Ryan Murphy’s new series, The Beauty , plunges viewers into a world where physical perfection is no longer a dream; it’s a reality. The first official trailer introduces “The Beauty,” a designer drug that instantly transforms anyone who takes it into a vision of physical perfection.
The promise is seductive: erase flaws, boost confidence, and step into a new life of glamour and attention. The trailer’s visuals are striking, showing ordinary people morphing into supermodels, their faces and bodies glowing with an almost supernatural radiance.
But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this transformation comes at a terrifying cost. The drug, which is based on a sexually transmitted virus, doesn’t just enhance beauty; it fundamentally alters the body, and those changes are far from permanent.
After a period of euphoric beauty, users begin to suffer gruesome and fatal consequences. The trailer hints at exploding supermodels and flesh sacks, a gruesome side effect Murphy has described as “self-ignition ketosis,” where users literally incinerate from the inside out after a set number of days.
Murphy’s signature blend of high fashion and body horror is on full display, with the series weaving together elements of sci-fi, thriller, and social commentary. The Beauty is adapted from the Image Comics graphic novel by Jeremy Haun and Jason A.
Hurley, which examines beauty culture through a lens of crime and horror. The show’s creators promise a narrative that is both visually stunning and deeply unsettling, asking viewers what they would be willing to sacrifice for perfection.
The Global Epidemic and the Race Against Time
As the Beauty drug spreads, so do its consequences. The series follows FBI agents Cooper Madsen (Evan Peters) and Jordan Bennett (Rebecca Hall), who are dispatched to Paris to investigate a string of mysterious deaths among international supermodels.
What starts as a high-profile murder case quickly spirals into a global epidemic, with the virus and its designer drug version affecting people across Paris, Venice, Rome, and New York.
The agents’ investigation leads them into the shadowy world of “The Corporation,” a tech empire run by a billionaire played by Ashton Kutcher.
This mysterious figure is revealed to be the mastermind behind the Beauty drug, determined to protect his trillion-dollar empire at any cost, even unleashing a lethal enforcer, “The Assassin” (Anthony Ramos), to silence anyone who threatens to expose the truth.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Pope plays Jeremy, a desperate outsider caught in the chaos, searching for purpose as the epidemic escalates. The narrative explores not just the physical horror of the drug but also the psychological toll on those affected and those left behind.
Ryan Murphy (Credit: BBC)
As the virus spreads, society grapples with questions of vanity, obsession, and the lengths people will go to achieve beauty.
Murphy has teased that the series will feature “incredible action sequences, substantial body horror, a compelling love story, an engaging buddy-comedy aspect, and a formidable antagonist.
The blend of genres promises a thrilling ride, but also raises ethical questions about the commodification of beauty and the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.
Controversy and Cultural Impact
The Beauty has already sparked controversy even before its release. Fans and critics alike are drawing comparisons to recent body horror films like The Substance, and some have questioned whether Murphy’s adaptation takes too much inspiration from other works.
The show’s plot, which centers on a sexually transmitted virus that grants beauty, has also raised concerns about its portrayal of STIs and the potential for stigmatization.
Murphy is no stranger to controversy, with a reputation for pushing boundaries and skewing real stories for dramatic effect. The Beauty’s cast is star-studded, featuring Evan Peters, Ashton Kutcher, Jeremy Pope, Anthony Ramos, and Rebecca Hall, among others, and the show is expected to attract a wide audience.
However, some fans have voiced mixed emotions about the plot and the return of Murphy’s frequent collaborator, Evan Peters.
The series also invites reflection on broader societal issues, such as the obsession with physical perfection, the influence of social media, and the dangers of unchecked corporate power.
By blending high fashion with gruesome horror, The Beauty holds a mirror up to a culture that often values appearance over substance, and asks viewers to consider the true cost of chasing beauty.
With its premiere on FX and Hulu set for January 21, The Beauty is poised to become one of the most talked-about shows of 2026. Whether it will be celebrated for its bold storytelling or criticized for its controversial themes, one thing is certain: Ryan Murphy’s latest creation is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
The finale of Chad Powers’ Season 1 left fans with plenty to unpack . Russ Holliday, the disgraced former college quarterback, managed to keep his true identity hidden from most of the South Georgia Catfish team, but not from Ricky, Coach Hudson’s daughter and assistant coach.
As the season closed, Ricky discovered that Chad Powers was actually Russ in disguise, but she chose not to expose him, knowing the revelation would damage her father’s career and the future of the team. This cliffhanger sets the stage for a tense, drama-filled Season 2.
Steve Zahn, who plays Coach Jake Hudson, has given fans a sneak peek at what’s coming next. He revealed that the new season will explore the aftermath of the National Championship game, showing how the team and Russ/Chad handle the pressures of fame and face the consequences of their actions.
Coach Hudson’s own heart attack at the end of Season 1 adds another layer of emotional weight, with Zahn teasing that Hudson’s health will be a major storyline in the next chapter.
The show’s creators, Glen Powell and Michael Waldron, have also hinted at bigger , wilder twists in Season 2, promising more intense football action and deeper character drama.
The writing team is reportedly considering incorporating real college football programs and even bringing in cameos from well-known coaches and players, adding a fresh, authentic edge to the story.
Complex Relationships and Character Dynamics
One of the most compelling aspects of Chad Powers is the web of relationships between its characters, and Season 2 is expected to deepen these connections. The dynamic between Russ/Chad and Ricky will be at the center of the drama, with Ricky now holding the power to ruin Russ’s second chance at redemption.
