American Horror Story
American Horror Story is an American anthology horror television series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk for the cable network FX. The first installment in the American Story media franchise, each season is conceived as a self-contained miniseries, following a different set of characters and settings in the same fictional universe, and a storyline with its own "beginning, middle, and end." Some plot elements of each season are loosely inspired by true events.[4][5][6] Many actors appear in more than one season, often playing a new character. Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, and Lily Rabe have returned most frequently, with each appearing in at least nine of the first eleven seasons, followed by Frances Conroy, who appears in eight, and Denis O'Hare appearing in seven. Other notable actors such as Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Emma Roberts, Adina Porter, Finn Wittrock, Jamie Brewer, Billie Lourd, and Leslie Grossman appear in five of the eleven seasons.
The first season, Murder House, takes place in Los Angeles, California, in 2011, and centers on a family that moves into a house haunted by its former occupants. The second season, Asylum, takes place in Massachusetts in 1964 and follows the stories of the patients and staff of an institution for the criminally insane. The third season, Coven, takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2013, and follows a coven of witches who face off against those who wish to destroy them. The fourth season, Freak Show, takes place in Jupiter, Florida, during 1952 and centers around an American freak show and their struggle for survival. The fifth season, Hotel, takes place in Los Angeles, California, during 2015 and focuses on the staff and guests of a supernatural hotel. The sixth season, Roanoke, takes place in North Carolina during 2014–2016 and focuses on an isolated farmhouse haunted by the deceased Roanoke colony. The seventh season, Cult, takes place in Michigan, and centers on a cult terrorizing the residents after the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The eighth season, Apocalypse, features the witches from Coven as they battle the Antichrist from Murder House to prevent the apocalypse. The ninth season, 1984, takes place outside Los Angeles during the 1980s and focuses the staff of a summer camp reopening after a massacre 14 years prior. The tenth season, the two-part Double Feature, focuses on a family in 2021 in Provincetown, Massachusetts, in its first part, Red Tide, where they meet the town's true inhabitants, and later, in its second half, Death Valley, a group of camping students who find themselves in a conspiracy involving the extraterrestrials of Asylum. The eleventh season, NYC, takes place in 1980s New York City, and focuses on a string of killings involving gay men, as well as the emergence of a new virus. In January 2020, FX renewed the series for an additional three seasons, including the eleventh season, bringing it to at least thirteen confirmed seasons.
Although reception to individual seasons has varied, American Horror Story largely has been well received by television critics, with the majority of the praise going towards the cast, particularly Jessica Lange, who won two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performances. James Cromwell and Kathy Bates each won an Emmy Award for their performances, while Lady Gaga won a Golden Globe Award. The series draws consistently high ratings for the FX network, with its first season being the most-viewed new cable series of 2011.
Seasons
| Season | Title | Episodes | Originally aired | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | ||||
| 1 | Murder House | 12 | October 5, 2011 | December 21, 2011 | |
| 2 | Asylum | 13 | October 17, 2012 | January 23, 2013 | |
| 3 | Coven | 13 | October 9, 2013 | January 29, 2014 | |
| 4 | Freak Show | 13 | October 8, 2014 | January 21, 2015 | |
| 5 | Hotel | 12 | October 7, 2015 | January 13, 2016 | |
| 6 | Roanoke | 10 | September 14, 2016 | November 16, 2016 | |
| 7 | Cult | 11 | September 5, 2017 | November 14, 2017 | |
| 8 | Apocalypse | 10 | September 12, 2018 | November 14, 2018 | |
| 9 | 1984 | 9 | September 18, 2019 | November 13, 2019 | |
| 10 | Double Feature[c] | 10 | August 25, 2021 | October 20, 2021 | |
| 11 | NYC | 10 | October 19, 2022 | November 16, 2022 | |
Murder House (2011)
Set in 2011, the season follows the Harmons, consisting of wife and mother Vivien (Connie Britton), her psychiatrist husband Ben (Dylan McDermott), and their teenage daughter Violet (Taissa Farmiga), as they move from Boston to Los Angeles to make a fresh start after Vivien has a miscarriage. Soon after the miscarriage and before the move, Ben has an affair with one of his students, which almost tears the family apart. They move into a restored mansion and soon encounter the residence's housekeeper, Moira O'Hara (Frances Conroy and Alexandra Breckenridge), as well as their neighbors—the eccentric Langdon family, consisting of Constance (Jessica Lange) and her daughter Adelaide (Jamie Brewer), who has Down Syndrome. The Harmons' lives are troubled by the meddling Langdons, the incompetent realtor Marcy (Christine Estabrook), as well as the disfigured Larry Harvey (Denis O'Hare), a former resident of the mansion who is secretly in love with Constance, and the scorned Hayden McClaine (Kate Mara), Ben's former student who follows him to Los Angeles. Ben and Vivien try to rekindle their relationship while Violet, experiencing depression, finds comfort in Tate (Evan Peters), one of Ben's patients. The family soon discovers that the home is haunted by the ghosts of anyone who has ever died on the property, including its creators Charles (Matt Ross) and Nora Montgomery (Lily Rabe); and their deformed son Thaddeus (Ben Woolf) who is sometimes referred to as the 'Infantata'. Flashbacks depict the mansion's previous homeowners throughout the last century, dating back to its construction in the 1920s.
