What is Netflix series Fakes about? Is Fakes based on a true story?

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before actress Emilija Baranac teams up with Grand Army star Jennifer Tong to bring us a zany and hilarious new YA crime drama about two best friends who build one of the largest fake ID empires in the country—and subsequently lose it all. Fakes is out soon on Netflix, and this Canadian gem might become one of your new favorite shows.

With just ten breezy, fast-paced episodes, Fakes takes us on a whirlwind with Becca (Tong) and Zoe (Baranac) as they begin their criminal enterprise with the assistance of an acquaintance named Tryst (The 100 star Richard Harmon). But what exactly is Fakes, and is it based on a real story?

What is the Netflix series Fakes about?

This 10-episode half-hour YA dramedy series follows two best friends that get in way over their heads when they start making and selling fake ID cards for their friends and peers.

The entire show uses lots of cheeky, fourth-wall breaking, and you never really know who is telling the whole truth. Fakes relies heavily on the unreliable narrator trope, often showing completely different versions of the same event to showcase just how difficult it can be to keep track of who said what and who initiated the entire illegal practice in the first place.

From Netflix, “FAKES is the story of two best friends who accidentally build one of the largest fake ID empires in North America. They move into a downtown penthouse, have more cash than they know what to do with, and then get raided by the feds. One of them goes to jail, the other doesn’t. This is the story of their ultimate betrayal, told through each of their POVs with regular fourth wall breaks. This is a comedy drama with two unreliable narrators who are both competing for the last word.”

Is the Netflix series Fakes based on a true story?

In-universe, Fakes is touted as a true story, sort of. The opening disclaimer says, “some of this actually happened, but legally we made it all up.” As far as we know, the show is not based on a real criminal enterprise.

Is Fakes based on a book?

No, Fakes is not based on a book. It appears to be based on a story idea from creator David Turko (Warrior Nun).

Fakes season 1 starts streaming on Netflix tomorrow, Sept. 2.