FX's 'The Beauty' Claims Top Spot on Hulu Amid Critical Debate
FX's provocative new series 'The Beauty' has surged to become the number one show on Hulu, according to the streaming platform's publicly available ranking system. This sci-fi body horror production, co-created and executive produced by renowned showrunner Ryan Murphy, delivers a chilling commentary on contemporary beauty ideals through a gruesome narrative lens.
A Sinister Plot Unfolds
The series plunges viewers into a world of high fashion and hidden danger. When a string of international supermodels begin perishing under mysterious and horrifying circumstances, two determined FBI agents, portrayed by Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall, are thrust into a race against time. Their investigation unravels a life-threatening conspiracy that points directly to a revolutionary, yet dubious, beauty drug. The mastermind behind this perilous innovation is a shadowy tech billionaire, played by Ashton Kutcher.
The ensemble cast is further bolstered by performances from Anthony Ramos and Jeremy Pope, alongside notable guest stars including supermodel Bella Hadid, Isabella Rossellini, Ben Platt, Jessica Alexander, and Vincent D’Onofrio.
Mixed Reception from Critics and Audiences
Since its debut, 'The Beauty' has generated a polarized response. Reviews from both professional critics and general audiences have been decidedly mixed. Some commentators have drawn parallels between the show's visceral, body-centric horror and the recent film 'The Substance', starring Demi Moore, noting a shared thematic exploration of physical transformation and terror.
Other Trending Shows Across Streaming Platforms
While 'The Beauty' captivates Hulu subscribers, several other series are commanding attention across the competitive streaming landscape.
'Star Search' Revives a Classic on Netflix
Netflix has successfully revived the iconic 1980s talent competition 'Star Search', hosted by Anthony Anderson. The updated format introduces a live broadcast element, featuring a panel of celebrity judges including Chrissy Teigen, Jelly Roll, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Viewers participate in real-time, voting for their favorite performers across categories like singing, dancing, and comedy. A fresh cohort of aspiring stars takes the stage each week, vying for the spotlight. New episodes premiere live on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. Eastern Time / 6 p.m. Pacific Time.
'Industry' Returns for Season 4 on HBO Max
HBO Max's critically acclaimed financial drama 'Industry' continues its run. The series, initially set within the ruthless environment of the fictional London investment bank Pierpoint & Co., followed a group of ambitious graduates. Now in its fourth season, the core characters have ascended to positions of influence, navigating even more complex and high-stakes scenarios that intertwine the worlds of global finance and politics. The cast features Myha'la, Marisa Abela, Kit Harington, and Kal Penn.
'Steal' Heists Attention on Prime Video
Prime Video's latest thriller, the six-episode series 'Steal', stars Sophie Turner as Zara, an unassuming office employee at Lochmill Capital. Her mundane day is violently interrupted when a gang of armed thieves storms the pension fund investment company. Forced into compliance, Zara and her best friend Luke, played by Archie Madekwe, must execute the robbers' demands. The supporting cast includes Jacob Fortune-Lloyd and Andrew Koji.
'Hijack' Season 2 Thrills on Apple TV
Apple TV's tense thriller 'Hijack', starring Idris Elba, remains a top performer. Elba portrays corporate negotiator Sam Nelson, who in the first season used his expertise during a seven-hour plane hijacking from Dubai to London. The newly launched second season, which began on January 14, thrusts Sam into another crisis. This time, an underground train in Berlin is seized, holding commuters hostage. Sam must navigate this chaotic situation where a single misstep could spell catastrophe. The cast also features Christine Adams, Max Beesley, and Archie Panjabi.
For viewers seeking further recommendations on what to watch, numerous dedicated entertainment blogs and newsletters offer curated guides to the latest and greatest in streaming content.
