Ryan Murphy TV shows: A look at the most influential series

Ryan Murphy, one of the most acclaimed television producers of his generation, has a distinctive storytelling style that has captivated audiences for over two decades. Known for his ability to tackle diverse genres, from horror to musical comedy and entertainment, Murphy’s shows stand out for their unique themes, boundary-pushing narratives, and memorable characters.

This article delves into some of the most iconic Ryan Murphy TV shows, exploring his journey from Glee to American Horror Story and beyond.

Early beginnings: Nip/Tuck and breakthrough success

One of Murphy’s earliest major successes was the medical drama Nip/Tuck, a series that explored the personal and professional lives of two plastic surgeons. Premiering in 2003, Nip/Tuck was revolutionary for its time, delving into themes of vanity, identity, and moral ambiguity.

Nip/Tuck (2003-2010)

Nip/Tuck brought Murphy his first taste of mainstream success, running for six seasons and winning critical acclaim for its dark, provocative approach. The show’s focus on complex human psychology and moral dilemmas became a Murphy hallmark, setting the stage for his later work.

Impact: Nip/Tuck pushed boundaries in television, bringing explicit content and controversial topics to the forefront. The success of Nip/Tuck established Murphy as a bold storyteller, unafraid to tackle taboo subjects, and garnered him a devoted fanbase.

Glee: Redefining Teen TV

With Glee, Murphy tapped into the world of high school drama and musical comedy, creating a groundbreaking show that gained an instant fan following. Premiering in 2009, Glee followed a group of high school students navigating the pressures of adolescence, relationships, and their love for music. The show became an unexpected hit, winning multiple awards and cementing Murphy’s place in pop culture.

Glee (2009-2015)

Glee combined music, comedy, and drama to tell stories of acceptance, resilience, and self-expression. It tackled issues such as bullying, mental health, and LGBTQ+ identity, resonating with audiences around the world.

Impact: Glee was revolutionary, becoming a cultural phenomenon and inspiring a new wave of teen shows that addressed social issues with humor and heart. The show’s success led to the creation of Glee clubs in schools nationwide and propelled Murphy into the spotlight as a creative force in television.

The American Horror Story franchise: Redefining TV horror

One of Murphy’s most successful ventures has been American Horror Story, an anthology series that has captivated audiences with its chilling themes and rotating cast of characters. Each season features a new storyline and setting, from haunted houses to witch covens, creating a unique horror experience that reinvents itself each year.

American Horror Story (2011-present)

American Horror Story became a cult hit upon its debut, blending horror with social commentary and psychological depth. Known for iconic performances by actors like Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, and Evan Peters, the show has explored themes of fear, greed, and human nature across its seasons.

Impact: American Horror Story revived the anthology format for modern audiences, influencing numerous other horror series. The show’s success has spawned a dedicated fan base, numerous awards, and even spin-off series such as American Horror Stories, further expanding its reach and legacy.

American Crime Story: Bringing true crime to life

Following the success of American Horror Story, Murphy launched American Crime Story, an anthology series focusing on famous criminal cases in American history. Each season examines a different case, from the O.J. Simpson trial to the murder of Gianni Versace, blending dramatization with a true-crime approach.

American Crime Story (2016-present)

The first season, The People v. O.J. Simpson, received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of the trial and exploration of race, celebrity, and justice in America. The second season, The Assassination of Gianni Versace, tackled themes of fame, homophobia, and mental health, solidifying the show’s place in the true-crime genre.

Impact: American Crime Story set a new standard for dramatized true-crime series, delivering high-quality storytelling and gaining widespread acclaim. The show’s detailed exploration of real events has helped shape the popularity of true-crime dramas on television.

Pose: Celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and resilience

Pose is another one of Murphy’s influential series, set in the 1980s and focusing on the ballroom culture in New York City. Known for its groundbreaking representation of transgender actors, Pose tells powerful stories of identity, family, and resilience in the LGBTQ+ community.

Pose (2018-2021)

With a cast made up largely of transgender actors and actresses, Pose became a milestone for representation in mainstream media. The show highlights the struggles and triumphs of queer people of color during the AIDS crisis, shedding light on underrepresented voices in television.

