Based on a True Story delves into the cutthroat world of true crime podcasts - quite literally in the case of Ava and Nathan Bartlett.

Obsessed with their podcasts and with the Westside Ripper on the loose in their neighbourhood, they think they’ve struck gold when a man they believe to be the notorious killer walks into their lives.

Now it’s just a case of capitalising on it – and somehow getting this killer on board. Easy, right?

Well… no. Not really. But this group of characters have definitely got their own motivations in making sure this mission is a success.

Here’s everything you need to know about the main stars of this brand new thriller, available on Sky Max and NOW.

Played by: Kaley Cuoco (The Flight Attendant, The Big Bang Theory)

A realtor by day, a podcast obsessive by night, Ava is looking for some excitement in her life. Pregnant with her first baby, she’s hesitant to admit she’s unhappy in her marriage and their lifestyle. So instead, she spends a lot of time fantasising about the life she could have – including sexually explicit rendez-vous with her high-earning clients.

Played by: Chris Messina (The Mindy Project, The Sinner)

Once a tennis player on the rise, Nathan’s career was cut short by a devastating knee injury that knocked him out of the professional game. Now, he’s a tennis coach for the affluent members of his country club, and is becoming increasingly worried about his job security as pickleball becomes a more favoured racquet sport.

Living in the midst of a mid-life crisis, Nathan is drawn into the podcast plan in a bid to provide for his family.

Played by: Tom Bateman (Funny Woman, Behind Her Eyes)

Suave, attractive, and charismatic, it’s hard not to like Matt Pierce. But behind that steely jawline is a darker persona and a narcissistic personality that you do not want to cross. Moonlighting as a serial killer by night, he becomes highly intrigued by the limelight the podcast affords him.

Played by: Priscilla Quintana (Good Trouble, Pandora)

Ruby lives the life that Ava wants. Wanting for nothing, Ruby has a huge house, a lawyer husband, and a sexy side-piece boyfriend that she openly talks about.

She even has Ava and Nathan’s pet dog, after their small home wasn’t big enough for him to run around in.

However, things aren’t always as they seem and Ruby is someone who craves more out of life, opportunistic and deceptive, and is deeply unhappy in her marriage.

She is also just as obsessed with true crime podcasts during her downtime.

Actress Priscilla said Ruby is an “intentional disruptor” in Ava and Nathan’s life.

Played by: Aaron Staton (Mad Men, Castle Rock)

A high-flying lawyer with a super hot wife, Simon is aware of how lucky he is – though over time begins to notice Ruby’s affections waning.

Not that it takes much to notice, with Ruby openly flaunting her lover in front of others, with Simon’s agreement to an open marriage weighing on him.

It doesn’t take long for him to reach a boiling point - prompting a shocking decision in front of his family and friends.

Played by: Liana Liberato (Scream VI, Totally Killer)

Tory is Ava’s little sister who has moved into the home right at the least convenient moment. She’s also Ava’s opposite and couldn’t care less about the true crime genre, in fact she kind of hates it.

While she may be the younger sibling, Tory is often the voice of reason in the household, not that they often listen.

Played by: Annabelle Dexter-Jones (American Horror Story, Succession)

Ava’s best friend, Serena is there for a rant and is more in tune than most about what is going on when it comes to The Bartlett’s marital troubles.

Always there for a chat about some true crime with a glass of wine and a gossip, though unlike Ava, she knows to leave the obsession at the end of whatever episode she’s listening to.

Played by: Sebastian Quinn (Family Switch, Miranda’s Victim)

Carlos is Ruby’s lover, who is more in tune with her wants and needs than her husband, Simon, is.

But that kind of loyalty comes at a price, and Carlos is willing to bend to whoever has the higher number.