FX's new series, "The Shards," makes its debut on Wednesday, August 5, with its first two episodes airing on FX and streaming on Hulu. The show, from executive producer Ryan Murphy, is an adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's novel of the same name.
Set in 1981 Los Angeles, "The Shards" explores themes of wealth, sex, and death through the eyes of Bret, a student at the prestigious Buckley Academy. The narrative imagines Ellis's own high school experience overlapping with a series of gruesome murders attributed to a serial killer known as "The Trawler." The series delves into the anxieties of the 1980s, including the Satanic panic, violent cults, and the pervasive fear of serial killers.
The plot intensifies with the arrival of Robert Mallory, a captivating new student who infiltrates Bret's friend group, causing friction and shifting dynamics. Bret becomes increasingly convinced that Robert is the elusive serial killer, a suspicion that fuels much of the series' drama.
The cast features several notable young actors, including Kaia Gerber, daughter of Cindy Crawford, as Susan Reynolds; Homer Gere, son of Richard Gere, as Robert Mallory; and musician Hayes Warner as Debbie Schaffer, Bret's girlfriend. Owen Painter, Daniel Dale, and Ivy Wolk also star as Buckley students caught in the unfolding events.
New episodes of "The Shards" will be released on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on both FX and Hulu through September 9. The release schedule follows an episodic rollout.
"The Shards" Episode Guide: Episode 1 “Pilot”: Wednesday, August 5 Episode 2 “Don’t You Want Me”: Wednesday, August 5 Episode 3 “Help Me! Rhonda!”: Wednesday, August 12 Episode 4 “Robert’s Party”: Wednesday, August 12 Episode 5 “Murder on the Dancefloor”: Wednesday, August 19 Episode 6 “Homecoming Part One”: Wednesday, August 26 Episode 7 “Homecoming Part Two”: Wednesday, August 26 Episode 8 “Hamlet”: Wednesday, September 2 Episode 9 “Stairway to Heaven”: Wednesday, September 9
Viewers without cable access can stream "The Shards" on Hulu. Subscription options for Hulu start at $11.99 per month for the ad-supported plan and $18.99 per month for the ad-free version. Bundled packages including Disney+ and Hulu are also available, starting at $12.99 per month.