Is Fargo Based on a True Story? What the Series is Based on?
by Janani
Updated Apr 11, 2023
Fargo
Fargo is a popular American black comedy crime drama television series that draws inspiration from the 1996 movie of the same name by the Coen brothers. Noah Hawley is the creator and primary writer of Fargo. The show is set within the same fictional universe as the movie, and the Coens were impressed with Hawley's script, leading to their inclusion as executive producers. The series first aired on FX on April 15, 2014, and follows an anthology format where each season features a distinct story, location, era, and cast of mostly new characters, with some minor overlap.
Is Fargo Based on a True Story?
No, Fargo is not based on a true event. Similar to the film, the assertion that Fargo is based on true events is inaccurate. Noah Hawley, the executive producer of the show, has stated that "it's all just made up." This holds true for all the seasons of Fargo, as the storyline is entirely fictional. Contrary to popular belief, Fargo is not a remake of the movie. Instead, it is an anthology series that highlights various crimes occurring in different locations and time periods in each season. Nonetheless, the show takes place in the same fictional world as the movie.
Is Fargo TV Show Based on a True Story?
The Fargo film and TV series are not grounded in reality or based on factual events. In a 2014 interview, Noah Hawley, the executive producer of the show, debunked the notion of the "true story" introductions in the episodes by stating that "the show... It's all just made up. The whole cloth." Hawley further explained that he didn't seek out a real-life crime to base the show on, but instead started from a character perspective, with the storyline evolving organically from there.
What is Fargo Based on?
Fargo is an American crime drama television series with darkly comedic undertones, created and predominantly written by Noah Hawley. The show takes inspiration from the Coen brothers' 1996 film of the same name and shares the same fictional world. The Coen brothers, who wrote and directed the movie, are also credited as executive producers of the TV series. Ben Wishaw portrays Rabbi Milligan with deadly seriousness and moral rebirth, willing to kill in defense of a higher ethic and code. Chris Rock's portrayal of the head of the local black crime family takes a bit of getting used to, but as the series progresses, his performance becomes more and more convincing, with no trace of the funnyman persona he is known for.
Is Fargo Based on a Real Story?
Similar to the original movie, each episode of Fargo begins with on-screen text that reads: "This is a true story. The events depicted took place in[location] in [year]. At the request of the survivors, the names have been changed. Out of respect for the dead, the rest has been told exactly as it occurred." However, this claim is not factual, and showrunner Noah Hawley continued to use the Coen brothers' technique as it allowed him to "tell a story in a new way." Hawley also took liberties with the realism of the plot. When asked about the fate of a character named Charlie Gerhardt in season 2, he responded, "If he's out there, I'd like to get a letter from him someday, telling me how he turned out."
Fargo Review
The actors in Fargo are outstanding, each bringing a solid foundation to their characters that allows for effortless building throughout the series. Their performances are organic, with a thread that runs seamlessly from moment to moment, scene to scene, and episode to episode, making it appear as if there are no strings attached. The direction, sound, lighting, and production values are all top-notch, and the writing is superb. Fargo is a really good show, and it's a shame that viewers can't binge-watch and have to wait a week between episodes.
Is Fargo Based on a True Story - FAQs
Fargo is a popular American black comedy crime drama television series.
Noah Hawley created Fargo.
Billy Bob Thornton played the role of Lorne Malvo.
Jesse Plemons played the role of Ed Blumquist.
Jessie Buckley played the role of Oraetta Mayflower.