FX is returning to the sports world once more as it attempts to examine the life, death and crimes of another controversial athlete.
"American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez" is set to release in September, representing the first titular "Sports Story" offering but the third time FX has aired a show revolving around a shocking sports scandal.
The first, "The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story," was a hit, with the series garnering nine Emmys, two Golden Globes and four Critics' Choice Television Awards. The second, "Clipped," released last year, didn't quite reach the heights of its predecessor but still drew generally positive reviews.
Now FX turns its attention to Hernandez, the former Patriots star and convicted killer who died in 2017. The show is set to feature an ensemble cast.
The actors will have their work cut out for them. In addition to cast members portraying pivotal figures in Hernandez's upbringing, others will have to depict the likes of Tom Brady, Tim Tebow, Bill Belichick and Urban Meyer.
Here's what you need to know about FX's upcoming release, set to debut in mid-September 2024.
MORE: Breaking down the timeline of Aaron Hernandez's crimes
Aaron Hernandez show, explained
Hernandez's life and death are chronicled in this 10-episode series, which promises to shed insight on the former Patriots tight end's upbringing, identity, playing career and the crimes for which he was convicted.
The series will air on FX and is produced by Ryan Murphy, a six-time Primetime Emmy Award winner who has credits on a host of hit programs, including "Glee," "American Horror Story" and "American Crime Story." FX's latest offering is based on the podcast "Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc.," from The Boston Globe and Wondery.
MORE: Revisiting O.J. Simpson's infamous murder trial
What is 'American Sports Story'?
"American Sports Story" is an upcoming sports anthology series crafted by Stu Zicherman. Murphy is one of a number of executive producers who have lended support for the project, which serves as an offshoot of Murphy and co-creator Brad Falchuk's "American Story" franchise, which has garnered critical acclaim.
"American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez" represents the first of what is expected to be multiple series produced about sports controversies. Interestingly, neither "The People vs. O.J. Simpson" nor "Clipped" are included under the "American Sports Story" umbrella.
MORE: Separating NBA facts from fiction in FX series 'Clipped'
'American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez' cast
Here's a look at the cast of actors set to take part in "American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez."
- Josh Andres Rivera as Aaron Hernandez
- Patrick Schwarzenegger as Tim Tebow
- Lindsay Mendez as Tanya Singleton
- Tony Yazbeck as Urban Meyer
- Jake Cannavale as Chris
- Catfish Jean as Ernest "Bo" Wallace
- Jaylen Barron as Shayanna Jenkins
- Tammy Blanchard as Terri Hernandez
- Ean Castellanos as DJ Hernandez
- Thomas Sadoski as Brian Murphy
- Norbert Leo Butz as Bill Belichick
- Kwadarrius Smith as Dean Branch
- Casey Sullivan as Sam Bradford
'American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez' release date
"American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez" will debut on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 10 p.m. ET. It will air on FX with streaming options on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally.
The 10-episode series will run during the NFL regular season.
'American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez' trailer
🚨TRENDING: The first trailer for ‘AMERICAN SPORTS STORY: AARON HERNANDEZ.’
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) August 14, 2024
It will be about Hernandez’s rise, fall, s*xuality, m*rder conviction, & suic*de.
It will be premiering on FX & Hulu on September 17th
(h/t @ComplexSports)
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