:Grotesquerie (TV series)

Detective Lois Tryon must work with Sister Megan, a local nun, to figure out the source of a series of heinous crimes that is affecting both their community and their personal lives.{{Cite web |last=Khosla |first=Proma |date=August 31, 2024 |title=September TV Preview: 20 New Shows to Watch |url=https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/september-2024-tv-preview/grotesquerie-pictured-niecy-nash-as-lois-tryon-cr-prashant-gupta-fx-2/ |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=IndieWire}}

• Niecy Nash-Betts as Det. Lois Tryon
• Courtney B. Vance as Marshall Tryon
• Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Father Charlie / Dr. Charles Nayhew{{efn|He was known as a priest named "Father Charlie" in Lois' coma dreams during the first 7 episodes of the season. Then it was revealed he was actually Dr. Charlie Mayhew.}}
• Micaela Diamond as Sister Megan / Chief Police Megan Duval{{efn|She was known as a nun named "Sister Megan" in Lois' coma dreams during the first 7 episodes of the season. Then it was revealed she was actually Chief of Police Megan Duval.}}
• Raven Goodwin as Merritt Tryon
• Lesley Manville as Nurse Redd / Cherry Redd{{efn|She was known as a nurse named "Nurse Redd" in Lois' coma dreams during the first 7 episodes of the season. Then it was revealed she was not a nurse and her full name was Cherry Redd.}}

• Brooke Smith as Chief of Detectives Gale Hanover
• Joshua Bitton as Sergeant Jack Cranburn
• Tessa Ferrer as Grace Finn
• Travis M. Kelce as Ed Laclan

• Victoria Abbott as Andrea Salana
• Kathryn Hunter as Maisie Montgomery
• Lillias White as Glorious McKall
• John Billingsley as Dr. Lehman
• Santino Fontana as Dr. Witticomb
• Spenser Granese as Justin Blake

{{Episode table |background=#A30016 |overall= |title= |titleR= |director= |writer= |writerR={{Cite web |url=https://directories.wga.org/project/1255944/grotesquerie/ |title=Grotesquerie |website=Writers Guild of America West |accessdate=October 2, 2024}} |airdate= |viewers= |country=U.S. |airdateR={{cite web |url=http://thefutoncritic.com/showatch/grotesquerie/listings/ |title=Shows A–Z – Grotesquerie on FX |website=The Futon Critic |access-date=October 3, 2024}} |episodes={{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 1

| Title = Pilot

| DirectedBy = Max Winkler

| WrittenBy = Ryan Murphy & Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|25}}

| Viewers = 0.343{{cite web|title=Wednesday Ratings: ESPN Bests Fox and NBC in Demos Due to Caitlin Clark-Fueled Cable Record WNBA Playoff Game|url=https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-espn-bests-fox-and-nbc-in-demos-due-to-caitlin-clark-fueled-cable-record-wnba-playoff-game/|website=Programming Insider|first=Douglas|last=Pucci|date=September 26, 2024|access-date=September 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926234056/https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-espn-bests-fox-and-nbc-in-demos-due-to-caitlin-clark-fueled-cable-record-wnba-playoff-game/|archive-date=September 26, 2024|url-status=live}}

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{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 2

| Title = True Crime Catholics

| DirectedBy = Max Winkler

| WrittenBy = Ryan Murphy & Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|25}}

| Viewers = {{TableTBA|N/A}}

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{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 3

| Title = The Bender

| DirectedBy = Ryan Murphy

| WrittenBy = Ryan Murphy & Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|2}}

| Viewers = 0.203{{cite web|title=Wednesday Ratings: ESPN Networks Top Prime Time Demos with MLB Postseason|url=https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-espn-networks-top-prime-time-demos-with-mlb-postseason/|website=Programming Insider|first=Douglas|last=Pucci|date=October 3, 2024|access-date=November 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241104064503/https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-espn-networks-top-prime-time-demos-with-mlb-postseason/|archive-date=November 4, 2024|url-status=live}}

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{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 4

| Title = Coordinates

| DirectedBy = Alexis Martin Woodall

| WrittenBy = Ryan Murphy & Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|2}}

| Viewers = 0.144

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{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 5

| Title = Red Haze

| DirectedBy = Max Winkler

| WrittenBy = Ryan Murphy & Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|9}}

| Viewers = 0.224{{cite web|title=Wednesday Ratings: 'Abbott Elementary' Season Premiere on ABC Builds in Demos from Lead-In|url=https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-abbott-elementary-season-premiere-on-abc-builds-in-demos-from-lead-in/|website=Programming Insider|first=Douglas|last=Pucci|date=October 10, 2024|access-date=November 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241107145126/https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-abbott-elementary-season-premiere-on-abc-builds-in-demos-from-lead-in/|archive-date=November 7, 2024|url-status=live}}