Asylum (2012–13)
Set in 1964, the season follows the patients and staff members of the church-owned mental asylum Briarcliff Manor, located in an undisclosed town in Massachusetts, which was founded to treat and house the criminally insane. Kit Walker (Evan Peters), accused of being a prolific serial killer named "Bloody Face" after the disappearance of his wife Alma (Britne Oldford)—though he claims she was abducted by aliens—is incarcerated at Briarcliff. This piques the interest of ambitious lesbian journalist Lana Winters (Sarah Paulson), who is yearning to find a story for her big break. At Briarcliff, Kit meets the other patients, many of whom claim to be unjustly institutionalized, including microcephalic Pepper (Naomi Grossman), nymphomaniac Shelley (Chloe Sevigny), whose cheating husband hypocritically committed her after finding her in bed with two guys; and the unassuming Grace Bertrand (Lizzie Brocheré) from France. Believed to be a violent serial killer, Kit becomes the subject of interest of pragmatic psychiatrist Oliver Thredson (Zachary Quinto) and the sadistic Dr. Arthur Arden (James Cromwell), the latter of whom routinely conducts scientific operations on patients. The institution is run under the watchful eye of the stern Sister Jude (Jessica Lange), as well as her second-in-command, the naïve Sister Mary Eunice (Lily Rabe), and the founder of the institution, Monsignor Timothy Howard (Joseph Fiennes). Briarcliff's inhabitants are routinely subject to supernatural and scientific influences, including demonic possession and extraterrestrial abduction.
Coven (2013–14)
Set in 2013, the season follows the dwindling descendants of the witches who survived the Salem witch trials and their struggle to hide their identity in the modern world. Those who share this genetic condition are being subjected to violent attacks from outside forces, such as voodoo practitioners. Zoe Benson (Taissa Farmiga), a young teenager completely unaware of the existence of witches, discovers her identity as a Salem descendant after an accident that causes the death of her boyfriend. She is sent to an all-girls boarding school in New Orleans which aims to protect and house young women who carry this unique bloodline, and keep them from the dangers of the outside world. There, she meets the other students, narcissistic movie star Madison Montgomery (Emma Roberts), outspoken human voodoo doll Queenie (Gabourey Sidibe), and enigmatic mind-reading Nan (Jamie Brewer), and gets romantically entangled with Kyle Spencer (Evan Peters), a non-witch and good-natured college student. The school is run by headmistress Cordelia Foxx (Sarah Paulson), head of the Witches Council, eccentric fashionista Myrtle Snow (Frances Conroy), and the mute butler Spalding (Denis O'Hare). Cordelia's mother, Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange), is the Supreme and most powerful witch of her generation, though she regularly avoids her responsibilities, much to the chagrin of Cordelia and her long-time rival Myrtle. After a mob of townspeople discover and burn a young witch living in the swamps named Misty Day (Lily Rabe), Fiona returns to lead the coven, creating conflict with Cordelia and the other young witches as they all conspire to become the next supreme.
Freak Show (2014–15)
Set in 1952, the season follows a struggling freak show led by Elsa Mars (Jessica Lange) in the sleepy town of Jupiter, Florida. Decades have passed since the public has looked upon freak shows as a form of entertainment, but Elsa dreams of finding a home for her "monsters", as well as for her own fame and fortune. Other members of her troupe include "Lobster Boy" Jimmy Darling (Evan Peters), who dreams of living a normal life, and his mother Ethel (Kathy Bates), a bearded lady who acts as Elsa's second-in-command by maintaining law and order under the tent. A strongman from Ethel's past and Jimmy's biological father Dell Toledo (Michael Chiklis), and his three-breasted wife Desiree Dupree (Angela Bassett), arrive to join the freak show. To drum up business and save her troupe once and for all, Elsa also recruits conjoined twin sisters Bette and Dot Tattler (Sarah Paulson) to perform for her show. In a time when the era of television is beginning to reign high above sideshow acts, these individuals must overcome those who persecute them based on their looks. However, as the season unfolds, it is revealed that multiple dark entities have taken up residence in Jupiter, with all of their eyes being set on the freaks. A conman named Stanley (Denis O'Hare), posing as a Hollywood executive, arrives with his young protégé Maggie Esmerelda (Emma Roberts), who becomes involved with Jimmy. The wealthy and spoiled Dandy Mott (Finn Wittrock), enabled by his doting mother Gloria (Frances Conroy), develops an unhealthy obsession with the freaks, particularly Bette and Dot. Perhaps the most dangerous of them all is a mysterious, deformed killer clown, known only as Twisty (John Carroll Lynch), who wreaks havoc on Jupiter and appears to be targeting freaks and townspeople alike.
Hotel (2015–16)
Set in 2015, the season follows the strange and dangerous happenings that seem to center around the retro Hotel Cortez in downtown Los Angeles, California, initially built as a secret torture chamber to fulfill the violent desires of founder James Patrick March (Evan Peters). Detective John Lowe (Wes Bentley) arrives at the hotel, based on intel from an anonymous tip, to investigate a grisly string of murders, each of which exemplify a sin in violation of one of the Ten Commandments. He has become estranged from his wife Alex (Chloe Sevigny), who has depression, and his daughter Scarlett (Shree Crooks), after the disappearance of their son Holden (Lennon Henry) five years earlier. The hotel is led by March's fashionista widow Elizabeth Johnson (Lady Gaga), also known as the Countess—who was mutated into a vampire by her former lovers, actor Rudolph Valentino (Finn Wittrock) and his wife Natacha Rambova (Alexandra Daddario)—and her current lover Donovan (Matt Bomer). Throughout his investigation, John also becomes entangled with the spirits of a heroin junkie named Sally McKenna (Sarah Paulson), hotel maid Hazel Evers (Mare Winningham), and James Patrick March, who is looking for a protégé to continue the violent acts he started when he was alive. The hotel's tireless staff includes the surly front desk manager Iris (Kathy Bates), Donovan's mother, and her best friend, the transgender bartender Liz Taylor (Denis O'Hare), both of whom hesitantly cater to Elizabeth and her vampiric children, one out of a desire to remain close to her son and the other out of a sense of loyalty. Elizabeth's relationship with Donovan becomes troubled with the arrival of attractive male model and cocaine addict Tristan Duffy (also played by Wittrock), New York fashion designer Will Drake (Cheyenne Jackson), and her scorned ex-lover Ramona Royale (Angela Bassett), all of whom become entangled in her violent life.
