Ryan Murphy has been a television powerhouse for over two decades, churning out hits like Nip/Tuck, American Horror Story, Glee, and Monster. But recent years have seen his projects struggle to maintain the cultural grip they once had. Shows like Doctor Odyssey, The Beauty, and Grotesquerie have come and gone without much buzz, and his latest FX series, The Shards, is facing a similar uphill battle.
Based on Bret Easton Ellis's novel, The Shards is a nine-episode thriller that Murphy wrote and directed. It premiered to a strong start, quickly climbing to the top spot on Disney+ and generating initial excitement. But that momentum has faded. According to FlixPatrol, the show has slipped to seventh place on Disney+ and is performing similarly on Hulu, where it will officially land in September 2026. FX hasn't released official viewership numbers, but the drop in rankings and a lukewarm critical reception don't bode well for the show's planned three-season arc.
Critics have been mixed on The Shards. On Rotten Tomatoes, audiences gave it a 56% while critics scored it even lower at 44%. Many agree the performances are strong, the costumes are spot-on, and the 1980s setting is well-captured. But the consensus is that the series feels unfocused and surprisingly restrained. Collider's Gabrielle Moss noted in her review that "the most shocking thing about The Shards might be how not shocking it is." ScreenRant's Graeme Guttman echoed that sentiment, saying Murphy "sanitizes Ellis' novel for the screen."
Still, the show has found a niche audience that appreciates its campy excess. CBR's Chris La Vigna praised the main cast's performances, calling them "impressive." That devoted fanbase might be enough to keep it alive, but it's a far cry from the cultural phenomenon Murphy once commanded.
The streaming landscape is unforgiving, and even big names can't guarantee longevity. All's Fair, another Murphy project, had to overcome negative reviews with raw streaming numbers to secure a Season 2 renewal. With The Shards struggling to hold its audience, its future is uncertain. Meanwhile, the upcoming star-studded season of American Horror Story is expected to be a strong performer, potentially drawing attention away from The Shards.
For now, The Shards is available on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally, with a wider release planned for September 2026. Whether it can regain its footing remains to be seen. If you're a fan of Murphy's work or Ellis's novel, it might be worth a watch—but don't expect the shock value you might be hoping for.
For more on what's coming to streaming, check out our look at the latest trailer for The Rainmaker Season 2 or this new horror trivia game show. And if you're in the mood for something scary, here's a hidden gem on Netflix.
