This eight-part BBC series is based on the incredible true story of how international serial killer Charles Sobhraj (who acquired nicknames including The Serpent and The Bikini Killer) was captured and put on trial in the 1970s.

It’s A Sin

Russell T Davies’s five-episode drama touches and breaks the hearts of all who watch it, telling the story of a group of young friends who become embroiled in the HIV/Aids epidemic as it sweeps throughout London in the 1980s.

Starring Olly Alexander – with appearances from Keeley Hawes and Stephen Fry – It’s A Sin is based on Davies’s experiences at the time and one character, Jill, is based on a close friend of his.

The best part? Real-life Jill makes an appearance as the mother of the character that she inspired.

Quiz

A series of well-timed coughs was all it took to pull off one of TV’s most audacious heists, as ITV’s star-studded Quiz makes all too clear.

Based on real-life events, it tells the story of British army major Charles Ingram, who landed the coveted £1 million jackpot on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

He never collected the prize, though, and instead ended up on trial at Southwark crown court for deception. And this critically acclaimed miniseries takes us on that journey, right from the very first cough to the verdict itself.

Chernobyl

Best TV dramas based on true stories: 34 brilliant series to watch, from It’s A Sin to Special