The Ultimate Ranking of Ryan Murphy Shows: A Must-Read for Fans!

Ryan Murphy's influence stretches across the TV landscape, encompassing a wide range of genres from comedy to horror. With a career spanning decades, he has become a trailblazing force in the industry, gaining a reputation as a trusted and successful producer. Whether his shows are broadcasted on traditional cable or exclusive streaming platforms, Murphy's distinct style is instantly recognizable, characterized by his stylized portrayals of history and inclusion of diverse narratives. Though not without controversy, Murphy has cemented his status as a 21st century TV iconoclast, consistently achieving success with each new release.

Since his debut with "Popular" in 1999, Murphy's career has been on a continuous upward trajectory, marked by a commitment to diversity, particularly through the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters. Widely acclaimed for his ability to bring marginalized stories to mainstream audiences, Murphy's series stand out for their vibrant and unconventional characters, engaging storylines, and visually striking production design. With almost 20 series under his belt, Ryan Murphy's contribution to television shows no signs of slowing down.

19 American Horror Stories (2021 - Present)

American Horror Stories is a spinoff of the highly popular American Horror Story franchise. It explores the horror universe of the franchise in an anthology-style format. The show features many actors from American Horror Story and includes episodes that reference familiar locations or places from the original series. While the first season received mostly negative reviews, season 2 improved on the format and found its terrifying stride. American Horror Stories captures the same spirit as its predecessor but is not constrained by the need for long-form storytelling. You can stream American Horror Stories on Hulu.

18 The Watcher (2022)

The Netflix series "The Watcher" revolves around a couple who begins receiving alarming letters from a stalker after relocating to their dream home. The show's eerie foundation in reality amplifies its creepiness, but unfortunately, it fails to leave a lasting impact. While the suspense, atmosphere, and performances in "The Watcher" are reminiscent of other Ryan Murphy productions, the execution falls short of expectations. The incorporation of tonal shifts and exaggerated alterations to the true story generate intrigue, yet ultimately result in a dissatisfying conclusion. "The Watcher" can be streamed on Netflix.

17 Glee (2009 – 2015)

While Glee initially brought success to Ryan Murphy, its inconsistency ultimately led to its downfall. The series revolves around the lives of high school glee club students, showcasing their unique experiences both inside and outside of class. The ambitious concept of a weekly musical TV show paid off, with numerous hit covers originating from Glee. Yet, as the seasons progressed, the quality notably declined and problematic aspects arose. Many of Glee's musical performances have not aged gracefully, resulting in a significant decline in its fanbase before its six-season tenure concluded. Currently, Glee can be streamed on Disney Plus and Hulu.

16 The New Normal (2012 – 2013)

was a rare disappointment among Ryan Murphy shows for NBC. The show focuses on a wealthy gay couple who bring a surrogate mother into their extravagant Los Angeles residence. Although it followed the usual elements of a Ryan Murphy production, such as featuring LGBTQ+ characters in prominent roles, the writing aimed for something ambitious but ended up being off-putting. The exploration of class and privilege in the series felt incomplete, and the characters lacked the necessary development to become relatable protagonists during its single 22-episode season.

is available to buy on Amazon and Vudu

15 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020 – Present)

Derived from the flagship series 9-1-1, which is also created by Murphy, 9-1-1: Lonestar delves into how emergency systems might function differently in a more conservative backdrop. While it manages to capture the essence of its predecessor, Lonestar's interpersonal conflicts lack the captivating allure of the original. Nevertheless, it has proven to be a successful spinoff, further expanding the 9-1-1 franchise, a testament to Ryan Murphy's unparalleled TV track record.

9-1-1: Lonestar

is available to stream on Hulu

14 Halston (2021)

Halston, a lesser-known Netflix collaboration for the prolific producer Murphy, delves into the exaggerated life of iconic fashion designer Halston amidst the turbulent 1960s. Ewan McGregor's Emmy-winning performance in the titular role is widely praised, but the series falls short in exploring Halston's role in 1960s society. Unlike Murphy's other shows, which both glamorize and deconstruct the past, Halston primarily focuses on glamorization.

is available to stream on Netflix

13 Scream Queens (2015 - 2016)

Ryan Murphy teamed up with Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, the co-creators of Glee, to create the dark comedy Scream Queens. Starring Emma Roberts and Lea Michele, who have both worked with Murphy before, the show delves into the horrifying history of a college sorority that becomes the target of a serial killer. Unlike the intense and creepy atmosphere of American Horror Story, Scream Queens embraces campiness and humor as it playfully satirizes the flaws of the horror genre. While there were moments of fright in Scream Queens, the show primarily focused on delivering laughs, though not all the jokes hit the mark. Ultimately, Scream Queens didn't quite shine as brightly as Murphy's more popular creation, American Horror Story.

Scream Queens is available to stream on Hulu

12 Popular (1999 - 2001)

Co-created by Gina Matthews, Popular marks Ryan Murphy's inaugural television venture and has since assumed a loyal following. The series follows an American high schooler's life in a whimsical and self-aware fashion, incorporating both musical interludes and exaggerated scenarios. Despite its abbreviated two-season run, Popular typifies Ryan Murphy's signature style and gradually garnered a broader viewership post-airing. While not without flaws, Popular's untimely release largely contributed to its suboptimal performance.

Popular is not currently available to buy or stream

11 Ratched (2020)

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Ratched, although not reaching the same level of excellence as its film counterpart, aimed to delve into the backstory of the divisive character from the iconic 1970s classic, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The series portrays a young Nurse Ratched embarking on her medical career, overseeing cruel and outdated psychiatric treatments. Sarah Paulson's remarkable performance and stunning visuals captivated audiences, yet the overall narrative fell short. The decision to humanize Ratched was an intriguing approach, but unfortunately, the writing failed to successfully transform the notorious antagonist into a protagonist.

