By now we're admittedly used to the prospect of blockbuster cable TV series spawning "companion" spinoffs, but FX's newest 'American Horror Story' riff is by far the most perplexing yet. The network has officially placed an order for Ryan Murphy's 'American Crime Story' series, its first season subtitled 'The People v. O.J. Simpson,' and we assure you, this is not a joke.

FX confirmed the news in press release, adding that the 10-episode miniseries would follow Jeffrey Toobin book 'The Run of His Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson, with episodes written by Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski, and directed by Ryan Murphy. Produced by Murphy, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Brad Falchuk and Dante Di Loretto, so reads the official synopsis for the new series, which begins production in 2015:

American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson is a look at the O.J. Simpson trial told from the perspective of the lawyers that explores the chaotic behind-the-scenes dealings and maneuvering on both sides of the court, and how a combination of prosecution confidence, defense wiliness, and the LAPD’s history with the city’s African-American community gave a jury what it needed: reasonable doubt.

Keeping to the 'American Horror Story' model, subsequent seasons would follow another headline-making real-world crime, though unclear is if the series would reuse cast members, as with its predecessor. Says FX of the pickup:

Time and time again, Ryan Murphy has transformed the medium of television by redefining genres and formats as he did with Nip/Tuck, Glee and the American Horror Story franchise, and we expect the same of American Crime Story. Scott and Larry have adapted Jeffrey Toobin’s book into a masterful 10-hour piece. I have no doubt that Ryan and his partners, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Brad Falchuk, and Dante Di Loreto are going to make something very memorable here – and that it will be a spectacular first entry in what is destined to become a series of great true crime-based miniseries."

Adds Murphy himself:

This is an exciting project for me, as I’ve been looking for the right property which could serve as an extension of the American Horror Story brand I love so much. The O.J. case was as tragic as it was fascinating – it seemed like everyone had a stake in the outcome. It was really the beginning of the modern tabloid age.

Man. It's a lot to take in for the moment, with more developments likely to come as we prepare for the 'American Horror Story: Freak Show' premiere tomorrow night, but what say you? Does 'American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson' seem too crazy, even for FX? What crimes would you like to see the 'American Crime Story' franchise tackle down the line?

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