Top 10 Ryan Murphy Shows

I was going to do this a few weeks ago but now that we're heading into the final month of 2020 and no more Murphy productions in sight (aside from The Prom), I thought I would do a run down of the ten best/most interesting shows that Ryan Murphy has done over the last two decades.

Without further ado, here goes ....

1: American Horror Story (FX, 2011-present)

I know for some people this show might not be at it's best as it was in earlier seasons but for me, while it has gotten formulaic in it's approach, it hasn't quite lost the entertainment factor either and with it's tenth season in current production along with a spin-off and three further seasons planned, this is by far Murphy's most successful production to date. Not to mention, it's done wonders in revitalising the anthologies for television and streaming alone.

2: Glee (FOX, 2009-2015)

Six seasons and no movie and a lot of controversy and a lot of musical numbers. This series started some careers and stalled others but the Ohio setting surrounding a local Glee did manage to become a worldwide phenomenon. Again, the show might have faltered in later seasons but it's definitely responsible for making Murphy into quite the power player and certain had no problem pulling in impressive guests in it's six year run.

3: Nip/Tuck (FX, 2003-2010)

Tell me what you don't like about yourself? Before both Glee and American Horror Story, there was also Nip/Tuck - a crazy plastic surgeon drama based in Miami (Seasons 1-4) and LA (Season 5&6) with one hell of a talented cast and some of the most batshit crazy antics ever. The show had a lot to say on it's subject matter and definitely delivered it in the most OTT manner.

4: Pose (FX, 2018-present)

Now, this show is more the work of Steven Canals and Janet Mock, though it's under Murphy's production company and he was involved with casting. It's arguably the most important show from Murphy's body of work, especially with the majority of the cast being transwomen and it's definitely a beautiful capturing of both the 1980s and 1990s settings in it's first two seasons. With a third season currently in production, I can't wait to see what's next for Blanca, Elektra, Angel and the gang.

5: 911 (FOX, 2018-present)

On paper, this arguably had the potential to be the tamest of shows from Ryan Murphy but three seasons in, it's also got a lot of Murphy's trademark OTTness. It's also the most heart warming of the bunch and another megahit for FOX with a spin-off also helping to build a franchise for this particular series.  With a loveable cast, top quality writing and brilliant stunts, it's hard not to enjoy this series.

6: American Crime Story (FX, 2016-present)

Ryan Murphy's love for the anthology format has certainly helped him and going down the real life crime route for this show definitely helped to get him a lot of Emmy love. The first season focusing on OJ Simpson was easily the most adored on that front but the second season focusing on Andrew Cunannan and Gianni Versace was the one for me. The upcoming third season will tackle Monica Lewinsky and the Clintons and that's going to be interesting to see unfold. 

7: Feud: Bette And Joan (FX, 2017)

Alternatively, this could've been another ongoing anthology series but fate played a bit of a cruel trick here. This only series, focusing on the infamous feud between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford was sublime, with both Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange giving career high performances as well as some nice recreations on both actresses most infamous roles and turbulent lives. 

8: Hollywood (Netflix, 2020)

Murphy's shows on Netflix haven't been quite as smooth as his ones on network and cable television but in spite of his format becoming too recognisable, they're still worthy of discussion. Hollywood decided to play around with an alternative version of 1940's Tinseltown, including an interracial relationship between Rock Hudson (Jake Picking) and writer Archie (Jeremy Pope) while also bringing about diversity in an era that wasn't best for it at the time. Suspend disbelief and it really was an enjoyable seven part series.

9: Ratched (Netflix, 2020-present)

Ryan Murphy's relationship with Sarah Paulson continues with her not only appearing in the majority of his shows but now spearheading one, also by creator Evan Romanky. This prequel series for One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest with Paulson tackling a younger version of Nurse Mildred Ratched might have felt American Horror Story lite and might not have been able to fully pull off it's themes at times, but it did make for an enjoyable romp but here's hoping the writing is sharper next season.

10: The Politician (Netflix, 2019-present)

Netflix's first foray into the world of Ryan Murphy saw them delving into one man's political aspirations and while Ben Platt's aspiring politician Payton Hobarth is a difficult main character to like, the show itself is often anchored by it's older cast. Specially when that cast includes the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Judith Light and Bette Midler. With the third season set to be it's last, at least the show will not be outstaying it's welcome.

