The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story

:

Season 1
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 2, 2016
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 421 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 382 out of 421
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 421
  3. Negative: 25 out of 421
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User Reviews

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  1. LamontRaymond
    Feb 2, 2016
    10
    It's absolute must-watch TV. It's going to be tough to wait a week for the next installment - which is what was great about the trial itself - you had it on every day! But the behind-the-scenes material is phenomenal. Love the casting choices so far.
  2. Scraper
    Feb 8, 2017
    8
    A superb retelling of the famous trial employing actors fully dedicated to their roles. Travolta particularly stood out as the plastic, smarmy Shapiro. Schwimmer had little to do but look forlorn and at times shocked throughout. Cuba Gooding Jr. as OJ, though not the focal point of the script (the litigators obviously were), did a great job portraying the fallen star as oblivious,A superb retelling of the famous trial employing actors fully dedicated to their roles. Travolta particularly stood out as the plastic, smarmy Shapiro. Schwimmer had little to do but look forlorn and at times shocked throughout. Cuba Gooding Jr. as OJ, though not the focal point of the script (the litigators obviously were), did a great job portraying the fallen star as oblivious, arrogant, and manic in his denial of the chain of events he set off when he committed the crimes. I felt it really was a perfect depiction of a lying culprit with no tools in his repertoire other than to deny and hope that everything works out.… Expand
  3. Kwasie
    Apr 7, 2016
    9
    I was pretty riveted by the show during the first two episodes. Having now seen the entire series, I feel this is one that shouldn't be missed. The performances are fantastic--not to mention that the actors playing Chris Darden and Marcia Clark looked eerily similar to their real-life counterparts. Just when you think the show may be trying to pick sides, it shows a counter-perspectiveI was pretty riveted by the show during the first two episodes. Having now seen the entire series, I feel this is one that shouldn't be missed. The performances are fantastic--not to mention that the actors playing Chris Darden and Marcia Clark looked eerily similar to their real-life counterparts. Just when you think the show may be trying to pick sides, it shows a counter-perspective from everyone involved. Kudos to the actor portraying Johnnie Cochran (Courtney B. Vance), who I feel should be Emmy-nominated for this.… Expand
  4. Zanemorrowusa
    Feb 4, 2016
    10
    The People v. O.J. Simpson starts off with already becoming the best new show of 2016. Every well executed with an beyond superb cast and a brilliant team of writers, directors, and producers. Ryan Murphy once again brings another amazing cast together and creates another piece of television magic and American history. ACS is without a doubt, the must watch show this year.
  5. vBii
    Feb 3, 2016
    9
    WOW ... This show gonna be must see this year. Thanks , Ryan.. And Sarah , I do hope you will get an Emmy with this role. I have a high hope for such an talent ensemble.
  6. brockcheese
    Feb 3, 2016
    9
    I think this show proves, like many before it, that we are in a golden age of television. That a miniseries show can come out with the production value of a movie and still be 10x as riveting.
  7. Ripandread
    Feb 5, 2016
    9
    Watching this show I feel like I am in the same room with Simpson, the prosecutors and defense teams.

    There are people who never saw this brutal and tragic event play out on TV. This will give them the chance to see how OJ got away with murder; how the prosecution blew the case and how a media absorbed defense attorney stepped all over a weak judge who lost control of his own courtroom.
  8. josh7797445
    Mar 4, 2016
    10
    Great Show The People v. O.J. Simpson brilliantly walks a fine line between sensationalism and dramatization. is genuinely great. As true crime, as cultural dissection of a complex intersection of American values, and as high drama.
  9. DeidreK63
    Mar 11, 2016
    10
    I am finding this series quite riveting, bringing me back to how polarizing this was for the country 21 years ago. I think the performances and casting are quite remarkable, with the exception of Cuba Gooding Jr. - who I am just not finding believable in this role. The Chris Darden and Marcia Clarke characters are quite sympathetic - and insightful, if true. Courtney Vance appears toI am finding this series quite riveting, bringing me back to how polarizing this was for the country 21 years ago. I think the performances and casting are quite remarkable, with the exception of Cuba Gooding Jr. - who I am just not finding believable in this role. The Chris Darden and Marcia Clarke characters are quite sympathetic - and insightful, if true. Courtney Vance appears to have been born to play Johnnie Cochran, and should be a shoe in for an Emmy. I think we all knew that much was behind the "story" that the "Dream Team" told; but it is fascinating to see it played out - so too speak. Even after all of these years, I am hooked - once again!!… Expand
  10. mbmartins
    Mar 5, 2016
    8
    Not the best performance of Cuba Jr. I don't know why but something inst so good how Jr is capable to do. but a intense show with a big history and a must watch for sure.
  11. johnny_giraffes
    Mar 11, 2016
    9
    This is the perfect example of tragedy TV. I don't mean tragedy in its current mawkish definition, but rather in its classical definition -- when the audience watches a play about famous figures who they know came to terrible ends, but of course the characters themselves don't (yet) know what's going to happen, and the audience looks on with sadness but also suspense, knowing what'sThis is the perfect example of tragedy TV. I don't mean tragedy in its current mawkish definition, but rather in its classical definition -- when the audience watches a play about famous figures who they know came to terrible ends, but of course the characters themselves don't (yet) know what's going to happen, and the audience looks on with sadness but also suspense, knowing what's coming.

