The Wednesday night premiere of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story kicked off with a depiction of Gianni Versace’s murder, and Twitter had some strong reactions.
The scene began with a dramatic build-up. Assailant Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss) is shown processing the action he’s about to take and panicking a bit. Versace (Édgar Ramírez) is seen going about his day, eating breakfast and going out to grab a newspaper.
Videos by PopCulture.com
Andrew is then shown storming up to Versace’s door as the fashion icon steps inside. The killer lets out two shots, with the first missing and second striking Versace as there’s a cut to the title card.
The artful and straightforward opening wowed viewers with its feel and look, with come comparing it to The Godfather.
“What a lush, evocative opening to American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” one viewer wrote.
Another added, “Haven’t even hit the first commercial break of [ACS: Versace] yet, and I am in LOVE. Feels very Godfather-esque.”
What a lush, evocative opening to American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace
— Jason (@JasonDigsPanda) January 18, 2018
Haven’t even hit the first commercial break of @ACSFX #Versace yet and I am in LOVE. 😍
Feels very Godfather-esque.
— Melissa Casas (@melissahouses) January 18, 2018
Already Drawn in.
Breathtaking Cinematography and music. Acting is A+…
It’s been under 10 minutes…@ACSFX #ACSVersace
— Neka B. (@lanekabrown) January 18, 2018
Many were shocked to learn just how the murder of Versace went down. While most knew he was shot and killed, many were unaware the killing was so public.
“Damn, so that’s how he went out?” one fan said.
Dang I didn’t know dude just walked up to Versace and shot him in front of his house 😟
— cathedral jones (@jackieBfresh) January 18, 2018
Damn so that’s how he went out? #Versace
— Mr L. Smith (@MrLSmith21) January 18, 2018
The show goes on to show the investigation into Versace’s murder as well as flashbacks into what drove Cunanan to kill.
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on FX.
Photo Credit: FX / Jeff Daly
Most Viewed
-
A ring of vibrant marigold flowers with glowing candles at the center, set against a dark background. (Credit: Eduardo Monroy Husillos / Getty Images) -
Photo Credit: CBS -
CBS Presents Sheriff Country ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -
Photograph by Warrick Page/Max -
NEW YORK CITY – DECEMBER 19: "Toil and Trouble" – Elsbeth is thrown into the world of television after the showrunner of a long-running police procedural is brutally murdered in his office, and although it appears to be the act of a disgruntled fan, she begins to suspect the show's longtime star Regina Coburn (Laurie Metcalf) who yearns for artistic fulfillment. Meanwhile, Judge Crawford (Michael Emerson) continues to be a thorn in Elsbeth's side, on the CBS original series ELSBETH, Thursday, Dec. 19 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs). Pictured (L-R): Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni and Carra Patterson as Kaya Blanke. (Photo by Michael Parmelee/CBS via Getty Images)
