After recreating and re-examinating the O.J. Simpson case and the assassination of Gianni Versace, Ryan Murphy’s American Crime Story anthology is returning with an upcoming third series. The subject this time? The Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal, which saw the mid-90s POTUS engage in an “inappropriate relationship” with a White House intern in the Oval Office. Seeing as the affair saw Clinton impeached, it’s clear why this upcoming season will be called American Crime Story: Impeachment.
Taking the pivotal role of Lewinsky will be none other than Beanie Feldstein – the break-out star of Lady Bird, who went on to co-lead the utterly brilliant Booksmart earlier this year. Not only that, but Lewinsky herself will act as a producer on the series. In a statement released to Vanity Fair, she said: “I was hesitant, and truthfully more than a little scared to sign on. But after a lengthy dinner meeting with Ryan, I came to understand even more clearly how dedicated he is to giving a voice to the marginalised in all of his brilliant work. I’m privileged to work with him and the other talented people on the team, and I’m privileged to have this opportunity. […] People have been co-opting and telling my part in this story for decades. In fact, it wasn’t until the past few years that I’ve been able to fully reclaim my narrative; almost 20 years later.”
The show will be based on the book A Vast Conspiracy: The Real Story Of The Sex Scandal That Nearly Brought Down A President by Jeffrey Toobin, with Sarah Burgess on board to write and co-executive produce. Ryan Murphy regular Sarah Paulson will star as Linda Tripp, a civil servant who became embroiled in the case.
American Crime Story: Impeachment will premiere in the US on 27 September – it remains to be seen if BBC Two will once again pick up the UK rights to air the show, and if there will be a delay in it reaching our shores.