Ryan Murphy has addressed the confusion surrounding comparisons between his new horror projectGrotesquerie, and his long-standing series,American Horror Story.While both shows share Murphy’s recognizable world-building and casting,Grotesquerieis a standalone projectwith a distinct tone and focus, leaning into existential horror and social commentary rather than traditional scares.
In an interview withDeadline, Murphy responded to criticism thatGrotesquerieshould have been under theAmerican Horror Storybanner, or that Aaron Hernandez’s story would’ve been better suited as a new season ofAmerican Crime Storyrather than the first installment in the new FX anthology series,American Sports Story.Murphy said that he “strongly disagrees” and thatGrotesqueriehas nothing to do withAHS.Read his quote below:
Grotesquerie has nothing in common with American Horror Story. It just does not. I think it’s the difference between doing Don’t Look Now and Halloween would could never have fit into that show. It was never considered for that. It’s a much different animal.
I think the thing that does overlap is my interest in my tone and my casting and the world building and all that stuff. When it came out, and I started to hear about that, because I don’t read anything, I was like, ‘What are you talking about? No, it’s nothing like that.’
FX Chief and Murphy’s long-time collaborator, John Landgraf, echoes Murphy’s comments, explaining that, to him,American Horror Storyis“a straightforward horror structure with very inventive tone and setting and visual language and characters.”
[Grotesquerie] is not that. You already can see that it’s absolutely not. It’s totally an existential thing. It’s more like Get Out or something that’s filled with misdirection and social commentary, and it’s not an And Then There Were None-type horror.
So I can understand, certainly, you sympathize with people who got confused by it, because it’s nominally horror, but it’s really its own, totally different thing. I think it would have done a disservice both American Horror Story and Grotesquerie to put it in there, because it’s not just a subset of American Horror Story. It’s its own, wholly different thing.
What This Means For Murphy’s Shows
More Possibilities For Storytelling
Murphy’s decision todistinguishGrotesqueriefromAmerican Horror Storyleaves the doors open for his creative ventures. By branching out into diverse styles of horror,Murphy avoids the pitfalls of repetition and genre fatiguethat often afflict long-running shows. The distinction also helpsGrotesqueriereach a larger audience, particularly those unfamiliar withAHSand those who might find the over-the-top nature too much. Meanwhile,AHScan continue to thrive in its exclusive niche, offering the beloved heightened and stylized horror that viewers love, without losing or compromising its essential essence for the sake of telling a different story.
Ryan Murphy’s New TV Series Is Following A Current Popular Horror Trend & I’m Here For It
Ryan Murphy’s next horror TV series is Grotesquerie, and it’s following a current popular horror trend but with a twist, making it more exciting.
Murphy’s commitment to theme exploration might mean that viewers can expect even more variety from his upcoming projects. Whether through psychological horror inGrotesquerie, or sports drama inAmerican Sports Story,Murphy continues to push the boundaries when it comes to his storytelling. The diversity between his projects guarantees that each series may stand on its own, offering viewers new experiences free of franchise expectations.
Our Take On This Decision
It Broadens Murphy’s Audience
This pivot demonstrates Murphy’s ability to adjust to audiences and their ever-changing tastes while staying true to his artistic vision. WhileAHSwill continue to be a space for horror lovers seeking spectacle and complex narratives,Grotesquerieoffers a fresh perspective that blends horror with social critiquein a way that challenges the traditional genre expectations.
Ultimately, it highlights Murphy’s evolution as a creator. While it shares some DNA with his earlier work,GrotesquerieandAmerican Sports Storysignal a shift towards more experimental, introspective storytelling. WithGrotesquerie, American Sports Story,andAmerican Horror Storynow running concurrently, viewers can expect separate perspectives of horror, each with its own message, style, and impact.
Grotesquerie
Cast
Grotesquerie: In this crime drama, a detective and a nun delve into a series of heinous crimes with personal ties, confronting their own struggles while unraveling a sinister web. Their investigation raises profound questions, revealing unsettling truths that challenge their perceptions and deepen the mystery.
