The Ryan Murphy TV empire is one of the most indomitable in modern entertainment. As Peak TV came to define a new era of small-screen programming, Murphy’s blend of frenetic excess and respectability made him a safe bet for success. He also became a critical darling, as true-life reimaginings of 20th century history in “American Crime Story” made him an Emmys favorite.
While Murphy has not abandoned the high-aesthetic camp of “American Horror Story,” his most notable offerings of recent years have been rooted in the tricky genre of true crime. This month alone, the Murphy-verse has given us two true crime offerings: “American Sports Story,” a new FX series on the life and crimes of football player Aaron Hernandez, and the second season of “Monster”, focusing on the Menendez brothers.