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| EpisodeNumber = 6

| Title = Good Caesarean Work

| DirectedBy = Max Winkler

| WrittenBy = Ryan Murphy & Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|9}}

| Viewers = 0.171

| ShortSummary =

| LineColor = A30016

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{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 7

| Title = Unplugged

| DirectedBy = Max Winkler

| WrittenBy = Ryan Murphy & Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|16}}

| Viewers = 0.200{{cite web|title=Wednesday Ratings: Bret Baier's Sit-Down with Kamala Harris on Fox News was Most-Watched Interview of 2024 Election Season|url=https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-bret-baiers-sit-down-with-kamala-harris-on-fox-news-was-most-watched-interview-of-2024-election-season/|website=Programming Insider|first=Douglas|last=Pucci|date=October 17, 2024|access-date=November 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241107144730/https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-bret-baiers-sit-down-with-kamala-harris-on-fox-news-was-most-watched-interview-of-2024-election-season/|archive-date=November 7, 2024|url-status=live}}

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{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 8

| Title = In Dreams

| DirectedBy = Elegance Bratton

| WrittenBy = Ryan Murphy & Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|23}}

| Viewers = 0.173{{cite web|title=Wednesday Ratings: CNN Outdraws All Networks Except NBC During Kamala Harris Town Hall|url=https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-cnn-outdraws-all-networks-except-nbc-during-kamala-harris-town-hall/|website=Programming Insider|first=Douglas|last=Pucci|date=October 24, 2024|access-date=November 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241104072817/https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-cnn-outdraws-all-networks-except-nbc-during-kamala-harris-town-hall/|archive-date=November 4, 2024|url-status=live}}

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{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 9

| Title = The Stinging Aroma of Sulfur

| DirectedBy = Alexis Martin Woodall

| WrittenBy = Ryan Murphy & Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|23}}

| Viewers = 0.108

| ShortSummary =

| LineColor = A30016

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{{Episode list

| EpisodeNumber = 10

| Title = I Think I'm Dead

| DirectedBy = Alexis Martin Woodall

| WrittenBy = Ryan Murphy & Jon Robin Baitz & Joe Baken

| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|30}}

| Viewers = 0.196{{cite web|title=Wednesday Ratings: MLB World Series Concludes on Seven-Year High on Fox Platforms|url=https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-mlb-world-series-concludes-on-seven-year-high-on-fox-platforms/|website=Programming Insider|first=Douglas|last=Pucci|date=October 31, 2024|access-date=November 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241104093801/https://programminginsider.com/wednesday-ratings-mlb-world-series-concludes-on-seven-year-high-on-fox-platforms/|archive-date=November 4, 2024|url-status=live}}

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The series was announced in February 2024, when creator Ryan Murphy released a teaser on Instagram. Niecy Nash, Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville were set to star.{{Cite web |last=Hailu |first=Selome |date=February 23, 2024 |title=Surprise Ryan Murphy Horror Drama 'Grotesquerie' Set at FX for Fall; Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville Star |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/ryan-murphy-grotesquerie-niecy-nash-courtney-vance-fx-1235920970/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=Variety}}

The trailer for Grotesquerie was released in August 2024.{{Cite web |last=Swift |first=Andy |date=August 15, 2024 |title=Grotesquerie: Watch a Haunting Teaser for Ryan Murphy's Latest FX Horror Series |url=https://tvline.com/news/grotesquerie-release-date-full-cast-ryan-murphy-fx-drama-1235318673/ |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=TVLine}} The first two episodes of Grotesquerie premiered on FX on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. The subsequent eight episodes aired weekly on Wednesdays in pairs until October 23, 2024. Each episode will be available for streaming on Hulu the day following its FX broadcast.{{Cite web |last=Kaplan |first=Avery |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Grotesquerie season 1 release date: Here's when Ryan Murphy's new horror show debuts on FX and Hulu |url=https://www.thepopverse.com/tv-grotesquerie-season-1-fx-release-date |access-date=2024-09-09 |website=Popverse}} Internationally, the series was made available to stream on Disney+.{{Cite web |last=Marchall |first=Alexander |date=October 4, 2024 |title=Grotesquerie, the new horror series by Ryan Murphy after Monsters: trailer and release date |url=https://uisjournal.com/grotesquerie-the-new-horror-series-by-ryan-murphy-after-monsters-trailer-and-release-date/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=The Journal |language=en-US}}