Steve Zahn described their evolving relationship as “complex and fraught with tension,” suggesting that the two will navigate a delicate balance between trust, betrayal, and mutual dependence.
Ricky’s decision to keep Chad’s secret not only protects her father’s legacy but also puts her in a precarious position. She must now work alongside Russ, knowing the truth, while maintaining the illusion for the rest of the team.
Chad Powers (Credit: IMDb)
This setup opens the door for plenty of dramatic confrontations and unexpected alliances, with the potential for both personal growth and devastating fallout.
The show’s supporting cast, including Perry Mattfeld as Ricky, Quentin Plair as Coach Byrd, Wynn Everett as Tricia Yeager, and Frankie A.
Rodriguez, as Danny, will also play a crucial role in the unfolding drama. As the story moves forward, viewers can expect more layers to be added to each character, revealing hidden motivations and surprising backstories.
What’s Next: Filming, Release, and Fan Expectations
With the official renewal for Season 2 confirmed by Hulu, fans are eagerly awaiting more details about the show’s future. Filming is set to begin in January 2026, a sign that the creators have been planning the next season for some time and are ready to hit the ground running.
The showrunner, Michael Waldron, has stated that if the series follows its previous release pattern, Season 2 could premiere around October 2026.
The buzz around Chad Powers continues to grow, with fans and critics alike praising the show’s blend of sports comedy and heartfelt drama.
Glen Powell, who stars as Russ/Chad, has expressed his excitement for the next chapter, saying there’s “much more story to unfold” and teasing that the new season will push the boundaries of what viewers expect from the series.
As anticipation builds, the Chad Powers team is working to deliver a season that matches the excitement and emotional depth of the first. With Steve Zahn’s hints at more twists, deeper relationships, and high-stakes drama, Season 2 promises to be bigger, wilder, and more unpredictable than ever.
Chad Powers has quickly become one of Hulu’s most talked-about comedies, and the upcoming season is set to cement its place in the sports comedy genre. Fans can look forward to a story that balances laughs with heart, secrets with suspense, and football with family drama.
Netflix’s Altered Carbon burst onto the scene in 2018 as a bold new take on the cyberpunk genre, blending hardboiled noir, futuristic technology, and philosophical questions about identity and mortality.
The show, based on Richard K. Morgan’s acclaimed novel, was praised for its lush visuals, intricate world-building, and mature storytelling.
Set in a future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, the series followed Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier turned private investigator, as he navigated a world where the rich live forever and the poor struggle to survive.
Season one dazzled audiences with its mix of action, mystery, and deep social commentary, earning strong reviews and even Emmy nominations for its visual effects and production design. The show’s gritty aesthetic, complex characters, and willingness to tackle difficult themes set it apart from other sci-fi series on the platform.
Many fans hailed it as Netflix’s best attempt at capturing the essence of cyberpunk, a genre known for its dark, high-tech worlds and anti-establishment spirit.
However, after the initial excitement, Netflix’s decision to cancel Altered Carbon after just two seasons left fans stunned and disappointed.
The show’s second season, which replaced Joel Kinnaman with Anthony Mackie as the lead, received mixed reviews, with some critics feeling it strayed from the sourcnd lost some of the original’s edge.
Despite this, the series remained a cult favorite, with many viewers still championing its unique blend of action, drama, and philosophical depth.
The Business Behind the Cancellation
The cancellation of Altered Carbon was not due to a lack of fan interest or creative vision, but rather the harsh realities of streaming economics.
Netflix is known for its data-driven approach to renewing shows, and Altered Carbon’s massive production costs, driven by its elaborate sets, visual effects, and global locations, made it one of the most expensive shows on the platform.
According to industry reports, the show’s viewership numbers simply did not justify the expense of a third season, even though it had a dedicated fanbase and strong critical praise.
Altered Carbon (Credit: Netflix)
The cancellation sparked a wave of fan outrage, with petitions and social media campaigns demanding a final season to wrap up the story. Many fans felt that the show deserved a proper conclusion, especially given its complex narrative and unresolved plot threads.
Others pointed out that Netflix’s cancellation practices often hurt niche but high-quality shows, especially in genres like cyberpunk that may not appeal to the broadest audience.
The Legacy and What’s Next
Despite its abrupt end, Altered Carbon has left a lasting mark on the cyberpunk genre and sci-fi television. The show’s bold visuals, ambitious storytelling, and willingness to tackle difficult themes have inspired a new generation of creators and fans.
The franchise also expanded with an anime film, Altered Carbon: Resleeved, which further explored the universe and introduced new characters.
The cancellation of Altered Carbon has become a cautionary tale about the challenges of producing high-concept, expensive shows in the streaming era.
While Netflix continues to invest in sci-fi and cyberpunk content, including projects like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, many fans remain hopeful that Altered Carbon’s story could one day be revived, either on another platform or through a new adaptation.
Until then, the show’s legacy lives on as a shining example of what cyberpunk television can achieve when given the right creative freedom and support.
Altered Carbon’s journey from breakout hit to canceled cult classic reflects both the promise and peril of streaming television, where even the most visionary shows can fall victim to the bottom line.
For fans of the genre, the show remains a reminder of what could have been and a call to keep demanding bold, original stories that push the boundaries of sci-fi and cyberpunk.