So that's my rundown of shows concerning Ryan Murphy. I guess honourable mentions would go to the likes of 911: Lone Star, Scream Queens and Popular. I definitely couldn't get into the likes of The New Normal. 2021 will see the debut of American Horror Stories (FX on Hulu), Halston (Netflix), A Chorus Line (Netflix) and Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (Netflix), so it looks like Murphy won't be going anywhere. 

All Kinds Of New And Exciting Adventures

It's been a while since my last TV Jumble blog and with autumn now with us, here's a look at some shows I've been catching up with in the last while.

911: I'm near the end of the third season of this show with only the two part finale left to watch and again, things have been interesting to watch. The last few episodes dealt with a hostage situation, delved into Eddie's early days of fatherhood while at the same time continuing with the theme of disconnect that Buck seems to have along with Hen potentially making a career change next season. Two episode left to go, I am looking forward to a certain character coming back as well.

I Hate Suzie: It's been a while since we've had Billie Piper on our screens and now's she back in the eight episode miniseries co-created by herself and Lucy Prebble. It's an interesting take on an actress in her thirties, struggling to deal with compromising pics of her being leaked, appealing to her fanbase, losing a Disney Princess gig and of course, trying to get her marriage back on track. Three episodes in so far and Piper gives a fantastic performance, the show is genuinely funny and uncomfortable and there's a great support with Leila Farzad's Naomi. Easily one of SkyAtlantic's best homegrown offerings.

Lovecraft Country: It seems that in the last while HBO has had it's bigger successes with delving into the sci-fi/fantasy/horror genre and three episodes in with this innovative, 1950s based show, they've struck more gold. That's especially true with a career defining performance from Jurnee Smollett as Letitia Lewis while Jonathan Majors has made for a charismatic protagonist in Atticus Freeman. Both actors bring their A game and have natural chemistry while the racial themes are handled perfectly along with the monsters of the week and strange goings on per episode. 

Stargirl: It's taken me a bit longer to get to this show than I would've liked but six episodes in, I'm both impressed and hoping that it's move to the CW for it's next season won't see a change in tone for the series. I like the small town setting, Brec Bassinger is fantastic in the title role as is Luke Wilson as STRIPE. The nice build towards a new generation of JSA along with the ISA coming out of the woodwork and a fantastic performance from Neil Jackson as Icicle. This might be DC Universe's last live action but it's as impressive as the other they've had. 

The Politician: And I've completed the second season. I really don't know how I truly feel about this show to be honest. I enjoy it but I have to admit, there's no-one really to root for here. The final three episodes did delve into the voters (this time between a lesbian mother and her daughter) while also cementing Payton's victory and his future which seems to be tied into Dede's growing ambitions. It's probably a good thing that the next season, which will likely be a while off will be it's last. 

The Umbrella Academy: When I heard rumours that the finale was for this season was going to be a polarising game change, I was a bit nervous but having watched the finale, all it's done has made me want the next season all the more. The first season was enjoyable but this second season was so much better and far more layered. A better examination of the main seven characters, fantastic new characters like Lila, Sissy, Ray and the Swedish assassins, the Handler being delightfully menacing and camp to the hilt, the excellent music choices, fight sequences. This season has been an absolute joy to watch. 

• UK/Irish viewers will be able to see 911 spin-off, 911: Lone Star on SkyLiving later this month.
• American Horror Story's tenth season will start filming next month and will air in 2021.
• Shameless will begin production on it's eleventh and final season this month.
• Anna Faris has quit Mom ahead of it's eighth season.
• Star Trek: Discovery have cast Blu del Barrio and Ian Alexander as the show's first non binary and trans characters.
• Sony plan to do a live action TV series, focusing on the Marvel hero, Silk. 
• Sarah Paulson has revealed there is a plan to take upcoming Netflix series Ratched to four seasons.
• The X Files is getting an animated comedy spin-off. No, I have no idea why either.
• Viewers can see Buffy spin-off Angel again on E4 after the parent show finishes up it's current late night run.
• Alan Ritchson will star in the upcoming Jack Reacher show for Amazon.

We Ended The World Again

It's been a while since I've done this and well, a few news shows have emerged and I've dropped at least one as well. 

911: This season really has been hitting it's stride and with five episodes left to go, the ending of episode 13 with the 911 building being taken hostage was a pretty impressive cliffhanger. I also liked that it tied back into Maddie's co-worker who had been attacked in the previous episode. Speaking of Maddie, it's nice to see the show progressing her relationship with Howie (who's also reconnecting with his half brother) while Bobby, Athena and Hen have all had roles in the storyline with Michael (is the show going to kill him off?) while Buck and Eddie could do with a little more, storyline wise.