    Who can deny that this is the feel to a show about the OJ case? Few today doubt he was guilty, but we watch as Marcia and Chris fight to convict the Juice, and OJ's dream team ultimately foils them, playing the race card long and hard to do so.

    There are many riveting performances in this series -- Sara Paulson stands out but almost everyone is at top form.

    The only irritant and what keeps me from giving a perfect score is the constant intrusion of the then-irrelevant Kartrashian girls in the story. I don't care about them now and I certainly don't care about them then. But that becomes less of an issue as the trial wears on. This is a very strong start for this new anthology series.    … Expand
  12. That-Comic-Guy
    Apr 5, 2016
    10
    The People v. O.J, Simpson is a spectacular show, and trumps all five of Ryan Murphy's American Horror Story seasons combined in just 10 episodes, the show perfectly captures the emotion, the feelings of what was going on at the time of the real O.J. Trials. Each actor like Sarah Paulson, Courtney B. Vance, John Travolta, David Schwimer, and Cuba Gooding Jr. all are perfectly casted asThe People v. O.J, Simpson is a spectacular show, and trumps all five of Ryan Murphy's American Horror Story seasons combined in just 10 episodes, the show perfectly captures the emotion, the feelings of what was going on at the time of the real O.J. Trials. Each actor like Sarah Paulson, Courtney B. Vance, John Travolta, David Schwimer, and Cuba Gooding Jr. all are perfectly casted as their respective person and plays them with all their might, and when you see them performing we won't see actors, we'll see these real life people doing their part in the trials… Expand
  13. diegonelli
    Feb 3, 2016
    8
    I only watched the first episode and I'm amazed. The plot is really interesting and keeps you doubting. I loved the role of Sarah Paulson and the role of O.J. I wasn't expecting less from Ryan Murphy.
  14. quincytheodore
    Feb 4, 2016
    8
    A curiously serious case presented with eccentric details and a pinch of irony.

    Most non-Americans will probably know O.J. Simpsons from this exact infamous case or simply as that silly guy from Naked Gun comedy series. It's serendipitously better if it's seen without deep knowledge of the case or as time would have it, not having much recollection of it. This is a chronicle the case    A curiously serious case presented with eccentric details and a pinch of irony.

    Most non-Americans will probably know O.J. Simpsons from this exact infamous case or simply as that silly guy from Naked Gun comedy series. It's serendipitously better if it's seen without deep knowledge of the case or as time would have it, not having much recollection of it. This is a chronicle the case with adequate dramatic proportion and prejudice undertone in surprisingly deeper look without going overboard.

    Cuba Gooding Jr. as the alleged suspect is funnily fitting, not in his usual comical way, but as a weary hectic man. He shows the symptoms of celebrity in influence of crime. Make no mistake, this is a heinous act and the series does not shy away from the realization, yet Cuba Gooding Jr. creates a certain scandalous and distracting ambiance about the character.

    John Travolta and David Schwimmer are admittedly not the usual cast for defense attorneys. They seem very outlandish, although the picks might just work in this case. On the other end of the spectrum are the racial prejudice and the actual footwork of the case. They do give the social undertone of the decade a portion of the limelight, still it doesn't hinder any progress and done with caution.

    A few nice rich details about the case are also shown, both from the prosecution as well as the defense's point of views. There’s quite a bit of CSI work involved, these are maintained by approachable showcasing as not to overwhelm or bore audience with police or scientific jargon. It is also nice to see the scheming antics the lawyers pull to stall or gain any advantage. Some parts of these might just be weird enough to be true.