Roanoke (2016)
Set from 2014 to 2016, the season follows the supernatural events that occur in a renovated farmhouse in North Carolina, which is situated on the land where the Roanoke Colony moved after their infamous 1580s disappearance. In 2015, Shelby Miller (Lily Rabe), her husband Matt (André Holland), along with Matt's sister Lee Harris (Adina Porter) recount their harrowing experience living in the farmhouse a year prior in a popular documentary series titled My Roanoke Nightmare, including their encounters with the violent and vengeful ghosts of the house's previous residents and the Roanoke Colony, the cannibalistic Polk family who live nearby, and the seductive English witch, Scathach (Lady Gaga). The documentary becomes a huge success, featuring dramatic reenactments of the Millers' story starring Audrey Tindall (Sarah Paulson) as Shelby, Dominic Banks (Cuba Gooding Jr.) as Matt, Monet Tumusiime (Angela Bassett) as Lee, Agnes Mary Winstead (Kathy Bates) as Thomasin White—also known as The Butcher, leader of the ghost colony, Audrey's husband Rory Monahan (Evan Peters) as Edward Philipe Mott, the creator and first owner of the house, William van Henderson (Denis O'Hare) as Dr. Elias Cunningham, a professor who becomes entranced with the paranormal happenings of the area, and Dylan (Wes Bentley) as Ambrose White, Thomasin's son and accomplice. In 2016, the success of the documentary leads to a sequel titled Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell, spearheaded by the producer of the original series, Sidney Aaron James (Cheyenne Jackson), who invites the Millers, as well as many of the reenactment actors, to return to the farmhouse for three days during the blood moon, where all their actions will be captured by hidden cameras. Although the Millers are aware of the entities that reside in the house, all three agree to return, each with their own agenda. However, the production eventually descends into a chaotic, yet tragic disaster as the tensions between the reenactors and real-life counterparts quickly begin to rise while the violent entities begin to surface, leading them to fight for survival.
Cult (2017)
Set in 2016 and 2017, the fictional town of Brookfield Heights, Michigan, is left divided in the wake of Donald Trump's election as president. Local restaurant owner Ally Mayfair-Richards (Sarah Paulson) is left utterly distraught, along with her wife Ivy (Alison Pill). Despite the help of her psychiatrist, Dr. Rudy Vincent (Cheyenne Jackson), Ally becomes increasingly unstable in the following weeks, as her long-repressed phobias begin to re-emerge, and they begin to affect her relationships with her wife and their son, Oz (Cooper Dodson). Across town, misogynistic alt-righter Kai Anderson (Evan Peters) rejoices at the election results, enticing him to pursue political power by running for city council, led by radical feminist Bebe Babbitt (Frances Conroy) and with the help of his reluctant, liberal sister Winter (Billie Lourd), who the Mayfair-Richards household hire as their nanny. As Ally attempts to re-adjust to regular life despite her growing anxiety and paranoia, she becomes terrorized by a group of masked assailants, donned in clown attire, who are only present when she is alone, leaving those around her to wonder if she was truly attacked, or if they were merely hallucinations. Ally's new eccentric neighbors Harrison (Billy Eichner) and Meadow Wilton (Leslie Grossman) move in next door, while news reporter Beverly Hope (Adina Porter) descends upon every crime scene to report the murders. Also in the midst of the chaos is Jack Samuels (Colton Haynes), a detective who investigates the crimes and is initially doubtful about Ally's claims, and Gary K. Longstreet (Chaz Bono), a supermarket owner who has an amputated arm and is a passionate Trump supporter. With Kai's rise to power revealing sinister motives, Ally starts to draw connections between her alleged clown attackers and the many strange incidents occurring in Brookfield Heights. She begins to fear that everyone in town is out to get her, amplifying her growing distrust of those around her.
Apocalypse (2018)
Set in the near future, the Antichrist, Michael Langdon (Cody Fern), brings about the apocalypse by instigating nuclear warfare. The chosen survivors of the aftermath, heiress Coco St. Pierre Vanderbilt (Leslie Grossman), her personal assistant Mallory (Billie Lourd), hairstylist Mr. Gallant (Evan Peters), his grandmother Evie (Joan Collins), talk-show host Dinah Stevens (Adina Porter), Stevens' son Andre (Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman), young adults Timothy Campbell (Kyle Allen) and Emily (Ash Santos), among others, take refuge in a fallout shelter named "Outpost 3", run with an iron fist by Wilhemina Venable (Sarah Paulson) and Miriam Mead (Kathy Bates) along with The Fist (Erika Ervin), a brutish and tall female guard. Flashbacks to three years prior reveal that "Outpost 3" was an all-boys warlock school led by John Henry Moore (Cheyenne Jackson) that unknowingly harbored the Antichrist, in hopes that he would rise as the first ever male Supreme. The witches's council of Cordelia Goode (Sarah Paulson), Zoe Benson (Taissa Farmiga), and the resurrected Myrtle Snow (Frances Conroy) are summoned and quickly discover how dangerous Michael is to their coven when faced with his evident powers, as he resurrects deceased witches Queenie (Gabourey Sidibe), Madison Montgomery (Emma Roberts), and Misty Day (Lily Rabe). The coven, with the aid of the warlocks, attempt to save humanity by discovering new witch Mallory's intense powers, learning more about Michael's mysterious origins, in particular from Michael's grandmother Constance Langdon (Jessica Lange), and how to defeat him to prevent the apocalypse.
