American Crime Story: Season 1
2016 · 10 episodes · ★ 7.9
The People v. O.J. Simpson
What Season 1 of American Crime Story
The first season of American Crime Story, created by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski and based on the book The Run of His Life by Jeffrey Toobin, centers on the trial of O. J. Simpson, accused of murdering his ex-wife. Sarah Paulson plays Marcia Clark, the prosecutor leading the case, alongside Sterling K. Brown as Christopher Darden. Opposing them is the defense, led by John Travolta as Robert Shapiro, who works to tear down the prosecution's case. The series shows the legal tactics of both sides and the twists of a trial in which both have a lot at stake.
Season 1 Episodes
1x01 From the Ashes of Tragedy
Investigators visit the home of O.J. Simpson following the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
Directing: Ryan Murphy · Writing: Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski · Starring: Rachel Andersen, Paolo Andino, Ken Lerner, Thomas Owen
1x02 The Run of His Life
O.J. Simpson goes missing in the white Bronco and Robert Shapiro and Robert Kardashian battle the fallout while the D.A.'s office and the LAPD go searching for O.J.
Directing: Ryan Murphy · Writing: Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski · Starring: David Bickford, Jeff Bowser, Zylan Brooks, Paolo Andino
1x03 The Dream Team
Marcia reveals O.J. has been charged; Robert Shapiro seeks advice from F. Lee Bailey, creates a provocative strategy, and tries to convince O.J. to hire Johnnie Cochran.
Directing: Anthony Hemingway · Writing: D.V. DeVincentis · Starring: Billy Magnussen, Romy Rosemont, Alexis Simpson, Joe Abraham
1x04 100% Not Guilty
As jury selection gets underway, the entrance of Johnnie Cochran adds an interesting energy to the case.
Directing: Anthony Hemingway · Writing: Maya Forbes, Larry Karaszewski, Scott Alexander · Starring: Connie Britton, Walter Addison, Courtney Cook, Carolyn Crotty
1x05 The Race Card
Christopher Darden and Johnnie Cochran face off in court. Chris has doubts about Mark Fuhrman as a witness. The jury visits the crime scene.
Directing: John Singleton · Writing: Joe Robert Cole · Starring: Kwame Patterson, Duane R. Shepard Sr., Jonelle Allen, Tayler Buck
1x06 Marcia, Marcia, Marcia
As Marcia Clark juggles her home and work obligations, she starts to feel the public scrutiny of her appearance.
Directing: Ryan Murphy · Writing: D.V. DeVincentis · Starring: Iris Almario, Cory Blevins, Peggy Blow, Bryant Boon
1x07 Conspiracy Theories
Some conspiracy theories concerning the case start to circulate. The prosecution talk about whether they should have O.J. Simpson try on the glove on in court.
Directing: Anthony Hemingway · Writing: D.V. DeVincentis · Starring: Chris Bauer, Michael McGrady, Evan Handler, Arriane Alexander
1x08 A Jury in Jail
Months into the trial, cut off from their families, society and the media, the jurors grow stir crazy and start becoming unlikely targets for the prosecution and the defense. Meanwhile, the country is introduced to the science of DNA evidence.
Directing: Anthony Hemingway · Writing: Joe Robert Cole · Starring: Selma Blair, Christopher Boyer, Cocoa Brown, Diana Daves
1x09 Manna from Heaven
Johnnie Cochran and F. Lee Bailey head across the country to get their hands on the Mark Fuhrman tapes. Judge Ito must decide whether the tapes, and the racial epithets they contain, are admissible.
Directing: Anthony Hemingway · Writing: Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski · Starring: Michael Graham, Hardy Awadjie, Cheryl Ladd, Larry King
1x10 The Verdict Season Finale
In the season finale, the prosecution and defense make their closing statements; the jurors deliberate; and the verdict is given.
Directing: Ryan Murphy · Writing: Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski · Starring: Michael Graham, Ariel D. King, Chris Conner, Jordana Brewster
Season 1 Cast
Sterling K. BrownChristopher Darden10 episodes
Kenneth ChoiLance Ito10 episodes
Cuba Gooding Jr.O. J. Simpson10 episodes
Bruce GreenwoodGil Garcetti10 episodes
Nathan LaneF. Lee Bailey10 episodes
Courtney B. VanceJohnnie Cochran10 episodes
Dale GodboldoCarl E. Douglas9 episodes
Tye WhiteJason Simpson9 episodes
Angel ParkerShawn Chapman8 episodes
Leonard RobertsDennis Schatzman7 episodes
Jessica Blair HermanKim Goldman7 episodes
Joseph SiravoFred Goldman7 episodes
Susan BeaubianArmanda Cooley7 episodes
P.L. BrownEaster7 episodes
Roslyn GentleDemon7 episodes
Jenna WillisTanya Brown7 episodes
Jeris PoindexterWatson Calhoun7 episodes
Chris ConnerJeffrey Toobin6 episodes
All Seasons
Season 22018 · 9 eps · 
Season 32021 · 10 eps · Where to Watch Season 1 of American Crime Story
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are in American Crime Story Season 1?
American Crime Story Season 1 has 10 episodes.
When did American Crime Story Season 1 premiere?
It premiered on February 2, 2016.
Where to watch American Crime Story Season 1?
By subscription, on Disney Plus (availability may vary by country).
What is the best episode of Season 1?
According to the audience score on TMDB, episode 1x09, "Manna from Heaven," with a 8.6.