    The name of the case might paint a sinister portrait, but it's actually displayed with light ironical accessible approach and still a balanced enough investigation aspect to not demean the gravity of the event.    … Expand
  15. RatedRex
    Feb 4, 2016
    9
    Good writing, great direction, exceptional editing and very good performances, especially by Cuba Gooding playing OJ, makes "The People vs. OJ Simpson" riveting television.
  16. jeremyp
    Mar 13, 2016
    8
    The story remains fascinating and so parallel to the election year. Celebrities, bigotry, and the shallowness of the American media and those who feed at the trough. The acting however is spotty. Travolta is awful, hamming it up, and Gooding has decided to show us OJ as an idiot. Sarah Poulsen is great, and Cochran's portrayal is spot on.
  17. jgzeger
    Mar 12, 2016
    10
    One of the best TV mini-dramas I have ever seen. Sarah Paulson is excellent as Marcia Clark and Connie Britton does a sensation cameo as Faye Resnick. David Schwimmer is surprising good in a dramatic role and John Travolta shows his versatility as Robert Shapiro. I eagerly await each week's new episode.
  18. TheMetacritiqer
    Apr 12, 2016
    8
    Normally when things deviate from the main character things get less interesting. But in this show most of the characters could be the center of the show. It's a close match between Johnny, Shapiro, or Marcia stealing the show. From what I've read,the people think casting Cuba was the shows only flaw. But he made O.J. become quite funny and at times appropriately intense. Thankfully theNormally when things deviate from the main character things get less interesting. But in this show most of the characters could be the center of the show. It's a close match between Johnny, Shapiro, or Marcia stealing the show. From what I've read,the people think casting Cuba was the shows only flaw. But he made O.J. become quite funny and at times appropriately intense. Thankfully the show doesn't make everything ultra serious. Instead there's a exciting tone tone to almost everything which makes the show more fun. And when it comes down to one of the final parts when O.J. greets Robert fresh out of jail with opera music playing in the background, I felt it was all worth it.… Expand
  19. Bluesmanuk
    Feb 27, 2016
    7
    Not bad but I am finding that I can't quite immerse myself in it as much as I would like. Whatever John Travolta has had done to his face is so bad that the look distracts from his performance a little too much. Cuba Gooding Jr. also seems to portray OJ in a manner that seems a little to weak in character for me.I was glad to see Sarah Paulson get a part. although the hair style seems outNot bad but I am finding that I can't quite immerse myself in it as much as I would like. Whatever John Travolta has had done to his face is so bad that the look distracts from his performance a little too much. Cuba Gooding Jr. also seems to portray OJ in a manner that seems a little to weak in character for me.I was glad to see Sarah Paulson get a part. although the hair style seems out of place and distracting. Time will tell if it will make it worth watching to the end, although the genre itself does open itself up to many possible story lines that litter other real life American crime stories.… Expand
  20. ty139
    Apr 6, 2016
    9
    People should watch and understand on what we have built our society .This is not story this is reality. Please watch and try to understand the pain of victims and their families.
  21. Brigand
    May 21, 2016
    9
    I watched this with my girlfriend, we were both hooked from the day it started. I was obviously aware of the story of OJ Simpson prior to watching this but i wasn't one of those people who watched the court case when it was broadcast in America, so a lot of what was shown was actually quite shocking to me, but not altogether surprising given how racist America is.

    There were good strong    I watched this with my girlfriend, we were both hooked from the day it started. I was obviously aware of the story of OJ Simpson prior to watching this but i wasn't one of those people who watched the court case when it was broadcast in America, so a lot of what was shown was actually quite shocking to me, but not altogether surprising given how racist America is.

    There were good strong performances from all of the cast and the writing was great. I loved the bickering and jockeying for position within OJ's legal team, I thought Travolta was brilliantly funny and it was good to see all the differing motivations of the different characters.

    This was a great show...

    More please!    … Expand
  22. helloloser
    Jun 18, 2016
    10
    Oh yes....if you get a GOOD look at Nicoles hand.after she was butchered by OJ....you will see as she was dying she made an 0 with her two fingers to show All of us that that fat ass murdered her....but unfortunately she didn't realize he was also murdering Ron Goldman.....OJ you are a murderer and 90% of the population know it....have fun in Prison WITH the guys you will encounter....lol
  23. YorkMan
    Mar 4, 2016
    2
    I've given up after three episodes. I'm sorry, but it's just crap.