1984 (2019)
Set in the titular year of 1984, the season follows Brooke Thompson (Emma Roberts) as she travels to a remote, newly reopened summer camp, known as Camp Redwood, to work as a counselor following a terrifying encounter with serial killer Richard Ramirez, "The Night Stalker" (Zach Villa). Those traveling with Brooke include preppy Xavier Plympton (Cody Fern), athletic Chet Clancy (Gus Kenworthy), easy-going Ray Powell (DeRon Horton), and spunky Montana Duke (Billie Lourd). Upon arriving at the camp, they encounter its owner, the deeply religious Margaret Booth (Leslie Grossman), who was once a camper there, and who has her own experience surviving a killer. Other residents of Camp Redwood include its nurse Rita (Angelica Ross), activities director Trevor Kirchner (Matthew Morrison), and camp chef Bertie (Tara Karsian). Not long after the counselors settle into their first week, news breaks that deranged murderer Benjamin Richter (John Carroll Lynch), also known as Mr. Jingles, has escaped a local insane asylum and is presumed to be heading for the camp, where he has a violent history. However, as the season progresses, more secrets unveil about the counselors, as well as flashbacks detailing the history of the camp, including Richter's abusive mother Lavinia (Lily Rabe).
Double Feature (2021)
In Part 1, titled Red Tide, struggling writer Harry Gardner (Finn Wittrock), his pregnant wife Doris (Lily Rabe), and their daughter Alma (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) move to Provincetown, an isolated beach town in Massachusetts, for the winter for Harry to work in peace without any disturbances. Once they are settled in, the town's true residents begin to make themselves known. Harry suffers from writer's block and later goes to a bar called the Muse one night, where he meets singer and songwriter Austin Sommers (Evan Peters) and erotic novelist Sarah Cunningham, known by the pseudonym Belle Noir (Frances Conroy), who assist him with his problem. A mysterious black pill is presented to Harry by Austin who claims it will help those with creativity and talent become increasingly advanced with their work, however, the pill also exacts a price in the form of horrifying side effects. Strange creatures referred to as "pale people" terrorize the stark and hollow town. Throughout the season, many disturbing events unfold are seen, alongside various characters. They include the unhygienic Mickey (Macaulay Culkin), Harry's stern agent Ursula (Leslie Grossman), tattooist and body modifier Lark Feldman (Billie Lourd), an eccentric homeless woman called Tuberculosis Karen (Sarah Paulson), nosy rookie chief of police Chief Burleson (Adina Porter), a mysterious woman called the Chemist (Angelica Ross), and interior designer Holden Vaughn (Denis O'Hare).
In Part 2, titled Death Valley, Kendall Carr (Kaia Gerber), Cal Cambon (Nico Greetham), Troy Lord (Isaac Cole Powell) and Jamie Howard (Rachel Hilson), four college students who are on a camping trip are swept up in a horrifying and deadly extraterrestrial conspiracy that has been developing for decades. President Dwight D. Eisenhower (Neal McDonough) has given a dreadful task to reason with some unexpected and unwanted guests as his wife, Mamie Eisenhower (Sarah Paulson), has gone behind his back and makes a life-threatening decision.
NYC (2022)
In 1981 New York City, a series of murders targeting the gay community garners hatred for the apathetic NYPD. Closeted detective Patrick Read (Russell Tovey) and his partner, New York Native reporter Gino Barelli (Joe Mantello) for whom Read left his ex, Barbara (Leslie Grossman), begin investigating the murderous homocidal duo consisting of the illusive leather-clad "Big Daddy" and twisted Dr. Whitely (Jeff Hiller). Their differing opinions on how to approach the investigation, however, leads to a rough patch in their relationship. Read and Barelli are joined by Adam Carpenter (Charlie Carver), a young gay man whose friend has gone missing. Carpenter's search leads him to a connection with photographer Theo Graves (Isaac Cole Powell), though this draws jealousy from Graves' toxic partner Sam (Zachary Quinto). Meanwhile, Dr. Hannah Wells (Billie Lourd) investigates a new disease spreading from Fire Island while Cabaret singer Kathy Pizzaz (Patti LuPone) handles decreasing audiences at her local bathhouse venue.
Season 12
In March 2023, Murphy revealed that filming for the season is due to start in April with only one producer writing most of the upcoming episodes. Also speculation that like the previous season that this will be filmed in New York City.
Future seasons
On December 5, 2018, Murphy said the witches from Apocalypse will return in a future season.[8][9][10] On January 9, 2020, the series was renewed through season 13.[11]
Production
Conception
What you saw in the finale was the end of the Harmon house. The second season of the show will be a brand-new home or building to haunt. Just like this year, every season of this show will have a beginning, middle and end. [The second season] won't be in L.A. It will obviously be in America, but in a completely different locale.