Grotesquerie debuted at No. 1 on Hulu's "Top 15 Today"—a daily updated list of the platform's most-watched titles—on its first full day of release and remained on the list for five consecutive days as of October 1, 2024, alongside other Ryan Murphy-produced series like American Sports Story and Doctor Odyssey.{{Cite web |last=Cobb |first=Kayla |date=October 1, 2024 |title=Ryan Murphy Reflects on the Success, Discourse and 'Daunting Task' of Dominating Fall TV |url=https://www.thewrap.com/ryan-murphy-interview-monsters-success-grotesquerie-doctor-odyssey/ |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}} The streaming aggregator Reelgood, which tracks 20 million monthly viewing decisions across all streaming platforms in the U.S., reported that Grotesquerie was the eighth most-streamed television series in the U.S. for the week of September 26 to October 2, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Bentz |first=Adam |date=October 11, 2024 |title=Ryan Murphy's New Horror Series Becomes Streaming Success After Four Episodes |url=https://screenrant.com/grotesquerie-show-streaming-success-chart-rank/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Screen Rant |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Meek |first=Andy |date=2024-10-05 |title=These are the only TV shows that matter right now on Netflix, Max, Hulu, Prime Video, and more |url=https://bgr.com/entertainment/these-are-the-only-tv-shows-that-matter-right-now-on-netflix-max-hulu-prime-video-and-more/ |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=Boy Genius Report |language=en-US}} Analytics company Samba TV, which gathers viewership data from certain smart TVs and content providers, calculated that it was the ninth most-watched program during the week of September 30 to October 6, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Latchem |first=John |date=October 11, 2024 |title=Samba TV: 'Penguin' Tops Weekly Streaming Viewership Through Oct. 6 |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/samba-tv-penguin-tops-weekly-streaming-viewership-through-oct-6/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Media Play News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=TV |first=Samba |date=2024-10-10 |title=‘The Penguin’ Bests ‘Nobody Wants This’ on Streaming Top 10 {{!}} Chart |url=https://www.thewrap.com/the-penguin-nobody-wants-this-streaming-ratings-chart/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}} By the week ending October 9, 2024, Reelgood announced that Grotesquerie was the ninth most-streamed series in the U.S.{{Cite web |last=Meek |first=Andy |date=October 12, 2024 |title=Everyone is obsessed with these 10 TV shows on Netflix, Hulu, Max, Prime Video & more |url=https://bgr.com/entertainment/everyone-is-obsessed-with-these-10-tv-shows-on-netflix-hulu-max-prime-video-more/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Boy Genius Report |language=en-US}}

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 79% of 14 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.50/10. The critics' consensus reads, "Equal parts campy and terrifying, Grotesquerie is a stomach-churning feast for viewers seeking a thrill."{{Cite web |title=Season 1 – Grotesquerie |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/grotesquerie/s01 |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Fandango Media |language=en}} Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the series a score of 51 out of 100, based on 7 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.{{cite mc|id=grotesquerie|type=tv|season=1|access-date=September 27, 2024|publisher_hide=y}}

Nakeisha Campbell of PureWow remarked that while the graphic imagery in Grotesquerie can be unsettling—almost prompting her to stop watching the series—she stated that Niecy Nash-Betts's strong performance kept her engaged. She praised the exploration of Detective Lois Tryon's personal struggles and highlighted the partnership between Tryon and Sister Megan, describing their dynamic as a refreshing addition to the narrative. Campbell also acknowledged the suspenseful tone and expressed curiosity about the series' direction, recognizing its appeal to fans of intense horror.{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Nakeisha |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Niecy Nash-Betts's New Serial Killer Thriller Is So Terrifying That I'm Afraid to Keep Watching |url=https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/grotesquerie-review |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=PureWow |language=en}} Matthew Creith of TheWrap praised Nash-Betts for her performance, portraying a flawed character who battles alcoholism and personal struggles while investigating a series of grotesque murder cases. He appreciated the eccentricity of the supporting characters, particularly Sister Megan and Nurse Redd, saying they add layers of strangeness to the narrative. Creith complimented the show for its dark and macabre tone, noting its evolution from a typical police drama into a deeper exploration of paranoia and sociopathy, while also acknowledging the intriguing dynamics and theological themes presented throughout the series.{{Cite web |last=Creith |first=Matthew |date=September 26, 2024 |title='Grotesquerie' Review: Niecy Nash-Betts Investigates Satanic Crimes in Ryan Murphy's Gory Horror Story |url=https://www.thewrap.com/grotesquerie-review-niecy-nash-betts-fx/ |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}}

