Is Anatomy of a Scandal based on a true story? The reality of the Netflix show

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Anatomy of a Scandal is Netflix’s new political thriller and it begins with Rupert Friend’s minister James Whitehouse embroiled in a salacious affair with one of his co-workers. However, the dark mini-series' story abruptly shifts as the politician is accused of sexual misconduct.

Across six episodes, the truth is slowly unraveled by his wife Sophie (Sienna Miller) who is torn between staying by her husband’s side and believing his accuser. Michelle Dockery also appears in the star-studded drama created by Big Little Lies showrunner David E. Kelley.

All six episodes of the show are now available to stream but given scandal and corruption never seem to be far from the halls of Westminster, some may be wondering if the show is based on true events. 

 While it may seem reminiscent of some British tabloid headlines, the basic story of Anatomy of a Scandal is fictional. The show is adapted from Sarah Vaughan’s bestselling novel of the same name. Published in 2018, it follows an affair in the halls of power that becomes the catalyst for uncovering a bigger miscarriage of justice. 

However, despite being a work of fiction, Vaughan has shared how she was very inspired by her years reporting on stories like the one told in Anatomy of a Scandal. The author worked as a court reporter and a political journalist for several years before writing her novel, covering several notorious cases and political scandals.

Opening up about this in a piece for British bookseller Waterstones, she said covering various high-profile criminal cases – including the inquest into the murder of Stephen Lawrence as well as the suicide of former weapons inspector Stephen Kelly – informed her view on the criminal system.

Vaughan also explained that the main