– Murphy on the series' anthology format[12]
Creators Murphy and Falchuk began working on American Horror Story before their Fox series Glee began production. Murphy wanted to do the opposite of what he had done previously and thus began his work on the series. He stated: "I went from Nip/Tuck to Glee, so it made sense that I wanted to do something challenging and dark. And I always had loved, as Brad had, the horror genre. So it just was a natural for me."[13] Falchuk was intrigued by the idea of putting a different angle on the horror genre, stating that their main goal in creating the series was to scare viewers. "You want people to be a little bit off balance afterwards," he said.[14]
In February 2011, FX officially announced that it had ordered a pilot for a possible series from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, with both Murphy and Falchuk writing and Murphy directing. Dante Di Loreto was announced as executive producer. Production on the series began in April 2011.[15] In July 2011, FX officially announced the project had been picked up to become a full series.[16]
From the beginning, Murphy and Falchuk planned that each season of the series would tell a different story.[12] After the first-season finale aired, Murphy spoke of his plans to change the cast and location for the second season.[17] He did say, however, that some actors who starred in the first season would be returning. "The people that are coming back will be playing completely different characters, creatures, monsters, etc. [The Harmons'] stories are done. People who are coming back will be playing entirely new characters," he announced.[12] In November 2012, FX chief executive, John Landgraf, described the unique format of the series stating: "[T]he notion of doing an anthological series of miniseries with a repertory cast—has proven groundbreaking, wildly successful and will prove to be trendsetting."[18]
At the 2013 PaleyFest, Falchuk compared the series to horror films: "It does demand a little bit of compassion at the end because you fall in love with these characters in a different way than you would in a movie," he said. "If you want to kill everybody in a movie except one person, you can kind of get away with that, but if you're looking to do a horror TV show, you have a different responsibility to the characters because the audience has a different affection for them."[19]
Murphy then explained the process of planning a series' season takes about a year. "We come up with story first and then we come up with the characters," he said. "It is a repertory company, so we'll move people around and sometimes there won't yet be a role for somebody. Like when we started [the second season], I really had no idea that Dylan [McDermott] would be the person to play Sarah's son, but the deeper we got, I thought, that would work great."[19]
In an August 2015 article for Entertainment Weekly, Murphy revealed that the show is producing two seasons a year, the first being broadcast late in the year and the second early in the next year. He explained, "We're doing something that we've never done before on the show where we're doing two different groups of writers rooms. Some of our writers will be bouncing around but a whole different group coming in late August. The next thing we're crafting up is very, very different than [Hotel]. Not smaller. But just not opulent. More rogue and more dark."[20]
Casting
Connie Britton was the first to be cast in the series, portraying female lead Vivien Harmon on Murder House.[21] Denis O'Hare joined second as Larry Harvey.[22] Jessica Lange soon followed as Constance, her first regular role on television.[23] Dylan McDermott joined the cast soon after Lange as the male lead Ben Harmon.[24] Taissa Farmiga and Evan Peters were the last actors to be added to the main cast, portraying Violet Harmon and Tate Langdon, respectively.[25]
In March 2012, Murphy revealed that the second season had been planned around Jessica Lange, who portrays Sister Jude, a sadistic nun who runs the asylum.[26] Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Lily Rabe and Zachary Quinto also return to join the main cast.[27] Peters portrays Kit Walker, an inmate accused of murdering his wife.[28] Paulson portrays Lana Winters, a lesbian reporter who gets committed to the asylum because of her sexuality and intent to snoop around the sanitarium.[29] Rabe's character is Sister Mary Eunice, clumsy second-in-charge to Sister Jude.[30] Quinto portrays Dr. Thredson, a psychiatrist at the asylum.[31][32] Lizzie Brocheré stars as Grace Bertrand, a character described originally as "a fierce, ferocious, extremely sexual, and dangerous wild-child sexpot", but the role was later heavily revamped.[33][34] James Cromwell co-stars as Dr. Arthur Arden, who proclaims to be in charge of the asylum and performs dark experiments on its patients.[35][36][37] Joseph Fiennes starred as Monsignor Timothy Howard, a possible love interest for Sister Jude.[37][38][39]
For the third season, series executive producers and co-creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk stated that, as with the second season, "many actors" would return in different roles, beginning with Jessica Lange.[40] Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson were confirmed to return, portraying Kyle Spencer and Cordelia Goode, respectively. Murphy added that Lange would portray a "real glamour-cat lady", later revealed to be named Fiona Goode.[41] Taissa Farmiga, Violet in the first season, starred as Zoe Benson, a character that is involved in a prominent romance during the season.[42] Lily Rabe co-starred as Misty Day.[43] Recurring cast member Frances Conroy joined as a main cast member, playing the character of Myrtle Snow.[42] Oscar-winning actress Kathy Bates was confirmed to co-star. It was first reported that she would portray "a woman who, at the start, is Lange's character's best friend, but will become her worst enemy", but this was altered.[44] Murphy stated that Bates' character will be "five times worse than [her] Misery character" and is also inspired by a "true event". She portrayed Madame Delphine LaLaurie, an immortal racist.[45] It was announced in May 2013 that Emma Roberts had been added to the cast. Roberts played Madison Montgomery, a "self-involved party girl".[46] In July 2013, season one alum Denis O'Hare also joined the cast in an unknown role,[47] later revealed as Spalding.
In November 2013, Ryan Murphy confirmed that Jessica Lange would be returning for a fourth season, although in a reduced capacity. It was later revealed she would be playing freak show owner Elsa Mars.[48] Kathy Bates returned in a main role, portraying bearded lady Ethel Darling.[49] On March 29, 2014, Murphy announced that Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Frances Conroy, Emma Roberts, Denis O'Hare, and Angela Bassett would all return for the fourth season.[50] Paulson portrayed conjoined sisters Bette and Dot Tattler; Peters portrayed "Lobster Boy" Jimmy Darling; Conroy played the well-off Gloria Mott; Bassett portrayed three-breasted hermaphrodite Desiree Dupree; and O'Hare played Stanley, a conman working with Roberts' Maggie Esmerelda. At PaleyFest 2014, it was revealed that Michael Chiklis would be joining the cast as Dell Toledo, the father of Jimmy, ex-husband of Ethel, and current husband of Desiree.[51] Finn Wittrock later joined the main cast as Gloria's spoiled son, Dandy Mott.
