[REVISION HISTORY]

The Shards concludes first season on cliffhanger

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What changed

2026-09-09 19:08 UTC → 2026-09-12 10:40 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Shards ~~premieres~~ concludes first season on ~~FX, Hulu, and Disney+~~ cliffhanger

Ryan Murphy’s adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel, The Shards, debuted in the United States on 5 August 2026 on FX and Hulu, with an international rollout on Disney+ beginning 6 August. Set in early-1980s Los Angeles, the teen-thriller follows senior Bret (Igby Rigney) as the arrival of transfer student Robert Mallory (Homer Gere) coincides with the presence of a serial killer dubbed ‘The Trawler’. Critics have noted the series’ ability to blend high-society glamour with unsettling horror, though some reviews suggest the adaptation leans more into sensationalism than the subtlety of the original text. The production utilizes real Los Angeles locations, such as Westwood Village and the Pacific Coast Highway, to recreate the 1981 atmosphere. Production designer Cat Smith worked to authentically recreate the era, including scenes set around the Westwood neighborhood and the Bruin Theater. Cast members, including Kaia Gerber and Hayes Warner, have highlighted the show’s attention to detail regarding costume design and the specific cultural atmosphere of 1981. The plot incorporates a shadowy cult called the ‘Riders of the Afterlife’ and touches upon the burgeoning HIV/AIDS epidemic. On 9 September 2026, the ninth episode, ‘Stairway to Heaven’, aired. The ~~production features an 80s-inspired soundtrack with tracks~~ episode centered on a Halloween party at a Hollywood Hills mansion, featuring a scene where producer Terry Schaffer (Wes Bentley) falls from ~~Duran Duran~~ a balcony. The episode concluded on a cliffhanger during a police interrogation of several main characters, including Bret, Robert, Debbie, and Susan Reynolds. The ~~Pretenders, alongside original music by Troye Sivan. Regarding~~ identity of ‘The Trawler’ remains unrevealed, leaving the ~~adaptation, Murphy stated he deliberately omitted~~ central mystery unresolved. Following the ~~book's graphic sexual content to make~~ finale, executive producer Brad Simpson indicated that the ~~show suitable for a wider viewership, noting, ‘As a father of three, I felt~~ adaptation was planned to last ‘at least two seasons’, noting that the ~~series should be made with taste.’ On 26 August 2026,~~ source material could potentially support up to four seasons. While FX ~~released~~ has not officially announced a ~~midseason double episode titled ‘Homecoming Part One’. As~~ second season, the ~~series approaches its conclusion, episode 9 is scheduled to premiere on 23 September 2026, with~~ creative team suggested the ~~tenth and final episode expected on 30 September 2026.~~ story could span several years.

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