Top 10 Ryan Murphy Shows Ranked: The Best Series You Can’t Miss

“Nip/Tuck” is a provocative drama series created by Ryan Murphy that aired from 2003 to 2010. The show follows two plastic surgeons, Dr. Sean McNamara and Dr. Christian Troy, as they navigate the dark and often morally ambiguous world of cosmetic surgery in Miami.

“Nip/Tuck” is known for its daring exploration of beauty, identity, and the human psyche, often pushing the envelope with its graphic content and controversial themes. The series received critical acclaim for its bold storytelling, strong performances, particularly by leads Dylan Walsh and Julian McMahon, and its unflinching look at society’s obsession with perfection. It won several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama, and solidified Murphy’s reputation as a creator willing to take risks.

“Glee” is a musical comedy-drama series created by Ryan Murphy that aired from 2009 to 2015. The show centers around a high school glee club, “New Directions,” as its members navigate the challenges of adolescence while pursuing their passion for singing and performing.

“Glee” is celebrated for its vibrant blend of humor, drama, and music, featuring dynamic performances of popular songs that resonated with a wide audience.

The series broke new ground in television by addressing important social issues such as LGBTQ+ representation, bullying, and mental health, earning critical acclaim and a passionate fanbase. “Glee” won several awards, including Golden Globes and Emmys, and had a significant cultural impact, popularizing musical television and inspiring a new generation of performers and fans alike.

“American Horror Story” (AHS) is an anthology horror series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk that debuted in 2011. Each season presents a self-contained narrative with its own characters, setting, and storyline, exploring various horror subgenres such as haunted houses, witches, and cults. Known for its chilling atmosphere, complex characters, and bold storytelling, AHS has become a cultural phenomenon, with each season garnering significant attention and anticipation.

The series has received widespread acclaim for its originality, strong performances—especially from actors like Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson—and its willingness to tackle taboo subjects. AHS has won numerous awards, including Golden Globes and Emmys, and has had a lasting impact on the horror genre in television, solidifying Murphy’s reputation as a master of suspense and innovation.

“Scream Queens” is a dark comedy-horror series created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, which aired from 2015 to 2016. The show is set at a fictional university where a series of murders unfold, revolving around the exclusive Kappa Kappa Tau sorority and its ruthless leader, Chanel Oberlin, played by Emma Roberts. Blending horror with sharp satire, “Scream Queens” is known for its campy tone, witty dialogue, and over-the-top characters.

While the series received mixed reviews, it was praised for its humor, stylish aesthetic, and strong performances, particularly from Roberts and Jamie Lee Curtis. Although it had a short run, “Scream Queens” developed a cult following and is often recognized for its unique take on the horror-comedy genre.

“American Crime Story” is an anthology true-crime series created by Ryan Murphy, which dramatizes some of the most notorious criminal cases in American history. Each season focuses on a different real-life event, starting with “The People v. O.J. Simpson” (2016), which examines the infamous O.J. Simpson murder trial.

This debut season received widespread acclaim for its gripping storytelling, nuanced performances, particularly by Sarah Paulson and Sterling K. Brown, and its exploration of race, media, and justice in America. It won nine Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series and acting awards for Paulson and Brown.

The second season, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace” (2018), delves into the murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace by serial killer Andrew Cunanan. This season was praised for its bold narrative structure, striking visual style, and Darren Criss’s standout performance as Cunanan, which earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor.

The season won seven Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series. “American Crime Story” is celebrated for its deep exploration of complex social issues and its ability to turn real-life events into compelling drama.

The third season of “American Crime Story”, titled “Impeachment” (2021), centers on the scandal surrounding President Bill Clinton and his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, which ultimately led to his impeachment. The season offers a deep dive into the political, legal, and personal ramifications of the scandal, exploring the perspectives of key figures such as Monica Lewinsky (played by Beanie Feldstein), Linda Tripp (Sarah Paulson), and Paula Jones (Annaleigh Ashford).

“Impeachment” received praise for its nuanced portrayal of the events, particularly its focus on the experiences of the women involved, highlighting the power dynamics and media frenzy that shaped public perception. Sarah Paulson’s performance as Linda Tripp was especially lauded, adding to her reputation as a standout performer in the “American Crime Story” anthology. A fourth season is currently in development.

