FX’s highly anticipated new series The Beauty has arrived, bringing a bold blend of sci-fi thriller, satirical body horror, and high-fashion mystery to the network’s lineup. Created by Ryan Murphy and Matthew Hodgson and based on the acclaimed comic book by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley, the show debuted on January 21, 2026, with the first three episodes airing on FX and streaming platforms like Hulu and Disney+ internationally. The story takes place against the glamorous yet cutthroat world of international modeling, where a mysterious virus and a shadowy tech mogul’s experimental drug called The Beauty spark a deadly global crisis.
At the heart of The Beauty is a compelling cast led by Evan Peters as FBI agent Cooper Madsen and Rebecca Hall as his partner, Jordan Bennett, who are thrust into a globe-spanning investigation after supermodels begin dying under mysterious circumstances. As they chase the truth from Paris to Venice and beyond, they uncover a sexually transmitted agent that promises physical perfection but comes with horrifying consequences. Alongside Peters and Hall are standout performances from Ashton Kutcher as the enigmatic tech billionaire known only as The Corporation, Anthony Ramos as his lethal enforcer The Assassin, and Jeremy Pope as a troubled outsider caught in the chaos.
Critical and audience reactions to The Beauty have been mixed but generally positive. Review aggregators show a moderately favorable reception, and many critics note the show’s stylish visuals, ambitious concept, and provocative take on beauty standards and modern culture. While some reviews call it chaotic or overly indulgent, others praise it as an engaging and thought-provoking thriller that pushes boundaries and stands out in the current TV landscape. Whether you’re drawn to its suspenseful mystery or its commentary on appearance and perfection, The Beauty has sparked plenty of conversation since its premiere — and seems poised to be one of FX’s most talked-about shows of the season.