Love, Victor: I have really enjoyed this lovely, feel good series and given the cliffhanger where Victor finally came out to his parents, I am so glad that it's been renewed for a second season. The build towards Victor accepting himself along with that wonderful episode that actually featured Simon and Bram has been gripping to watch. I love Benji as well as a love interest for Victor and the show's supporting cast really do compliment the series. I'll definitely be watching next season.

The Good Place: Okay, I'm not sure what's going on with E4 because for the last two weeks there has been no new episodes airing. I'm unsure if they've dropped the series, and if they have, I'll have to watch the rest of it online. Anyways, the episodes I had seen though largely involved Trevor doing his best to sabotage Michael's work getting the group to work together as well as some brilliant scenes with Janet and Gen. This season has been good so far and I definitely want to see how the rest of it plays out.

The Politician: Going into the second season of this show, there are two sadly alarming things I've noticed about this one. There's the fact that this seems to be the least hyped Ryan Murphy show probably since The New Normal and that the LGBT content is probably the worst since arguably Nip/Tuck. Other than that, the second season has been mostly entertaining, even if Dede is a far more sympathetic political candidate than Payton has been during the course of this whole series. As for the double pregnancy story with Astrid and Alice - yeah, we could've done without that. 

The Umbrella Academy: The second season launched on Netflix less than a fortnight ago and it's been quite a wild ride so far. The first four episodes separated the siblings into the 1960's, they all built new lives and then Five had to go and spoil it all because there's another apocalypse. On the other hand, the new setting has worked a treat and all the new characters like Lila, Sissy, Ray and Elliot have all added well to the series. As for the romance with Vanya and Sissy, didn't we all see that one coming?

• Although The Flight Attendant has yet to debut on HBO Max, lead actor Kaley Cuoco has hinted that the show will get a second season. 
• Will Smith will have a producer on an upcoming gritty reboot of Fresh Prince Of Bel Air.
• Sirens has been cancelled after three seasons on Freeform.
• Shows like The Good Doctor and Grey's Anatomy will tackle the coronavirus in upcoming episodes.
• High Fidelity has been cancelled after a season on Hulu.
• CSI: Vegas - a continuation of the original series has been ordered for CBS.
• Adria Adjona has joined the cast of the upcoming Rogue One TV series for Disney+
• Shawn Ashmore will be playing Lamplighter in the upcoming second season of The Boys. The show has also been renewed for a third season.
• Olivia Swann will return as a regular for the sixth season of Legends Of Tomorrow.
• Sarah Paulson will direct for the upcoming American Horror Stories spin off. American Horror Story itself is set to film it's tenth season (theme to be revealed) towards the end of the year.

Santa Muerte Is Coming

Another TV Jumble, another catch up on some of the biggest shows I've been watching over the last few weeks.

911: This show really has been swinging out some really strong material into it's third season. The most recent two episodes delved into a chapter of Athena's past previously unexplored while Henrietta caused a devastating accident. Some genuinely powerhouse performances from both Angela Bassett and Aisha Hinds in these episodes while this season has also explored the reckless actions of both Eddie and Maddie in different areas of their personal lives and careers.

Derry Girls: I'm not sure when RTE1 plan to air the second series but I will try and catch it before Channel 4 get around to the third one. The last episode of the first season had a talent show and more importantly revealed that Claire was a "wee lesbian". I think the show did a good job of handling the story with Erin being initially horrified by her friend's reveal before taking to her defense. I definitely want to see where the show goes with Claire from here on in.

Love, Victor: If you're a fan of Love, Simon then this streaming series spin-off is definitely the worthy successor to it. We're back in Creekwood High and this time, it's Victor Salazar (Michael Cimino) coming to terms with his sexuality, getting involved with Mia while also wanting to be with Benji as well. It's a sweet, feel good series with a likeable cast and lead man and the continuity to a certain movie definitely works in the show's favour.

Penny Dreadful: City Of Angels: Now I loved the original series and reviewed all three seasons of it, so I was looking forward to this sequel series but two episodes in, I hate to admit it, but it's leaving me a little bit cold so far. On the plus side, Natalie Dormer is doing a good job as the main baddie, Magda and the latter's various disguises but Tiago needs to be a bit more dynamic as a lead character and the pacing needs to seriously pick up.

