A new series from Ryan Murphy called The Beauty is now available to watch. The show started on FX and Hulu on January 21, 2026. It mixes horror, science fiction, and dark comedy. This guide explains what the show is about, what people think of it, and if it is right for you.
The series looks at society’s obsession with looking perfect. It tells the story of a dangerous virus that makes people incredibly beautiful but also causes them to die in violent ways. Two FBI agents try to stop the outbreak while dealing with a powerful billionaire who created the virus.
The Beauty Series Premise and Story
The Beauty is based on a comic book by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley. The main story follows a pair of FBI agents, Jordan Bennett (played by Rebecca Hall) and Cooper Madsen (played by Evan Peters). They are sent to Paris to investigate why international supermodels are dying in horrible, explosive ways.
Their investigation leads them to discover a sexually transmitted virus. This virus transforms ordinary people into visions of physical perfection. However, this change comes with a terrible cost. After about two years, the infected people burn up from the inside and die. The show calls this “One shot makes you hot”.
The source of the virus is a tech billionaire known as The Corporation, played by Ashton Kutcher. He developed the virus as a miracle drug he calls “The Beauty.” He wants to sell it to make money and become more powerful. To protect his business, he uses a dangerous enforcer called The Assassin, played by Anthony Ramos.
Another important character is Jeremy, played by Jeremy Pope. He starts as a lonely and unhappy man who feels ignored by society. He sees the virus as a way to change his life and become the person he thinks he should be. His story shows a different side of the desire for beauty and acceptance.
The series also features many famous guest stars. These include supermodel Bella Hadid, legendary actress Isabella Rossellini, and singer Meghan Trainor. The show moves from Paris to other glamorous cities like Venice, Rome, and New York as the agents chase the truth.
Critical Reception and Reviews of The Beauty
Critics have different opinions about The Beauty. The series holds a mixed rating on review websites. Some reviewers see it as a fun and engaging return to form for creator Ryan Murphy. Others believe the show’s story is messy and its social commentary is not deep enough.
Positive reviews praise the show’s style and energy. One review called it “a return to bingeable Murphy goodness” and noted its sharp satire on modern beauty standards and culture. Another said it is “an immersive experience” and “a wild ride,” even with its flaws. Critics enjoy the performances, especially the chemistry between leads Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall, and the over-the-top style.
“The Beauty has a plot, structure, characters that often act, react and speak as real human beings mightโฆ Itโs almost like old American anthology days.”
However, many critics point out problems with the story and its message. A common complaint is that the show tries to talk about serious topics like society’s beauty standards but does not explore them deeply. One major review said the series has “muddied messaging” and is “missing something fundamental from its soul”. Another called it “a hot mess” that is more focused on shocking moments than telling a coherent story.
Some critics also question the choice to have very attractive, wealthy Hollywood stars make a show criticizing beauty and wealth. They argue this makes the satire feel less powerful. The show includes a lot of graphic body horror and violence, which some feel is excessive and does not add meaning to the plot.
Viewer Guide: Who Will Enjoy The Beauty?
Deciding whether to watch The Beauty depends on what you like in a TV series. Here is a breakdown of who might enjoy it and who might not.
Watch The Beauty if you enjoy:
- Ryan Murphy’s signature style from shows like American Horror Story or Nip/Tuck. This includes bold visuals, dark humor, and over-the-top drama.
- Body horror and graphic content. The show does not hold back on gore, with scenes of transformation, exploding bodies, and intense violence.
- Fast-paced, plot-driven stories with lots of twists. The series moves quickly between glamorous locations and has a large cast of characters.
- Satire about modern culture. The show makes fun of topics like social media beauty filters, weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, and the influence of billionaires.
Skip The Beauty if you prefer:
- Subtle storytelling or deep character development. Critics note that characters can feel one-dimensional and that the plot sometimes sacrifices logic for style.
- A clear and consistent message. The series introduces many ideas about beauty, class, and influence but does not always explore them thoroughly.
- Less graphic content. The TV-MA rating is for a reason. The show features frequent violent and disturbing body horror that may be uncomfortable for some viewers.
- Stories with a conclusive ending. The first season ends with a cliffhanger, setting up potential future stories without resolving all its plotlines.
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The Beauty Episode Release Schedule
The Beauty premiered with its first three episodes on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. New episodes are released weekly. The season has a total of 11 episodes.
Here is the release schedule for the first season:
- Episodes 1-3: Released on January 21, 2026.
- Episode 4: Releases on January 28, 2026.
- Episode 5: Releases on February 4, 2026.
- Episode 6: Releases on February 11, 2026.
- Episode 7: Releases on February 18, 2026.
- Episodes 8 & 9: Release together on February 25, 2026.
- Episodes 10 & 11 (Season Finale): Release together on March 4, 2026.
You can watch new episodes when they air on the FX cable channel. They are also available to stream the next day on Hulu. The show is also available for subscribers of Disney+ who have the Hulu add-on.
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