Common Sense Media Review
By Common Sense Media
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sex, drugs in Ryan Murphy's 1980s serial killer teen soap.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Shards
What's the Story?
THE SHARDS is told from Bret Easton Ellis' (Igby Rigney) point of view, living in Los Angeles in the 1980's. An aspiring writer, Bret and his group of wealthy, elite friends (Kaia Gerber, Hayes Warner, Graham Campbell) enter their senior year at Buckley prep school. But grisly killings of teenagers by local serial killer "The Trawler" make headlines right as Robert Mallory (Homer Gere) enrolls at their school. Everyone welcomes Robert with open arms, but Bret knows he's hiding something. As Bret's paranoia turns into obsession with Robert and his true intentions, the Trawler's victims increase.
Is It Any Good?
This series is a seductive spiral into insanity, padded with (self)-obsession and synthwave. The Shards is erotic, erratic, and gory. Fans of the book and Bret Easton Ellis (and to a degree, Ryan Murphy) will likely find this adaptation intriguing. Like earlier projects from both, the violence is over-the-top, which may be a turn-off for some viewers. Rigney and Gere's chemistry (as well as their clashes) are electric and magnetizing. The sex, blood, language, and drug use makes this suitable only for older teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence, sex, and drug use throughout The Shards. Do you think it's important to the story? What is the impact of media violence on younger viewers?
This series is an adaptation of a novel written by the same author of American Psycho. Do you see any similarities in storytelling or the characters? Why do you think this was adapted into a series rather than a film like American Psycho? Which format do you think works best?
What elements does this series use to portray the 80's in Los Angeles? What about the public attitudes and reaction towards serial killers during this era? What has changed throughout the years in terms of technology and solving crimes?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 5, 2026
- Cast : Kaia Gerber , Igby Rigney , Homer Gere , Wes Bentley , Evan Rachel Wood
- Networks : Hulu , FX
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , Book Characters
- TV rating :
- Last updated : August 6, 2026
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