The Good Place: It's taken E4 an age to actually air the third season and with the show long since finished it's run in the US, better late than never. Last time we saw them - we had Eleanor, Chidi, Tahani and Jason all on Earth, essentially getting the chance to have a do over with Michael nudging them along. The opening episode was a little slow but it was a nice enough reintroduction to the gang and it'll be interesting to see if Michael's experiment will succeed.

The Politician: I'm going to start the second season of this show very soon but the last three episodes of the first season were pretty strong. The two part assassination plot felt like a finale while the actual finale felt more like an opening episode for the next season. I'm not sad to see some of the characters leave (Dusty won't be missed) or to see the main action in New York and I'm already on Team Dede and Hadassah than I am Team Payton and his inexplicably growing list of supporters.

- Jeremy Pope will play a love interest for MJ Rodriguez's Blanca in the upcoming third season of Pose.
- HBO have cancelled Run after one season.
- The upcoming fourth season of Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina on Netflix will be the show's last season. A potential fifth season would've featured a crossover with Riverdale.
- Stargirl has been renewed for a second season but will air on the CW instead of DC Universe.
- Lucifer's fifth season will see Tom Ellis playing Michael as well as the title character.
- HBO Max have commissioned a spin-off streaming series for The Batman that will focus on the GCPD. More on that in a later blog.
- Amazon have renewed Hanna for a third season.
- Lucy Liu has been cast in ABC pilot, Fka Bossy.
- The Crown has been renewed for a sixth and final season.
- Lee Daniels will helm a reboot of The Wonder Years, focusing on a black family for ABC.

Your Vote Counts

Yes, another TV Jumble blog as I've been catching up with some more shows over the last fortnight.

911: It took them somewhat longer than usual, but SkyWitness are finally airing the third season and having watched the first six episodes, this season has been pretty enjoyable so far. The first three episodes took in a natural disaster as Buck falling out with the station, nearly suing them and then getting his job back. We also had a rather timely episode concerning Athena's ex husband and of course, the Halloween episode took some interesting turns involving a flock of birds, Maddie getting involved in a domestic case and a body stuck in the front of a car. It's nice to see this show hasn't lost it's touch.

Big Brother: It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since the debut of this iconic reality show and one of the few I will watch on a near regular basis. Yup, a show that made and ruined several peoples careers, transitioned from Channel 4 to Channel 5 and now back to E4 for this Zoom fest of classic episodes as hosted by Davina McCall, Dermot O'Leary, Rylan Clark-Neal and Emma Willis. It's been fun seeing some of the past glories like Nasty Nick getting outed for his gaming tactics and so on. It also feels that maybe just maybe the waters are being tested again to eventually revive this series. Should it happen? I think it's very likely that it will.

Derry Girls: Yeah, I really did leave this one for the longest of times but with RTE1 finally airing this show, I no longer had any excuses. Three episodes in and I can see why there's so much hype for this show. It's genuinely funny and the 90's setting with the main characters - Erin, Michelle, Claire, Orla and the wee English lad James definitely hits the right level of nostalgia as well. So far, we've seen nuns dying after reading Erin's diary, the lot of them getting banned from the chippers and of course, the not miracle surrounding Toto. I can only hope that RTE1 don't delay airing Series 2.

The Politician: Another day, another Ryan Murphy show and one I needed to catch up with as Netflix already have released the second season and the third will be it's last one. Binging the first five episodes of Season 1, the show isn't perfect, tonally doesn't feel that different to Glee and has a very polarising set of characters, especially with it's main protagonist Payton Hobart (and a disappointing shortlived romance with River) but I'm also enjoying the larger than life moments in this series, even if all the main characters look too old to be running for a school election.

- Lucifer has been officially confirmed for a sixth and final season on Netflix. The first part of the fifth season will be released on August 21st.
- Brooklyn Nine Nine will be scrapping some of it's upcoming episodes for it's eighth season due to the BLM protests.
- Penny Dreadful: City Of Angels will air on SkyAtlantic from July 1st.
- Season 4 of The Handmaid's Tale will be delayed.
- American Horror Stories will air on FX on Hulu instead of FX when it's released next year.
- Shows like Riverdale and The Flash could begin filming their new seasons from August onwards.
- HBO Max and DC Universe will release the first three episodes of Doom Patrol Season 2 from June 25th. This season will comprise of nine episodes.
- Shayan Siobhan has been promoted to a regular for the sixth season of Legends Of Tomorrow.
- Manifest has been renewed for a third season by NBC.
- HBO Max have renewed Love Life for a second season.