Ryan Murphy’s latest project for FX, Grotesquerie, was canceled after just one season, marking another setback for the producer under Disney’s ownership. Premiering in September 2024, the horror series follows Detective Lois Tryon (Niecy Nash-Betts), who partners with a local nun to investigate a series of gruesome crimes while grappling with her own personal struggles. Despite its intriguing setup and Murphy’s involvement, the show will not return for a second season.
Cast and Creative Team Behind Grotesquerie
Grotesquerie was co-created by Ryan Murphy along with Jon Robin Baitz and Joe Baken. The series featured a diverse cast including Niecy Nash-Betts as Lois Tryon, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Micaela Diamond, Raven Goodwin, and Lesley Manville. NFL star Travis Kelce appeared in a recurring role, adding a unique element to the ensemble. While Nash-Betts’ lead portrayal garnered positive attention, the show’s viewership and overall reception failed to secure renewal.
Industry Insights on Murphy’s Recent Projects at Disney
Journalist Matt Belloni, writing for Puck, provided an update on Ryan Murphy’s recent output since returning to Disney after leaving Netflix in 2023. He confirmed that Grotesquerie was “one and done,” despite initial renewal talks and a finale that hinted at continuation. Belloni pointed out that other Murphy projects under Disney’s umbrella have faced similar fates, with shows like Mid-Century Modern and Doctor Odyssey canceled after one season on ABC and Hulu.
Additionally, Murphy’s newer projects on FX, such as the latest Feud series and American Sports Story, failed to earn significant Emmy nominations, signaling a lack of critical acclaim. The status of ABC’s 9-1-1: Nashville has yet to be clarified, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Murphy’s relationship with Disney networks.
Public and Critical Reactions to Murphy’s Recent Work
Murphy’s partnership with Disney has struggled with mixed and often harsh responses, highlighted especially by the controversy around All’s Fair, a legal drama starring Kim Kardashian. Despite receiving a mere 4% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and being labeled “the worst show ever” by some critics, it attracted 3.2 million viewers shortly after its premiere, making it Hulu’s biggest launch in three years.
The show’s producers and some fans seem to embrace the negative feedback, viewing the show’s rough edges as part of its appeal. Whether this approach can sustain viewer interest remains uncertain and will become clearer after the season concludes. However, for Grotesquerie, hopes for a second season have been officially dashed.
What This Means for Ryan Murphy’s Future Projects
The cancellation of Grotesquerie adds to a growing pattern of Ryan Murphy FX cancellations under Disney’s watch, raising questions about the direction and reception of his current creative ventures. Despite the star power and ambitious storylines, these setbacks suggest that Murphy’s new era at Disney has yet to replicate his earlier successes. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the fate of Murphy’s upcoming projects and existing series remains a topic closely monitored by fans and industry observers alike.