    Being an Englishman, my memories of O.J. Simpson's escapades are those revolving around the British media reporting of the time. As such it wasn't a massive 'moment' in history, nor was it really that compelling. So, for me, watching the show was going to hopefully allow me to understand some of the context    I've given up after three episodes. I'm sorry, but it's just crap.

    Being an Englishman, my memories of O.J. Simpson's escapades are those revolving around the British media reporting of the time. As such it wasn't a massive 'moment' in history, nor was it really that compelling.

    So, for me, watching the show was going to hopefully allow me to understand some of the context surrounding the massive furore that came from O.J.'s acquittal, and shed some light and offer insight into the processes of the Police, the D.A.'s office, the defence attorney etc.

    But, what I got instead was a television show which was trying to create a drama...... When everyone watching knows what happens in the end. It didn't make sense. In three episodes I didn't really understand any of the characters' motivations, but the American 'rolling news' sensibility was rammed down my throat.

    It's also hard to watch something where 5'8" tall Cuba Gooding Jr, is playing 6'1" O.J. Simpson, surely there were better choices of lead actor available??!!
    And hearing David Schwimmer, in his monotone voice, saying 'come on Juice' every 30 seconds in that opening episode had 'internet meme' written all over it!

    I guess the appreciation of the show is heavily dependent on whether you're an American or not. Whether you're used to television shows like this, and understand that nation's obsession with fallen 'heroes'.
    If you're just someone, like me, looking at this from an outsider's perspective..... It's just terrible television.    … Expand
  24. high90
    Feb 7, 2016
    1
    I watched the premier of this and thought to myself, this couldnt be the show everyone is raving about, its just a terrible soap opera but the critics say its good so it must be good. Well its not good its crap, Gooding jr as Simpson is a horrible casting choice, he is a midget in comparison and everyone dwarfs him in every scene. The acting is totally unrealistic again it reminded me ofI watched the premier of this and thought to myself, this couldnt be the show everyone is raving about, its just a terrible soap opera but the critics say its good so it must be good. Well its not good its crap, Gooding jr as Simpson is a horrible casting choice, he is a midget in comparison and everyone dwarfs him in every scene. The acting is totally unrealistic again it reminded me of old episodes of Dallas without the talent of Larry Hagman. The constant references to the kardashians is incredibly heavy handed. The casting of Travolta and Ross from friends pulled me out of every scene, I was waiting for Monica and the monkey to show up at one point. I'd rather watch the Sopranos for the fifth time than this melodramatic garbage.… Expand
  25. shoulderoforion
    Feb 5, 2016
    10
    This was a whole lot better produced & entertaining than it has any right to be, having suffered through the interminable case live as it played out from murder to verdict, I couldn't imagine I'd like seeing it all rehashed again, but, I'll admit, I enjoyed the first episode & will tune into the next one. RIP Nicole & Ronald.
  26. heiditaylor90
    Apr 4, 2016
    4
    This show is painful to watch. The characters have no depth - I don't know if this just maybe mirrors real life?
    I was distracted by the number of times David Schwimmer said "Juice". Cuba's impersonation of O.J. is half-hearted - mostly just sounds like he's comically surprised by e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.
    Not a good show. This shouldn't have the rating it does.
  27. WJS
    Mar 16, 2016
    7
    This show is very well acted (especially Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark), however I'm very torn as to my opinion of this limited series. As it's based on true events, the outcome is inevitable and it's story telling definitely leaves you hanging on either side of the fence even if you have an opinion as to whether O.J. did it or not.
    I've always believed that he was guilty, and having seen    This show is very well acted (especially Sarah Paulson as Marcia Clark), however I'm very torn as to my opinion of this limited series. As it's based on true events, the outcome is inevitable and it's story telling definitely leaves you hanging on either side of the fence even if you have an opinion as to whether O.J. did it or not.
    I've always believed that he was guilty, and having seen the inside machinations of the goings on, I find that it really came down to the lawyers and which ones ego was bigger. John Travolta really comes across as an arrogant prick in the way he portrays Robert Shapiro and Courtney B. Vance is very intense as Johnnie Cochran, but I still feel that O.J. was guilty and that American (well, all lawyers) are pompous jerks.    … Expand
  28. billiebardwell
    Feb 14, 2016
    1