Impact: Pose broke new ground for LGBTQ+ representation on television, receiving critical acclaim and a loyal fan following. The show’s focus on authentic storytelling brought greater visibility to transgender actors and the ballroom culture, making it a cultural touchstone in LGBTQ+ media.

The Politician and Hollywood: Exploring power and ambition

In 2019, Murphy launched two new series on Netflix—The Politician and Hollywood—that explore themes of power, ambition, and the impact of social systems on individual lives.

The Politician (2019-present)

The Politician follows the story of Payton Hobart, a wealthy student determined to become the President of the United States. Combining satire with drama, the show explores issues like privilege, identity, and the lengths people go to achieve success.

Impact: The Politician reflects Murphy’s signature style of blending humor with serious themes. The show’s satirical take on ambition and politics appeals to audiences interested in social commentary, cementing Murphy’s influence in diverse genres.

Hollywood (2020)

Hollywood reimagines the Golden Age of Hollywood, following a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers challenging industry norms and prejudices. The series blends history with fiction, exploring issues of race, sexuality, and gender in 1940s Hollywood.

Impact: Hollywood offers a unique mix of social critique and nostalgia, showing Murphy’s willingness to confront historical injustices through storytelling. Though short-lived, the series was praised for its perspective on systemic biases in entertainment.

Ratched: Reinventing an iconic character

In 2020, Murphy reimagined the classic character Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in the Netflix series Ratched. Starring Sarah Paulson, the show explores the backstory of one of cinema’s most iconic villains, adding depth to a character known for her cold demeanor and calculating nature.

Ratched (2020-present)

Set in the 1940s, Ratched delves into the dark origins of Nurse Mildred Ratched, creating a suspenseful psychological thriller. The series combines Murphy’s love for horror with an exploration of morality, power, and trauma.

Impact: Ratched offers a new perspective on a familiar character, showcasing Murphy’s talent for character-driven storytelling. The show has resonated with fans of psychological thrillers, adding another notable title to Murphy’s growing list of productions.

Monsters: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and The Menendez Brothers

In 2022, Ryan Murphy introduced Monsters: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, offering a harrowing look into the infamous life and crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer. This success led Netflix to renew Monsters as an anthology, with a new season dedicated to the Menendez brothers.

Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (2024)

Released on September 19, 2024, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story explores the traumatic family history of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted in the 1989 murder of their parents. The series dives into complex themes of abuse, family dynamics, and the effects of social neglect, building on the impactful storytelling style that made Monsters a success. Murphy’s portrayal is expected to provoke discussions on crime and justice, mirroring the response to Dahmer.

Impact: This installment further cements Monsters as a unique addition to Murphy’s anthology work, blending real-life crime with psychological depth and social commentary.

The legacy of Ryan Murphy’s TV shows

From redefining horror in American Horror Story to celebrating LGBTQ+ culture in Pose, Ryan Murphy’s TV shows have left a lasting impact on television. His work continues to push boundaries, challenge norms, and bring unique stories to the screen. Each series offers viewers a glimpse into Murphy’s diverse storytelling abilities, blending social commentary, bold themes, and unforgettable characters.

Ryan Murphy’s influence on television

With a wide-ranging portfolio, Murphy’s work has influenced modern television, inspiring creators to explore unconventional stories and represent underrepresented communities. His commitment to showcasing diversity has not only redefined TV but also provided new opportunities for actors, directors, and writers from all backgrounds.

The future of Ryan Murphy TV shows

Murphy continues to create groundbreaking shows for both broadcast networks and streaming platforms, ensuring his storytelling legacy will endure. As he explores new genres, themes, and characters, fans can look forward to seeing more bold, innovative work from this prolific creator.

Final thoughts: Celebrating Ryan Murphy’s impact on TV

Ryan Murphy’s TV shows have shaped television, introducing audiences to a blend of dark, dramatic, and heartwarming stories. From the groundbreaking inclusivity of Pose to the spine-tingling horror of American Horror Story, Murphy’s contributions have solidified his place as a visionary in the entertainment industry. With each new series, Murphy continues to inspire and challenge audiences, proving that his storytelling is as impactful as it is unforgettable.