This article contains discussions of murder, sexual assault, racism, bombings, and child death.
Summary
- American Crime Story season 4 had plans to focus on Studio 54 creators but changed the subject.
- Potential subjects for season 4 include the West Memphis Three, the Central Park Five, and the Unabomber cases.
- The series has covered the infamous O.J. Simpson trial, Gianni Versace's assassination, and the Clinton-Lewinsky affair.
American Crime Story season 4 has many notorious true crime cases to choose from after losing its previous subject. The FX show is one of the best true crime TV series of all time, taking an anthological approach to storytelling. Each season tells a different story that became well-known across the United States. So far, American Crime Story has covered the trial of O.J. Simpson, the assassination of Gianni Versace, and the Clinton-Lewinsky affair.
American Crime Story was renewed for season 4 with plans to focus on Steve Rubell and Ian Schrage, the creators of Studio 54, who were eventually convicted of tax fraud. In January 2023, FX’s chairperson confirmed to Variety that the season is still in the works but won’t focus on Studio 54 anymore. With American Crime Story season 4 losing its subject, there are many other infamous crimes that the producers could pick for the upcoming addition to the anthology.
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15 The Oklahoma City Bombing
Timothy McVeigh And Terry Nichols Committed The Worst Act Of Domestic Terrorism In US History
A pivotal and horrific event that shook the entire United States was the Oklahoma City Bombing. On April 19, 1995, two extremists named Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols used a truck bomb to blow up the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. According to the FBI, the explosion killed 168 people, including 19 children. The Oklahoma City Bombing is still considered the worst incident of domestic terrorism in US History, giving it enough publicity to appear in American Crime Story.
Additionally, the investigation followed 43,000 leads and included over 7000 pounds of evidence The event resulted in trials for Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, as well as co-conspirator Michael Fortier. This gives the show plenty of material to pull from when creating the narrative.
14 The Murder Of Jonelle Matthews
Steven Pankey Put Himself At The Center Of His Victim's Investigation
The disappearance and murder of 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews occurred in Greeley, Colorado on December 20, 1984 (via People). Her body wasn't found until July 2019. Despite this, a neighbor named Steven Pankey – now known as Jonelle's kidnapper and murderer – inserted himself into the criminal investigation and continually asserted he had knowledge of what happened.
As Pankey gained attention, running for Idaho governor, so too did the Janelle Matthews case. Due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the case, Jonelle Matthews' kidnapping and murder would be a great choice for American Crime Story season 4. Additionally, it would give the series a chance to cover a case with slightly less national attention.
13 The Watts Family Murders
Chris Watts Became A Family Annihilator
One of the worst incidents of family annihilation in recent years is the murder of 34-year-old Shanann Watts and her daughters, 4-year-old Bella and 3-year-old Celeste, at the hands of their husband/father, Christopher Watts (via People). This murder was especially heinous due to the murder of the two young girls and the unexpected nature of the crime.
Shanann had a social media presence that made them seem like the perfect family. She was even pregnant with their next child, which Chris seemed excited about. Add in him having a mistress and there are plenty of angles with which the writers of American Crime Story can work. Additionally, since the crime occurred on August 13, 2018, it's fresh in the minds of viewers, pulling in more possible viewers.
12 The Murder Of JonBenet Ramsey
JonBenet Ramsey's Murder Is Unsolved
One of the best-known examples of child murder in the US is the murder of JonBenet Ramsey. A season of American Crime Story centered on the tragic crime would certainly pull in viewers. There are various angles to the crime that they could take. Multiple suspects exist, all falling into one of two categories – the crime was allegedly either committed by a family member or an intruder (via CNN).
However, there are two slight downfalls to American Crime Story season 4 covering this crime. Firstly, there wouldn't be a satisfying conclusion since nobody was ever found guilty. Secondly, the Ramseys have a history of being litigious. Still, the producers would be remiss to not at least consider the option.
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11 The Tuskegee Experiment
The US Government Experimented On Black American Men
If American Crime Story season 4 wanted to cover a behemoth of a case, they could take on the Tuskegee Experiment, better known as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. In this study, conducted between 1932 and 1979, the US Public Health Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recruited 600 Black men with the promise of free health care, but the 399 men with syphilis only received placebos. Researchers coerced physicians not to treat the men (via History).
Ultimately, 128 participants died of Syphilis or Syphilis-related causes. Because there are so many victims, the Tuskegee Experiment would be difficult to cover. This scandalous experiment was made public when a PHS investigator named Peter Buxton leaked the story to reporter Jean Heller, resulting in a massive congressional hearing. The fallout could be the touchpoint for the season's narrative.
10 The Jodi Arias Case
Jodi Arias Murdered Her Ex-Boyfriend Travis Alexander
On June 4, 2008, Jodi Arias killed her ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander. Alexander's friends immediately pointed the police to Arias, feeling certain she was responsible (via Crime Museum). This spurred one of the most bizarre and salacious murder investigations and trials, broadcast all across the country. The story was complete with fictional ninja intruders and a major make-under.
Because this story is just as well known as the O.J. Simpson trial, it would be a prime option for American Crime Story season 4. Plus, both the prosecutor – Juan Martinez – and Jodi Arias’ defense lawyer – Kirk Nurmi – wrote tell-all books that could serve as insight into the trial.
9 The Murder Of Emmett Till
Emmett Till's Lynching Propelled Forward The Civil Rights Movement
A darker part of US history that American Crime Story season 4 could follow is the horrendous lynching of the 14-year-old Black kid named Emmett Till after he supposedly flirted with a white woman on August 28, 1955 (via History). While not as recent as the other cases in the seasons of American Crime Story, the brutal murder is just as prolific and resonant as the other cases featured. The murder and trial helped propel the Civil Rights Movement forward. This case would allow the show to address race in a better way than The People V. O.J. Simpson.
8 The Casey Anthony Case
Casey Anthony Is Widely Considered A Miscarriage Of Justice
Casey Anthony being found not guilty for the alleged murder of her 2-year-old daughter Caylee Anthony is widely considered a massive miscarriage of justice, much like the O. J. Simpson case. As such, it could be a great option for American Crime Story season 4. Even if she was absolved of guilt, according to Biography’s timeline, she still went 30 days without reporting her daughter missing and repeatedly lied about her daughter's whereabouts.
The young woman made up a nanny and pretended to have a job at Universal Studios. She also got a tattoo that says “Bella Vita” which means “beautiful life” after Caylee's death, which she has since covered up (via People). The trial was also filled with twists and turns. As such, there is plenty for the show to explore.