was someone who desired fame and popularity in greater and greater demanding ways. Often he is shown demonstrative, as a gay person it’s clear to me what is ‘eating’ at Mr. Cunanan in a culture that spits out anyone and everyone in famous circles.

    Still Mr. Cunanan doesn’t always feel real, but only skin deep in this sensitive series, which does feel slightly off, the Versace’s family in the show felt like caricatures to me, Mr. Versace is no more than a man of great talent but of little actual substance in the show.

    6.9 OUT OF 10

    A much deeper production of serial killer Cunanan is sure to follow someday, but for now this production is very much a small look at the horrifying murders of five men one of which was Gianni Versace.

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    #THEASSASSINATIONOFGIANNIVERSACE
    #GIANNIVERSACE #ANDREWCUNANAN
    #SERIALKILLERS    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Best TV Season of 2018
26
#26 Most Discussed TV Season of 2018
28
#28 Most Shared TV Season of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Jan 22, 2018
    80
    The details are less familiar than the O.J. Simpson trial, the subject of Crime Story's acclaimed first season, which makes the reverse chronology of the parallel narratives even more compelling and disturbing. [22 Jan - 4 Feb 2018, p.12]
  2. Reason.com
    Reviewed by: Glenn Garvin
    Jan 19, 2018
    85
    The Assassination of Gianni Versace is a formidable piece of work, brilliant in its characterizations and harrowing in its depictions of the amorality of American culture's dark underside.
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  3. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Spencer Kornhaber
    Jan 18, 2018
    70
    The show is clearly hoping that audiences will share that stereotypically Italian trait as it channels Federico Fellini and The Godfather. Murphy is more of a workman than a high artist, though, and his meanderings here muddle an intrinsically strange, socially resonant story.
    Read full review
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