    This show is pure pulp fiction for entertainment purposes only, and should not be viewed as representing anything pretending to be the truth. It appears geared only to reinforce negative stereotypes that have nothing to do with the reality or the truth that took place in this matter. Sworn officers of the court have violated their oaths by acting under the color of authority to suppress,This show is pure pulp fiction for entertainment purposes only, and should not be viewed as representing anything pretending to be the truth. It appears geared only to reinforce negative stereotypes that have nothing to do with the reality or the truth that took place in this matter. Sworn officers of the court have violated their oaths by acting under the color of authority to suppress, and conceal, the truth by the hand of one unknown judge, John H. Reid, at the behest of the LA DA in office at the time Gil Garcetti. Those who know this have attempted to advise the executive producers of this show but to no avail. Eventually, that truth uncovered by groups like OMIG, Stephen Singular, Joseph Bosco, T.H. Johnson, Dr. Henry Johnson, Deputy D.A. Lucienne Coleman and Deputy D.A. Lea P. D'Agostino is going to come forth and we will be facing the biggest scandal based upon the greatest fraud in our lifetime. These people most who do not know one another, know based upon their own due diligence in investigating this matter that OJ Simpson was framed. It's like cotton candy, it may be titillatingly tasty but it does your mind or body little good, you'd learn more by reading something like PURSUIT OF EXHIBIT 35 or LEGACY OF DECEPTION.… Expand
  29. 77DarkHorse7
    Mar 4, 2016
    2
    This would be an excellent story: If we didn't know how it ended, who the people were and if it wasn't about O.J. Simpson. Because we now have to reconcile everything we know about OJ in real life with this skewed laughable portrayal of a poor innocent diminutive basketcase. It's not based in fact, it's us sitting inside Simpson's head watching his self made hammed up propaganda film ofThis would be an excellent story: If we didn't know how it ended, who the people were and if it wasn't about O.J. Simpson. Because we now have to reconcile everything we know about OJ in real life with this skewed laughable portrayal of a poor innocent diminutive basketcase. It's not based in fact, it's us sitting inside Simpson's head watching his self made hammed up propaganda film of how HE wants everyone to perceive him. The only way he'd ever act this way is if he were innocent. And we know that's not the case. His DNA was all over everything. HIS gloves were at both scenes covered in HIS and Nicole's blood. His shoeprints were there, from HIS "ugly ass" shoes that they caught him lying about. HIS car was there near the murder time WITH HIM INSIDE IT. The blood was so well preserved that they could even tell he'd been to McDonald's recently because they found a preservative used in McDonald's Big Mac Special sauce that had come off of his hands and mixed into the blood while he was killing his victims. The worst thing about it is that OJ isn't portrayed in this. Where's OJ. It's been 22 years. After everything that has happened during that time, OJ's real personality is in sharp focus. He is a cool, calm, collected, strategic, manipulator. He cares only about himself. He would never consider killing himself, period. When his world doesn't conform to his will he strikes back swiftly and precisely with no remorse. Time and time again he himself has demonstrated this to be true. However, here they have him as a hot-headed peabrained basket case who readily winds himself up and then breaks down and wants to die. It's like they put Michael Richards in The body of someone who almost passes for OJ. This is not the way to tell America's most influential prosecution story.… Expand
  30. tdub
    Mar 1, 2016
    0
    Horrible, just horrible. I have NEVER seen so many great actors act so horribly. Overacting in every way. I can't stand to watch it any longer. whiney Cuba Gooding JR. weirdly acting John Travolta. We all know what happened anyway.. there isn't any inside information, so the acting should have been amazing.
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best TV Season of 2016
15
#15 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
7
#7 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 45
  3. Negative: 0 out of 45
  1. TVLine
    Reviewed by: Kimberly Roots
    Apr 6, 2016
    83
    The People v. O.J. Simpson‘s true feat is its ability to build real suspense using moments burned into our national consciousness.
    Read full review
  2. Colorado Springs Gazette
    Reviewed by: Terry Terrones
    Apr 6, 2016
    100
    A stellar cast, deft storytelling and the drama of a trial that polarized America make for compelling television 21 years later.
    Read full review
  3. Salon
    Reviewed by: Sonia Saraiya
    Feb 2, 2016
    100
    If there is just one thing that The People v. O.J. Simpson is, it’s maddening. Fascinating and involved and nuanced and sympathetic, too.
    Read full review
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