For the series' fifth cycle, singer-songwriter Lady Gaga was announced as the first and newest main cast member on February 25, 2015.[52] After a special guest appearance on the previous season, Matt Bomer joined the fifth season's cast along with series newcomer Cheyenne Jackson during PaleyFest 2015.[53] Chloë Sevigny and Wes Bentley were promoted as main cast members, after they appear as recurring special guests in Asylum and Freak Show, respectively.[54] Murphy later announced the returns of Kathy Bates, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters and Angela Bassett.[55] In June 2015, it was announced Denis O'Hare would also return for the fifth season.[56] In August 2015, Murphy announced the character roles for the cast: Gaga's Elizabeth Johnson also known as "the Countess", a fashionista vampiress who owns the Hotel Cortez; Jackson's Will Drake, a desperate fashion designer; O'Hare's Liz Taylor, a transgender bartender who works at the hotel's Blue Parrot Lounge bar; Sevigny's Alex Lowe, a pediatrician who was the wife of Bentley's John Lowe, a detective who investigates the murders inside the hotel; Bomer's Donovan, the lover to the Countess whom often had conflict with his mother and hotel manager, Bates' Iris; Bassett's Ramona Royale, a former actress who was the former lover of Elizabeth; Paulson's Sally, a drug addict who had a rivalry with Iris and forms a bond with John since his visit in the hotel.[57] Peters co-starred as serial killer James Patrick March and the original hotelier of the Hotel Cortez.
In February 2016, Angela Bassett confirmed she would return to join the main cast of the sixth season during an interview with Larry King.[58] Denis O'Hare announced that he would also appear in the season in a May 2016 interview.[59] In June 2016, Cheyenne Jackson, Evan Peters, Wes Bentley, and Kathy Bates announced their returns for the sixth season.[60][61][62] In August 2016, Sarah Paulson announced that she would return to the series in the sixth season and Ryan Murphy announced that Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. had joined the main cast.[63][64] In September 2016, the full main cast was announced after the first episode with the inclusion of André Holland and returning series veteran Lily Rabe.[65] On Halloween 2016, Murphy announced that Paulson's Asylum character, Lana Winters would also appear in the series after the recent appearance of the actress' first role Billie Dean Howard from Murder House in the final episode of the fifth season.[66][67]
For the seventh season, Paulson and Peters were set to return to the series, as announced during the Winter 2017 TCA Press Tour.[68] Billie Lourd, who made her breakout appearance with Murphy in 2015, was confirmed to join the main cast in April, while Jackson was the next series regular to return in the next month.[69][70][71] In June, Alison Pill was announced to co-star in the season, portraying the partner of Paulson's character.[72]
In October 2017, Paulson announced that she would return for the series' eighth cycle.[73] The next year, Peters was announced to appear in the main cast while Bates returned to the series after Roanoke, leading the season with Paulson.[74] Jackson confirmed he would return while Adina Porter was promoted to the series' main cast after her first appearance in Murder House as well as Leslie Grossman since Cult.[75] Lourd later returned to the main cast the next month.[76] On June, Roberts announced that she would reprise her Coven character Madison Montgomery in the eighth season and will be part of the main cast.[77] The next month, Australian actor Cody Fern was cast as the adult Michael Langdon, who was last seen at the first series' final episode.[78]
In February 2019, Ryan Murphy revealed via his Instagram that Emma Roberts would be returning to the show for its ninth season along with new cast member, Gus Kenworthy.[79] In July 2019, Murphy, again through his Instagram, announced the addition of Pose cast member, Angelica Ross, to the cast of the ninth season. Later that month, Cody Fern, Leslie Grossman, Billie Lourd were confirmed to return to the series, with John Carroll Lynch being promoted to the main cast after his third appearance in Cult, also with newcomers Zach Villa and Matthew Morrison.[80]
In January 2020, Paulson herself confirmed that she would return to the show for its tenth installment in a lead role, following her absence in 1984.[81] On February 26, Ryan Murphy announced via Instagram the cast of season 10, which confirmed the return of Kathy Bates, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe, Finn Wittrock, Adina Porter, Leslie Grossman, Billie Lourd, and Angelica Ross, as well as the addition of series newcomer Macaulay Culkin.[82]
In August 2022, Paulson revealed that she doubts that she will return for any future seasons.[83]
Filming
The pilot episode was shot on location in a house in Country Club Park, Los Angeles, California, which serves as the haunted house and crime scene in the series. Designed and built in 1908 by Alfred Rosenheim, the president of the American Institute of Architects' Los Angeles chapter, the Tudor or Collegiate Gothic-style single family home was previously used as a convent.[84][85] The first season was filmed on sets which are an exact replica of the house.[86] Details such as Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass windows and hammered bronze light fixtures were recreated to preserve the look of the house.[84]
Production and shooting for the second season began in late July 2012 for a scheduled premiere in mid October.[87] The exteriors for the second season were filmed in Hidden Valley, Ventura County, California, a rural area outside Los Angeles, although the season took place in Massachusetts.[88]
Principal photography for the third season began on July 23, 2013,[89] in New Orleans, Louisiana.[90][91] It was first reported that the season would be filmed in multiple locations, but filming primarily took place in New Orleans.[92]
Principal photography for the fourth season began on July 15, 2014, in New Orleans, though the story takes place in Jupiter, Florida.
