Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuck are two of the most talented and sought-after showrunners in the industry today. So sought-after, in fact, that streaming goliath Netflix inked a monumental deal with the pair. After years of being the go-to showrunners for Fox and its sister cable channel, FX, the producing partners signed a five-year contract with Netflix that was estimated to be worth as much as $300 million, making it the most expensive production deal ever negotiated.
Below, we list some of Murphy and Falchuck’s most ingenious work to date. You know what that means: It’s binge time!
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
NIP/TUCK (2003-2010)
Where to Watch: Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu
Seasons: 6 Episodes: 100
“Nip/Tuck” is the Golden Globe-winning/Emmy-winning plastic surgery drama about Dr. Christian Troy (Julian McMahon) and Dr. Sean McNamara (Dylan Walsh), the Miami Beach plastic surgeons to the elite. At McNamara/Troy, they open every patient consultation with the show’s favorite catchphrase: “Tell me what you don’t like about yourself…”
This series brings the drama and provides us with that special Murphy touch that makes us feel like we are living in an alternate reality. Bingeworthy indeed.
GLEE (2010-2015)
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu
Seasons: 6 Episodes: 121
Glee, a musical comedy-drama, follows New Directions, the high school glee club. The series explores themes of friendship, acceptance, and resilience as students face personal struggles and societal challenges, using music to connect and express themselves. With memorable songs and heartfelt performances, “Glee” showcases the characters’ growth as they pursue their musical dreams throughout high school.
AMERICAN HORROR STORY (2011-PRESENT)
Where to Watch: Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
Seasons:12 Episodes:132
“American Horror Story” is the first of many anthology series created by Murphy and Falchuck, meaning each season features a different storyline, characters, and setting while examining various themes of horror and the macabre.
The first season, “Murder House,” revolves around the Harmon family, who moves into a haunted Los Angeles mansion where they encounter numerous malevolent spirits from the house’s dark past. Subsequent seasons explore diverse themes, including witchcraft, a freak show, an insane asylum, and the apocalypse.
AHS is known for its eclectic and talented cast, featuring the same actors in different roles across seasons, including the illustrious Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, and Emma Roberts, to name a few. With its distinctive storytelling, rich character development, and blend of horror and drama, “American Horror Story” has garnered a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim throughout its many seasons. It is unquestionably bingeworthy and one of our favorite shows of all time.
READ THE CULT STATUS REVIEW OF AMERICAN HORROR STORY HERE
SCREAM QUEENS (2015-2017)
Where to Watch: Apple TV, Hulu, Disney+, Fandango, Amazon Prime Video
Seasons: 2 Episodes: 23
“Scream Queens” is a horror-comedy anthology series. The show follows a group of snotty, vicious sorority sisters who become the targets of the Red Devil, a mysterious killer on campus. Each episode combines a slasher vibe with humor while paying homage to the classic horror tropes. With a star-studded cast that includes Emma Roberts, Ariana Grande, Billie Lourd, and Abigail Breslin, “Scream Queens” delivers viewers a mix of horror and humor.
AMERICAN CRIME STORY (2016-PRESENT)
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, FX
Seasons: 3 Episodes: 29
“American Crime Story” is yet another anthology series that examines America’s most iconic, notorious crimes and recreates the sinister atmosphere surrounding them. Seasons include “The People vs. OJ Simpson,” “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” and “Impeachment,” which tells the story of the infamous Monica Lewinsky scandal. Just like the rest of Murphy and Falchuck’s work, this show is not to be missed.
READ THE CULT STATUS REVIEW OF “THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE” HERE
FEUD (2017-PRESENT)
Where to Watch: Hulu, Apple TV, Fandango
Seasons: 2 Episodes: 16
“Feud” is an anthology series that delves into famous rivalries throughout history. The first season, “Feud: Bette and Joan,” focuses on the intense and tumultuous rivalry between legendary actresses Bette Davis (Susan Sarandon) and Joan Crawford (Jessica Lange) during the making of the 1962 film “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” The series explores their personal and professional conflicts, showcasing their fierce competition, complex personalities, and the impact of Hollywood’s sexism and ageism.
“Feud: Capote vs The Swans” is the second installment that focuses on the life and relationships of author Truman Capote, particularly his connection with a group of wealthy socialites known as “the Swans.” The series delves into how these women became the subjects of Capote’s lavish lifestyle and the negative spiral that unfolded when he decided to write a scandalous tell-all about them.
