The Shards series recreates 1980s Los Angeles glamour

The new Disney+ series ‘The Shards’, created by Ryan Murphy, has drawn significant attention for its depiction of 1981 Los Angeles. Based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Bret Easton Ellis, the thriller follows a group of elite high school students navigating obsession and fear amidst the presence of a serial killer.

The production is noted for its meticulous recreation of high-society Californian glamour, featuring iconic mansions in Bel Air and along Mulholland Drive. Production designer Cat Smith utilized her personal history growing up in Los Angeles and attending private schools to authentically recreate the era's aesthetic, characterized by designer furniture and high-end decor.

The series also features a notable cast, including Homer Gere and Kaia Gerber. While the plot is fictional, the setting and atmosphere are rooted in the real-life experiences of Bret Easton Ellis, who attended The Buckley School, the exclusive institution that serves as the story's primary backdrop.