Daniel Kurland of Bloody Disgusting noted that Grotesquerie feels akin to a season of American Horror Story while being more focused and grounded. He found the atmosphere to evoke a heavy sense of dread, drawing parallels to Seven and Hannibal, and said that the contrast between horror and domestic life enhances the impact of the murders. Kurland praised Nash-Betts for her performance and highlighted Micaela Diamond's Sister Megan Duval as the standout character, suggesting that their dynamic explores themes of faith amid violence. Kurland recognized that while Murphy's shows often start strong but may falter, Grotesquerie establishes a solid foundation, concluding with cautious optimism regarding the series' potential within the horror genre.{{Cite web |last=Kurland |first=Daniel |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Ryan Murphy's 'Grotesquerie' Kicks Off to a Strong, Sinister Start [Review] |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/reviews/3832992/ryan-murphys-grotesquerie-kicks-off-to-a-strong-sinister-start-review/ |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=Bloody Disgusting |language=en-US}} Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter noted that Grotesquerie feels familiar within Murphy's universe, with a setup reminiscent of American Horror Story and Seven, incorporating themes of religious symbolism and societal decay. He praised Nash-Betts' portrayal as a detective, complimenting her fresh take on the archetype and strong chemistry with supporting actors Raven Goodwin and Courtney B. Vance. Fienberg also highlighted Diamond's breakout role as Sister Megan but found the series somewhat predictable in its early episodes, hoping for more innovation in future installments.{{Cite web |last=Fienberg |first=Daniel |date=September 26, 2024 |title='Grotesquerie' Review: Niecy Nash Shines Through the Moral Murk of Ryan Murphy's FX Horror Show |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/grotesquerie-review-ryan-murphy-niecy-nash-fx-1236013523/ |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}

Petrana Radulovic of Polygon described Grotesquerie as intriguing but flawed, highlighting the engaging mystery and over-the-top, religiously symbolic murders. She praised the performances, particularly those of Nash-Betts as Detective Lois Tryon and Diamond as Sister Megan. Radulovic also complimented the show's setup and its disturbing crime scenes reminiscent of Seven, but expressed doubt about Murphy's ability to deliver a satisfying conclusion, based on his previous projects.{{Cite web |last=Radulovic |first=Petrana |date=September 26, 2024 |title=In Grotesquerie, Ryan Murphy does Seven and… it kinda works? |url=https://www.polygon.com/tv/457024/grotesquerie-ryan-murphy-review-ahs-hotel-seven-hulu |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}} Rebecca Nicholson of The Guardian gave Grotesquerie a score of three out of five stars and called the show more downbeat compared to Murphy's typical work, focusing on a grander narrative amid its gothic horrors. She found the show visually striking but criticized its reliance on clumsy exposition, which undermines its eerie atmosphere. Nicholson praised Nash-Betts' performance as a hard-drinking detective, noting her poise despite the clichéd nature of the role, and complimented Lesley Manville's skilled delivery of absurd lines. While acknowledging its slow pace, she found the series intriguing with its themes of societal collapse, faith, and fear, suggesting it is worth continuing despite some flaws.{{Cite news |last=Nicholson |first=Rebecca |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Grotesquerie review – horror as gorily unsubtle as you'd expect from Ryan Murphy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/sep/26/grotesquerie-review-ryan-murphy-horror-disney-plus |access-date=2024-10-04 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

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{{Ryan Murphy}}

{{FX network programming}}

Category:2020s American crime drama television series

Category:2020s American horror television series

Category:2020s American mystery television series

Category:2020s American police procedural television series

Category:2024 American television series debuts

Category:American English-language television shows

Category:American thriller television series

Category:Crime thriller television series

Category:FX Networks original programming

Category:Horror drama television series

Category:Television series about fictional serial killers

Category:Television series by 20th Century Fox Television

Category:Television series created by Ryan Murphy (producer)

Category:Television shows about dreams

Category:Television shows filmed in Los Angeles