Ryan Murphy's Uncharted Territory: A Journey Through 'The Shards', a Nod to Norman Lear, and the Return of 'American Horror Story'

In a career that has spanned over two decades, Ryan Murphy's journey in Hollywood is nothing short of extraordinary. But it all began in 1981, a year that left an indelible mark on the famed creator and his future in television. "1981 was the year I came of age," Murphy tells Variety ahead of receiving the Norman Lear Award at this year's Showrunners Breakfast. "It was the year I turned 16, drove for the first time, had my first date, and my first sexual experience - all while dealing with a newfound fear of intimacy in the face of AIDS." Murphy's life has been marked by significant parallels to that of Bret Easton Ellis, author of 'The Shards', a novel set in Los Angeles during the same year. Though not autobiographical, the atmosphere and vivid memories of 1981 resonated deeply with Murphy. "I knew all the music, I knew all the clothes, and I was the first to discover hair gel," he recalls. Eager to bring 'The Shards' to life on screen, Murphy met with Ellis, who expressed skepticism over a previous adaptation deal with HBO. "Bret was heartbroken about it," Murphy says. But Murphy, driven by his unwavering determination and lessons learned from industry legend Norman Lear, persisted. "Norman always said to never listen to anyone but your inner voice," Murphy shares, crediting Lear for his guidance throughout his career. From their first interaction in 2009 to the present day, Murphy's friendship with Lear has been a beacon of inspiration and support. As Murphy prepares to unveil 'The Shards', he also looks forward to the upcoming season of 'American Horror Story', affectionately known as 'AHS13'. This all-star edition promises the return of fan favorites such as Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Emma Roberts, and Angela Bassett. "We're bringing back some beloved characters from our most popular seasons," Murphy reveals. "It's going to be a thrilling ride for fans." In keeping with the spirit of innovation that has defined his work, Murphy also shares plans to extend 'The Shards' beyond its initial limited series format, should the opportunity arise. "Bret always thought this could be a three-year dramatic series, if not longer," Murphy says. "I think there's so much potential in telling these stories, and I'm excited to explore that further." With 'The Shards', 'AHS13', and the latest installment of 'Monster' on the horizon, Murphy is poised for a triumphant return to his roots, all while paying homage to those who have played a crucial role in shaping his extraordinary career.