Principal photography for the fifth season began on July 14, 2015, in Los Angeles, California, where the story also takes place.[93] Murphy revealed a six-story hotel set was being built on the Fox lot. A dummy set of the hotel was built at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con, showing an Art Deco-style building from the 1920s, inspired by the old Hollywood era.[94]
Filming for the sixth season began on July 6, 2016, at Santa Clarita, California.[95] Set constructions include a colonial settler home to speculate the disappearance of the Roanoke Colony.[96]
Filming for the seventh season was originally planned to begin in Orange, California, in June 2017 before it was moved to May instead.[97][98]
Filming for the eighth season began on June 16, 2018. It was filmed in multiple locations.[99]
On July 11, 2019, Murphy confirmed that the ninth season had begun filming.[100]
Season 10 was originally supposed to film in March 2020, but was delayed to the Fall due to COVID-19. On November 2, Sarah Paulson confirmed via Instagram livestream that filming is set to begin either November 9, 10, or 11. On December 2, Lily Rabe confirmed that filming had begun.[101]
Title sequences
American Horror Story's title screens offer vague hints to important plot elements and events that compose each season. For Murder House, Murphy described the sequence as a mini-mystery and stated that: "By the time you see the ninth episode of this season, every image in that title sequence will be explained," establishing the purpose of the title sequence for future seasons.[102]
The opening title sequence was created by Kyle Cooper and his company Prologue. He also created the title sequence for the AMC series The Walking Dead and the 1995 film Seven. The theme music was composed by sound designer Cesar Davila-Irizarry and musician Charlie Clouser.[103] The cinematography was done by Juan Ruiz Anchía and the editing by Gabriel J. Diaz.
For Murder House, the sequence is set in the Harmons' basement and includes images of postmortem young children, fetuses in jars, skulls, a christening dress, a nurse's uniform, and a figure holding a pair of bloody hedge clippers. A photo of alleged axe murderer Lizzie Borden is also shown. Texts in the sequence are white, superimposed on black background and have a film burning effect.
Asylum's opening sequence is done by the same creative team. "We are shooting a new title sequence with the same team that did last year's," series creator Ryan Murphy said. "The song may stay... not sure."[104] The music was kept, and the new title sequence was set around the Asylum, using shots of inmates raving and surgeons operating on patients with bandages obscuring their faces. Elements include a young girl walking backwards on her hands and feet up a staircase and a shot of the Virgin Mary's smile changing from one of benevolence to one of spite. Texts in the sequence are yellow, superimposed on a black grainy background.
Coven's opening sequence keeps the same music, and this sequence is the first one to be filmed primarily outside and not in an enclosed location. Shots include figures wearing black robes and capirotes, a skeletal creature with wings and shots of dead goats, the Minotaur from the season also appears. For the first time, there are actual backgrounds that appear with the actor names instead of an all-black background, some of these images include witches hanging and Santa Muerte. Other elements include a black man with piercing eyes and a disturbing smile as well as voodoo dolls burning. The final shot continues after the figures in black capirotes seize one of their own who is later seen burning at a stake where young, dress-clad witches dance around.
Freak Show's opening sequence changed things up, the series' theme music remains intact albeit with an added carnival-like soundscape. The sequence is composed of both CGI and stop-motion animation and features strange characters such as a skeletal chimera of a human being and an elephant riding a bicycle, a skeleton of what appears to be a single head but two bodies, a devilish-looking man, a boy in a wheelchair with deformed legs, a character with severe syndactyly of the hands and feet, a clown who can twist his head around, a woman with a third leg where her genitalia should be, and a demonic cymbal-banging monkey toy. There are also shots of side show attractions like the Human Blockhead, knife throwing and sword swallowing. The main recurring element features a balloon twister popping balloons with a knife. All text appeared to be made from rusty metal.
Hotel's opening sequence also was very different from previous seasons, taking more of a biblical approach. The font, while remaining the same as the first four seasons, glows in red against a hotel wallpaper. The Ten Commandments are also shown throughout the sequence. The intro returns to live-action like the first three seasons. Visuals include many people scrubbing blood all over the walls and the floor, strange things shown through peepholes, people being victims to the hotel, little kids running around the hotel, a woman screaming as she smears lipstick all over her face, as well as many different creatures.[105]
Roanoke featured no title sequence or opening credits, instead opting for a simple title card from the first season, Murder House, while the series' theme music plays over the end credits. At the end of the finale's credits, the title of the season "American Horror Story: Roanoke" was revealed.
In the development of Cult, Murphy confirmed that the opening sequence would return. Cult's opening sequence features the series' theme music played by a marching band. The sequence is live action. Visuals include: a gang of clowns rising from a casket, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton masks, a George Washington statue, a dead dog killed by toxic gas, a merry-go-round, bloody hands that cannot be washed, a beehive, toxic smoke released from a grenade, holes in several forms, a bloody US flag with the sound of a xylophone playing "The Star-Spangled Banner", a blood-covered couple having sex, a magician pulling guts out of a hat and a handcuffed pinky promise. All text appeared to be made from rusty metal. The texts interact with the graphic behind them, sometimes also bloody. For the first time, the title is abbreviated as AHS instead of American Horror Story.
Apocalypse's opening sequence features the original theme music from the first three seasons. The sequence includes images of nuclear disaster and sketches of demons fusing together. Other visuals include burning candles, snakes, both human and goat skulls, a scorpion, a blooming flower, and photos of nuclear-testing documents. Visuals from the title sequences of both season one and season three are also included with slight alterations, including the skeletal winged creature in the forest (Coven), the nurse's blouse (Murder House), a picture of a baby that has been set on fire (Murder House), and the goat skulls (Coven). All text appeared to be glowing in pale yellow and red.
1984's opening sequence is inspired by a fan-made concept that strongly impressed Ryan Murphy. Corey Vega, the creator of the fan-made title sequence, was invited to work with American Horror Story veteran title-sequence designer Kyle Cooper to create the official sequence.[106] The sequence imitates old VHS video quality. For the first time, a new slasher-style font is used for the text with the exception of vowels "O" and "A" staying with the original series' logo font. Visuals include: five Jazzercise instructors warming up before blood stains the screen, peaceful camping activities, bloody sharp objects (knives, cleavers, and an axe), a hidden killer in black, moonwalking, footage of the 1984 United States presidential election, cassette tapes, a smashed blood-filled wine glass, vehicles gearing up, and a campfire exploding. It ends with a self-destructed cassette. Names of the cast are superimposed on colorful neon graphics. The title is abbreviated as AHS instead of American Horror Story for the second time, after Cult. And for the second time, the last name mentioned is not given an "and" credit, also after Cult.
