'The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story': The stars vs. their real-life counterparts

Don’t be fooled by the title: Although the 1997 murder of star fashion designer Gianni Versace is a major part of the sophomore season of Ryan Murphy’s American Crime Story, the series is just as much, if not more deeply, the story of Versace’s killer, Andrew Cunanan. The season, based on journalist Maureen Orth’s bestselling 1999 book, Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History, begins with Versace’s death and then unpacks Cunanan’s complicated life and his murderous cross-country trip in reverse. The Versace family, multiple Cunanan friends and lovers, plenty of victims, and a plethora of cops and FBI agents factor into Cunanan’s journey, and they’re portrayed in the FX series by some very recognizable, beloved stars, and at least one newcomer who we’re certain we’ll be seeing a lot more of.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story premieres Jan. 17 at 10 p.m. on FX.