TVTV NewsDisney PlusThe new series is adapted from a bestselling novel by Bret Easton Ellis20:02, 14 Jul 2026Fans of Ryan Murphy have been sent into a frenzy after getting a first glimpse at his upcoming thriller series.‌Set in 1980s Los Angeles, The Shards follows a group of students at an elite prep school as they go about their daily lives, navigating everything from sex, obsession, jealousy and, as per the synopsis, "the dangers lurking beneath the surface of American adolescence."‌At the heart of the story is aspiring writer Bret (Igby Rigney) who grows suspicious of a new student named Robert Mallory (Homer Gere). The newcomer's arrival at the school comes as a serial killer, known as The Trawler, unleashes chaos on the community by targeting teenagers across the city.‌The synopsis adds: "Alongside Bret is his elite social circle, which consists of Susan Reynolds (Kaia Gerber), Debbie Schaffer (Hayes Warner) and Thom Wright (Graham Campbell), a glamorous and deeply entangled group drawn into a life of wealth, beauty, parties and excess."The promise of their youth is contrasted with the dark and cynical world of the adults surrounding them: Terry Schaffer (Wes Bentley), Liz Schaffer (Evan Rachel Wood) and Steven Reinhardt (Jordan Roth)."‌It is adapted from the 2021 novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. If that name sounds familiar, it's likely because Ellis also penned 1991's American Psycho, which is considered one of his most successful works. He also serves as an executive producer on the show.A first trailer for the series arrived today (July 14), giving fans their first proper look at the glittering cast in action. Reacting to the clip, one fan penned: "Ryan Murphy plus this cast is a guaranteed masterpiece."‌A second remarked: "Ryan Murphy never misses when it comes to eerie vibes. This looks incredible." Meanwhile a third commented: "So excited for this! Everything Ryan Murphy touches turns into gold."There isn't too long to wait as the first two episodes will arrive at once on August 6 on Disney Plus. Subsequent episodes will then air weekly.Article continues belowThe Shards arrives hot on the heels of a number of Ryan Murphy projects which have received a mixed reception so far, prompting some viewers to decide on swerving the new series."Begging this guy to stop making shows," one exasperated Ryan Murphy viewer remarked, as another said: "I think Ryan has a LOT of ideas and most of them are actually really good. Unfortunately he never knows how to finish them or at least proceed it, imo."The first two episodes of The Shards arrive on Disney+ on August 6.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Disney PlusRyan Murphy Inc.Bret Easton Ellis