POSE (2018-2021)
Where To Watch: Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV, Fandango, Amazon Prime Video
Seasons: 3 Episodes: 26
“Pose” is a captivating drama series that celebrates life through the vibrant lens of New York City’s ballroom culture in the 1980s and 1990s, highlighting the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly Black and Latino voices. The show immerses us in the competitive world of ball culture, where characters navigate themes of identity, family, and acceptance. “Pose” addresses critical issues such as HIV/AIDS awareness and class differences. With its diverse cast and powerful narratives, the series has earned acclaim for its authentic representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
HOLLYWOOD (2020)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Seasons: 1 Episodes:7
“Hollywood” is a limited series set in the late 1940s that follows a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers as they try to navigate the challenges of the nefarious Hollywood machine. The show incorporates issues of race, gender, and sexuality, and the characters aspire to achieve their dreams while confronting the discriminatory and prejudiced behavior prevalent in the era. This series delves into the power dynamics of the film industry and highlights the struggles and triumphs of those seeking to break through the barriers of Hollywood.
THE POLITICIAN (2020)
Where to Watch: Netflix, Apple TV, Fandango, Amazon Prime Video
Seasons: 2 Episodes: 15
The Politician” is a satirical comedy-drama series that follows Payton Hobart, a wealthy high school student whose dream is to one day become President of the United States. His first step to greatness starts with his campaign for student body president. The show features Ben Platt as Payton and fan-favorite Jessica Lange as his mother. It examines ambition, privilege, and the moral complexities of politics, blending humor with poignant moments and showcases Ryan Murphy’s distinctive storytelling style.
RATCHED (2020)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Seasons: 1 Episodes: 8
If you haven’t seen the Jack Nicholson classic film “One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest,” now is the time. This limited series helps you understand how Nurse Ratched became the fiery, frustrated, and bitter psychiatric nurse made famous in the film.
This show explores Nurse Ratched’s sordid history. Played by Sarah Paulson, the youthful Nurse Ratched is a slave to her secrets, most notably her homosexuality, which was considered a sin during this time. Her past also involves the brutal abuse and trauma she experienced as a child.
One thing is evident in this series: Nurse Ratched will do whatever she can to win. She shows no remorse, nor does she feel it. Life has not been kind to her, and she is not kind to life in return.
If you are interested in a good character study, definitely check out “Ratched.”
AMERICAN HORROR STORIES (2021-PRESENT)
Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney+
Seasons: 3 Episodes: 24
“American Horror Stories” is another anthology horror series but unlike its predecessor, “American Horror Story,” which follows a continuous narrative across seasons, it presents standalone episodes, each featuring a unique story and set of characters. The show delves into various horror themes, drawing inspiration from folklore, urban legends, and classic horror tropes. Each episode explores different facets of fear, from supernatural beings to psychological horror. With its signature blend of suspense, dark humor, and social commentary, “American Horror Stories” invites viewers to experience new chilling tales in the same eerie atmosphere that fans of Ryan Murphy’s work have come to know and love.
MONSTERS (2022-PRESENT)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Seasons: 2 Episodes: 20
“Monsters” is an engaging anthology series that explores the crimes of the iconic villains Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez Brothers. Each episode tells a unique story, showing the characters’ struggles while they plan out and execute some of the most infamous crimes in American history. Blending horror, drama, and fantasy, the series implores viewers to rethink their perceptions of evildoing and nurture empathy for the characters. “Monsters” is especially successful at offering a relatable look at the criminals who have fascinated us. Yet another impressive creation from the Murphy/Falchuck team.
AMERICAN SPORTS STORY (2024-PRESENT)
Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
Seasons:1 Episodes:10
“American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez” takes an in-depth look at the complex life of the former NFL star, exploring his rise to fame and the tragic events that led to his downfall. The series investigates Hernandez’s journey from a celebrated athlete at the University of Florida to his time with the New England Patriots. It highlights the pressures of professional sports, his turbulent personal life, and his struggles with mental health that influenced his sociopathic behavior. Perhaps one of the most scandalous sports figures in history, this series sheds light on Hernandez’s life both on and off the field.
MOVIES DIRECTED BY RYAN MURPHY:
Running With Scissors: Ryan Murphy wrote the screenplay and directed the film based on Augusten Burroughs’s best-selling memoir.
Eat, Pray, Love: Murphy directed Julia Roberts in the smash hit film “Eat, Pray, Love.”