FX Leaves Ryan Murphy's 'The Shards' in Limbo, Testing Disney's Loyalty

Key points

• FX has not announced a renewal for 'The Shards' three weeks after its season finale, which ended on a significant cliffhanger.
• The show averaged 237,000 viewers on linear FX, a typical number for scripted cable, but did not appear in Nielsen's streaming top 10s.
• Ryan Murphy has a large overall deal with Disney's 20th Television and a long history with FX, which may influence the decision.
• FX has previously delayed renewals for acclaimed shows like 'Adults' and 'The Lowdown' by months, suggesting a slow decision process.
• Murphy expressed a personal connection to the 1981 setting of the show, which is based on Bret Easton Ellis' novel.

Background

The Shards is an ongoing series based on Bret Easton Ellis' novel, following a group of L.A. prep school kids in the early 1980s. It is the second Murphy-produced FX show this year to end on a cliffhanger without an immediate renewal, following 'The Beauty.' Murphy's anthology series like 'American Horror Story' and 'Feud' have had long gaps between seasons, but 'The Shards' is intended as a continuous narrative. FX has a history of delaying renewal decisions, as seen with 'Adults' and 'The Lowdown,' which were renewed months after their first seasons ended.

Why it matters

The renewal status of 'The Shards' tests the strength of Ryan Murphy's relationship with Disney and FX. If the show is renewed despite modest ratings, it would highlight the influence of Murphy's overall deal and creative standing. If not, it could signal a shift in Disney's approach to Murphy's projects, especially as he has been based at Netflix in the past.

What to watch

FX is expected to make a decision on 'The Shards' in the coming weeks or months. The show's fate may depend on Murphy's next creative idea, as FX has a history of backing Murphy's projects when he is ready with a new concept. The show's streaming performance, which is not publicly disclosed, will also play a role in the decision.