Entertainment

Where to Watch ‘The Shards’ TV Series: How to Stream the Bret Easton Ellis Show

Nairavoice · Aug 2, 2026 · Updated Aug 3, 2026 · 2 min read

The wealth and glamor side of 1980s Los Angeles, California, is hardly ever compared to a murderously bloody mess. But in FX’s The Shards, that’s exactly what it is. Based on author Bret Easton Ellis‘ novel of the same name, the series is expected to be the network’s most highly anticipated obsession for young adults and older viewers alike. After all, who knows the ’80s better than the generation who was there to experience the decade?

Below, Hollywood Life has a full breakdown of how you can watch The Shards and more about the show as we approach its highly anticipated premiere date.

What Is The Shards About?

The Shards follows a fictionalized 17-year-old version of Ellis (Igby Rigney) and his experience attending the preppy L.A. private school known as Buckley in 1981. His world is quickly turned upside down when new student Robert Mallory (Homer Gere) arrives amid a string of murders in town at the hands of a serial killer known as “The Trawler.”

During an exclusive red carpet interview with Hollywood Life at The Shards‘ New York City premiere, cast member Owen Painter — who plays Matt Kellner in the series — said the series follows Ellis’ novel and its’ “quality” as closely as possible.

“With the book, we did our best to match the quality of that writing,” the Wednesday star noted.

Is Bret Easton Ellis’ The Shards Based on a True Story?

Not completely. Ellis’ novel is, indeed, a semi-autobiographical work, but the book and the show are not based on true events.

In real life, Ellis published his first novel, Less Than Zero, in 1985. The book is based on his own experiences as a privileged teen living in L.A. At the time, he was 21 and attending Bennington College.