We all know how much model-turned-actress Kaia Gerber loves a great book – she’s helmed her own Library Science book club for years now and in the process, interviewed authors like Kaveh Akbar and Hamnet‘s Maggie O’Farrell. But now, she’s taking her love for books to the screen.
Gerber is starring in a big-name book-to-screen adaptation, and stepping back into Ryan Murphy’s world, leading his newest series project, The Shards. It’s based on American Psycho novelist Bret Easton Ellis’ 2023 novel of the same name. It’s a story that was originally unveiled as a serialised podcast before becoming a bestselling novel – and past versions at HBO drew attention from filmmakers like Luca Guadagnino (who is currently at the helm of another famed Ellis novel film adaptation) and Kristoffer Borgli. But, it seems that it was Murphy’s touch – and his proven ability to spin darkness into pop cultural gold – that’s finally pushing the project forward.
Here’s everything we know so far…
When will it be released?
The show has an official premiere date set for 5 August 2026 on FX and Hulu in the USA, and on Disney+ in Australia and internationally.
What’s it about?
If you’re into dark academia tales mixed with a thriller edge, this is a story for you.
It’s chilling, semi-autobiographical coming-of-age tale, set in Los Angeles in 1981. The story follows a 17-year-old version of Ellis during his final year at an elite prep school (Ellis himself did attend an elite Los Angeles high school called The Buckley School in the 80s), where a mysterious new student arrives – just as a serial killer known as The Trawler begins to haunt the city.
First look image of ‘The Shards’ series, courtesy FX
Who’s in the cast?
We obviously know Gerber is set to lead the cast, and alongside her are Homer Gere (who will play Robert) and Graham Campbell (who will play Thom), Hayes Warner (playing Debbie) and Igby Rigney (playing Ellis himself). We’ve also got Wes Bentley and Evan Rachel Wood joining the cast too.
