“American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” series premiered on FX at 10 p.m. ET, Tuesday, Sept. 17 on Hulu.
FX's American Sports Story is a biopic that will explore Aaron Hernandez's rise to fame with the New England Patriots, a National Football League professional team and his eventual fall from grace outside of the game. This series chronicles his mysterious life filled with run-ins with the law and controversy in his personal life which led up to his death while incarcerated in 2017.
FX's American Sports Story (FX)
This new anthology drama series will be produced by Ryan Murphy, best known for the hit FOX show Glee and American Horror Story on FX.
Murphy previously produced the acclaimed "The People vs. O. J. Simpson" in 2016, a sports drama series focusing on the 1994-95 trial of the NFL icon.
For over a decade, the story of Aaron Hernandez captivated the sports world. The former N. F. L. star, who was convicted of murder in 2015, took his life in prison two years later. His record of criminal activity, rumors about his personal life, and successful football career continue to intrigue critics and former fans alike. Hernandez is played by actor Josh Rivera in "American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez".
Josh Rivera as Aaron Hernandez in "American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez" (FX)
This series is emotionally heavy, chilling at times, buzz worthy, and most definitely riveting as audiences see one of the NFL’s former superstars on screen as they lead a mysterious life of murder and mayhem right outside of the locker room.
From 2007 to 2009, Aaron Hernandez played college football at the University of Florida, winning a national championship and being voted the nation's best tight end. His time at Florida was marked by altercations with the law, causing concern for NFL teams considering drafting him. Despite his undeniable talent, these rising off the field issues began to slightly concern several organizations.
Aaron Hernandez (The Augusta Chronicle)/Josh Rivera as Aaron Hernandez in "American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez" (FX)
He was not selected until the fourth round of the 2010 N.F.L. Draft, joining the New England Patriots which kept him near his hometown and the area were he was raised in Connecticut. He played three seasons with the New England Patriots until his arrest and conviction for the murder of Odin Lloyd. Hernandez became a key force and top ranked Tight End. He helped the Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance in 2012. That year, team owner Robert Kraft signed Hernandez to a $40 million contract which was a record at the time.
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Less than 2 years later, Hernandez would be arrested for murder. It was then, where his “secret” life filled with violence, drugs, crime, infidelity, and trauma would then begin to play out live in the media. Hernandez's last NFL appearance was the 2012 AFC Championship game on January 20, 2013.
Nina Jacobson, an executive producer of American Sports Story, said showrunners hoped to offer viewers a “more subjective experience.” A superbly talented athlete, father, and son, ultimately faced his demise due to a life filled with secrets, murder, crime, mental health issues, and substance abuse leaves so many unanswered questions. American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez seeks to take answers those questions or fill in the blanks as best as possible. This story takes viewers to the 50 yard line, at the center of it all as it unfolds right on the big screen.
New episodes of American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez airs on FX at 10 p.m. every Tuesday until its season finale on November 12, 2024. Episodes can also be streamed on Hulu.
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