Ryan Murphy has spent the better part of two decades oscillating between campy musical numbers and genuine nightmare fuel. However, if the early buzz for his latest series is any indication, the mogul is leaning heavily into the latter. Based on the acclaimed Image Comics series by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley, The Beauty has finally made its television debut, and the consensus is clear: it’s a visceral, skin-crawling triumph.
According to a recent review from JoBlo, the series doesn't just dip its toes into the genre—it dives headfirst into "bonkers body horror." For fans of Murphy’s earlier, more experimental work on American Horror Story or the recent wave of surgical horror films like The Substance, this series appears to be the high-octane adrenaline shot the TV landscape needs in early 2026.
A Fatal Obsession with Perfection
The premise of The Beauty is as haunting as it is socially relevant. In a world obsessed with aesthetics, a new sexually transmitted disease emerges. But unlike any illness we’ve seen before, this one makes you beautiful. It clears skin, sheds weight, and carves jawlines to divine proportions. The catch? It’s a ticking time bomb that eventually leads to a gruesome, explosive end. This sets the stage for a narrative that is part police procedural, part medical conspiracy, and entirely terrifying.
What makes the series work, according to critics, is how it utilizes this conceit to explore the vanity of modern culture. Murphy has always been obsessed with the intersection of fame, youth, and tragedy, and The Beauty provides the perfect canvas for those themes. The body horror elements aren't just there for shock value—though there is plenty of that—but serve as a literal manifestation of the rot beneath the surface of a polished society.
An All-Star Cast Reinvents the Genre
Leading the charge is Murphy’s long-time muse, Evan Peters. Coming off a string of intense dramatic roles, Peters reportedly brings a grounded, weary energy to the series that balances out the more heightened, grotesque sequences. Joining him is Anthony Ramos, whose charisma provides a necessary foil to the show’s darker undertones. However, the most surprising standout mentioned in early reviews is Ashton Kutcher. Known primarily for his comedic roots and tech ventures, Kutcher’s involvement in a project this dark is a pivot that many are calling a career-best performance.
The chemistry between the lead trio elevates the material beyond a simple comic book adaptation. They navigate a world where the line between a blessing and a curse is blurred, making the audience care about the characters even as their skin begins to literally crawl. It’s a testament to the casting department that such a diverse group of actors can make this high-concept nightmare feel devastatingly human.
The Return of Prestige Body Horror
Visually, The Beauty is being hailed as a masterpiece of practical and digital effects. In an era where many horror shows rely on shadows to hide budgetary constraints, Murphy’s latest production puts the gore front and center. The "transformation" sequences are said to be particularly difficult to watch, capturing the unsettling reality of the disease with a clinical, yet stylized eye.
For the horror community, The Beauty represents a return to form for Ryan Murphy. While some of his recent projects have leaned more toward true crime or high-fashion melodrama, this series proves he hasn't lost his touch for the macabre. It’s a bold, bloody, and beautiful addition to the 2026 television slate that will likely have viewers rethinking their skincare routines for years to come.