Ratched is available to stream on Netflix

9 The Politician (2019 - 2020)

The Politician, a new creation from the powerhouse team of Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk, and Ryan Murphy, introduces us to a self-indulgent affluent youngster named Ben Platt who harbors ambitious aspirations of becoming the class president of his high school. This trio of brilliant minds revisits the familiar setting of high school, a wellspring of inspiration for numerous Ryan Murphy productions, and successfully delivers their signature blend of satire and heightened emotions within the realm of teenage drama. However, while the series captures the essence of its genre, it falls short in endearing many of its characters to the audience, leaving the overall viewing experience somewhat sobering.

The Politician is available to stream on Netflix

8 Hollywood (2020)

Transporting audiences to the illustrious Golden Age of Hollywood, Murphy’s Hollywood delves into the lives of various ambitious characters striving for success in Tinseltown during the post-World War II years. True to Ryan Murphy's signature style, the visuals dazzle, flawlessly capturing the captivating essence of the era. The series also envisages an alternative reality where women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community rise to prominence in the entertainment industry, presenting a compelling reimagination of the industry's historical prejudices. However, in venturing into pure conjecture, the show misses the opportunity to offer substantial commentary on Hollywood's deeply ingrained racism, sexism, and homophobia.

Hollywood is available to stream on Netflix

7 Nip/Tuck (2003 - 2010)

When Nip/Tuck debuted in 2002, Ryan Murphy introduced audiences to a one-of-a-kind series filled with eerie and unsettling storylines. Set in Miami, the show revolves around the lives of Sean McNamara and Christian Troy, two plastic surgeons who not only share a practice but also a love interest. This gripping medical drama encompasses the expected elements of sex and violence, typical of Ryan Murphy's work, while also showcasing captivating characters and unexpected plot twists. Despite experiencing a decline in quality over its lengthy run, Nip/Tuck continuously pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved in primetime television.

Nip/Tuck is available to stream on Hulu

6 9-1-1 (2018 - Present)

Collaborating with Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear, Murphy successfully crafted 9-1-1, a gripping drama centered around the brave members of the Los Angeles Police and Fire Departments as they swiftly respond to critical emergencies across the city. While Murphy is not typically associated with procedural shows, 9-1-1 distinguishes itself due to its episodic nature. With Angela Bassett delivering a stellar performance as Athena Grant, the series skillfully pushes the boundaries of reality with its multitude of gripping emergencies. Although it may lack the lightheartedness found in Murphy's other creations, 9-1-1 unquestionably proves that there are no limits to his ability to create compelling hits.

9-1-1 is available to stream on Hulu

5 American Horror Story (2011 - Present)

Expanding on the triumphs of shows such as Glee and Nip/Tuck, Murphy and Falchuk brought forth the anthology series American Horror Story, birthing yet another exceptional TV franchise. Each season of this series revolves around a distinct tale of terror, often featuring familiar horror elements like haunted houses, eerie clowns, and restless spirits. With a recurring ensemble cast that remains consistent across seasons, AHS has solidified its status as a television institution and even spawned a spinoff. While the quality of each season may vary, the franchise has cultivated its own eerie universe infused with Murphy's distinctive style.

American Horror Story is available to stream on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video

4 Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022)

The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, titled "Dahmer – Monster," caused widespread controversy and ignited a true crime discussion upon its release in 2022. This miniseries on Netflix delves into the heinous crimes committed by the infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer while aiming to unravel the reasons behind his actions. Following Ryan Murphy's signature style, the show marks his exploration into the realm of true crime. Despite extensive ethical debates surrounding the series, Evan Peters' portrayal of Dahmer received acclaim, contributing to its chilling and captivating portrayal of one of history's most notorious murderers.

Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story is available to stream on Netflix

3 Feud (2017)

Murphy partnered with Jaffe Cohen and Michael Zam to create Feud, a docudrama that meticulously portrays the rivalry between Hollywood legends Joan Crawford and Bette Davis. The series was skillfully crafted, finally giving these misjudged actors the recognition they deserved instead of reducing them to caricatures. Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange delivered riveting performances as the show's dual anti-heroes, earning Feud an impressive 18 Emmy nominations. While the series took some creative liberties, its strength lies in its fair portrayal of the characters and departure from Murphy's usual verbose approach to historical subjects.

Feud is available to stream on Hulu

2 American Crime Story (2016 - Present)

Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk served as executive producers, along with Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, for American Crime Story - an anthology series that delves into infamous real-life crimes. The first season centered around the O.J. Simpson murder trial, while the second explored the killing of Gianni Versace, and the third delved into Bill Clinton's impeachment. Despite the distinct themes across seasons, each installment takes viewers on a thrilling journey through history. The series not only scrutinizes the intricacies of the trials but also delves into the larger controversies they generated, adding an extra layer of intrigue to these true stories beyond an ordinary documentary format.

American Crime Story is available to stream on Hulu

1 Pose (2018 - 2021)

Pose, a television series created by Steven Canals, Brad Falchuk, and Ryan Murphy, is set in 1987 New York and revolves around the literary and social scenes of that era. Focusing on the Black and Latinx LGBT+ communities, particularly the drag and ballroom culture, the show has received widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards across its three seasons. Unlike other Ryan Murphy shows, Pose stands out by placing marginalized individuals at the forefront and authentically exploring queer history. With each episode, the series manages to evoke a range of emotions, eliciting laughter, tears, and joy while shedding light on often overlooked stories.

Pose can be streamed on Hulu.