“Feud” is an anthology series created by Ryan Murphy that delves into famous rivalries, exploring the personal and professional conflicts between iconic figures. The first season, “Feud: Bette and Joan” (2017), focuses on the legendary rivalry between Hollywood stars Bette Davis and Joan Crawford during the making of the 1962 film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?. The season highlights the intense competition and sexism faced by aging actresses in Hollywood, with standout performances by Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford and Susan Sarandon as Bette Davis.

“Feud: Bette and Joan” received critical acclaim for its sharp writing, period-accurate production design, and the powerful performances of its leads. The series was nominated for multiple awards, earning Emmys for makeup and hairstyling, and garnering praise for its exploration of gender and ageism in the entertainment industry.

The second season, “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” (2024), explores the fallout from Truman Capote’s betrayal of his high-society friends, famously known as his “swans,” when he published thinly veiled stories about them. Although it aired recently, the season has been praised for its glamorous depiction of 1970s New York society, the depth of its character portrayals, and the strong performances, particularly from Naomi Watts as Babe Paley and Tom Hollander as Truman Capote.

The season was nominated for 10 Emmy Awards including for Naomi Watts, Tom Hollander, and Diane Lane’s performances.”Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” has been lauded for its insightful look into friendship, betrayal, and the costs of fame.

“9-1-1” is a procedural drama series created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear that premiered in 2018. The show follows the high-pressure lives of first responders in Los Angeles, including police officers, paramedics, firefighters, and dispatchers, as they tackle intense emergencies and navigate personal challenges. “9-1-1” is known for its thrilling, high-stakes storytelling, with each episode featuring dramatic rescues and emotionally charged situations.

The series has been praised for its strong ensemble cast, including Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, and Jennifer Love Hewitt, and for its ability to balance action-packed sequences with character-driven drama.

“9-1-1” has received positive reviews from both critics and audiences, becoming one of the most-watched shows on network television and spawning a successful spin-off, “9-1-1: Lone Star”. Its success is attributed to its engaging storylines, relatable characters, and its depiction of the heroism and challenges faced by first responders.

“Pose” is a groundbreaking drama series created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Steven Canals, which aired from 2018 to 2021. Set in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the show explores the vibrant culture of New York City’s ballroom scene, focusing on the lives of Black and Latino LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender women, who find family, community, and acceptance within this subculture. “Pose” is celebrated for its authentic representation, featuring the largest cast of transgender actors in leading roles in television history, including standout performances by MJ Rodriguez, Billy Porter, and Indya Moore.

The series received widespread acclaim for its powerful storytelling, rich character development, and its exploration of issues like identity, discrimination, the HIV/AIDS crisis, and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Billy Porter made history as the first openly gay Black man to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Pray Tell. “Pose” had a profound cultural impact, elevating the visibility of transgender and LGBTQ+ voices in mainstream media and earning praise for its celebration of resilience, love, and the importance of chosen family.

“The Politician” is a dark comedy-drama series created by Ryan Murphy that premiered on Netflix in 2019. The show follows Payton Hobart, a wealthy and ambitious high school student played by Ben Platt, who is determined to become the President of the United States. The series explores the cutthroat world of politics and the lengths to which Payton will go to achieve his goals, blending satire with sharp social commentary.

“The Politician” received praise for its witty writing, vibrant production design, and the strong performances of its ensemble cast, including Jessica Lange, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Lucy Boynton. Critics lauded the show for its clever, satirical take on political ambition and the high school experience, though some found its tone uneven.

Despite mixed reviews, the series was appreciated for its bold storytelling and fresh perspective on political drama, further solidifying Ryan Murphy’s reputation for creating genre-defying television.

“Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” is a true-crime miniseries created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, which premiered on Netflix in 2022. The series delves into the disturbing life and crimes of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, portrayed by Evan Peters. It explores the systemic failures and societal issues that allowed Dahmer to evade justice for so long, providing a chilling look at his heinous acts and their impact on his victims and their families.

The series received critical acclaim for its haunting portrayal and Peters’s intense performance, earning him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Limited Series. Niecy Nash won an Emmy for her performance in the series. “Monster” also broke viewership records on Netflix, becoming one of the platform’s most-watched series ever. Its success was marked by its gripping narrative and the powerful performances that captivated audiences worldwide.

A second season, focusing on the Mendez brothers, will premiere in September 2024, continuing the Monster anthology’s exploration of infamous criminal cases.