Double Feature's opening sequence features the original theme music from past seasons and the same font. Part One: Red Tide the opening sequence first shows chemicals bubbling in a scientific beacon then cuts to a flame being drawn and a lighthouse. The sequence continues to show graphic images of a knife slicing meat and being drained with blood, dead animals/aquatic life, insects, and a typewriter types out "Fade in", "chapter 10", "cut to", and types letter by letter sped up "fade to black". It follows with drug paraphernalia being cooked with a flame on a spoon and bubbling over. Black pills are being spilled onto a white background, images of teeth and x-rays of human bodies are being flashed on x-ray prints and tilted. In Part Two: Death Valley the opening sequence is completely black and white shows images of intestines, and tentacles. There is a UFO which seems to light up and hover above the ground and spins. A man of unknown origin in a black business suit is being lifted up by said UFO with a bright white light, the tentacles are manipulating time, a shadow of a patient which is in a grainy background on a hospital table raises up slowly while the scene turns counterclockwise. The sequence follows bloody hospital knives being dropped on a black glass surface and tentacles wrapping themselves around humans and out of their mouths. The sequence ends with alien fetal development being fed through a fallopian tube with tentacles wrapping around the fetus and out of its eyes, ears and mouth.
NYC's opening sequence retains the show's original theme music, with added sound effects such as whips, cameras and chains. The opening shows various types of BDSM imagery; including cages, rope, whipping, ball-gags, leather masks etc. Throughout the titles we are shown cocktail umbrellas (referencing the season's "Mai Thai Killer") and photography equipment. There are also microscopic images of a virus multiplying and infecting people's bodies; deers spooked by car headlights; blood dripping from statues and into cocktails; emaciated corpses dancing together; bloody severed hands and feet hung by chains; different colored bandanas; and a necklace with the inscription "Saint Christopher. Protect us. Protect me and lead me safely to my destiny." Patti LuPone is given an "And" credit; something that has been absent from the main titles since Apocalypse.
The title sequence for season 1 to 8 as well as season 10 and 11 of the show use a variation of the Willow typeface that very closely resembles a style for which Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh was known.[107] The only time the show's signature font changed within its 11 seasons was in season 9, in which a "slasher" style font was used. However, the original font can still be seen, as it is used for "A", "O" and "FX".
Promotion
As part of the promotion for the series, FX launched a "House Call" campaign, in which viewers at home could sign up and come face-to-face with a character from the series.[108] Prior to the series premiere, FX released several clues to shine light on the series. They were offered on the show's official YouTube channel. Ten clues were released.[109] In September 2011, FX launched a website which allows visitors to tour the Murder House throughout the decades and look for clues.[110]
In August 2012, the first promo for the second season was released on the American Horror Story Facebook page entitled "Special Delivery", in which a nun carries a couple of buckets filled with body parts through a field. As a church bell rings, the nun empties one bucket's bloody contents, leaving the empty bucket behind, and resumes her trek.[111] Over 20 subsequent teasers were released.[112] Four photos were also released on EW.com.[113] Two televised teasers, titled "Meet the Residents", were released on August 31, 2012. They feature the patients and some staff (such as Dr. Thredson, played by Zachary Quinto, and Sister Mary Eunice, played by Lily Rabe) lying in twin beds and dealing with their individual issues as the heads of the asylum (Jessica Lange, Joseph Fiennes and James Cromwell) look on. The song "Que Sera, Sera", mixed with the show's theme music, plays.[114] To promote Cult, a competition was set up where fans who donated to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles could get a chance to get a walk-on role in an episode, and lunch with Evan Peters.[115]
Overall, premises and characters for each season are typically kept under wraps until soon before premiers and are alluded to with brief and vague teaser trailers.
In October 2020, the owners of the historic Alfred Rosenheim Mansion "The Murder House" hosted a virtual paranormal investigation. The house had been featured in several films, TV shows, and music videos including the first season of American Horror Story. A production crew set up 15 cameras throughout the home and featured Hollywood psychic Patti Negri, exorcist Bishop James Long, Michelle Belanger, and other notable guests.
Universal's Halloween Horror Nights
On August 16, 2016, FX announced a deal had been struck to feature an American Horror Story maze at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando for their Halloween Horror Nights events. The maze featured sets and themes from Murder House, Freak Show, and Hotel. Universal Parks & Resorts said of the experience, "Twisted scenes from Murder House will unleash the evil spirits that possess the Harmon estate, spiraling guests through decades of the tortured dead who previously resided there. In Freak Show, guests joined a troupe of biological misfits in a sinister sideshow where they were stalked by the murderous and deformed Twisty the Clown. Finally, guests succumbed to the warped desires of the Countess after checking into the haunted Hotel Cortez, conceived from the beginning as a torture chamber for its customers."[116] In 2017, the show returned as haunted attractions to both parks, with Universal Orlando having an attraction based on Asylum, Coven, and Roanoke, and Universal Studios Hollywood basing their attraction solely on Roanoke.
In December 2017, The Walt Disney Company announced it would purchase 21st Century Fox which included the 20th Century Fox film and TV assets. The deal was completely finalized on March 20, 2019, making 20th Century Fox officially part of The Walt Disney Studios. As Disney and Universal are bitter rivals in the theme park business (especially for their Central Florida properties), this would likely end the franchise's presence in Halloween Horror Nights at Universal parks.[117]
The Night Bites Bakery
On July 14, 2021, an American Horror Story themed bakery opened in New York's Meatpacking District in Manhattan until July 24, 2021, to celebrate the release of spin-off American Horror Stories and the tenth season titled Double Feature. Guests had to be over the age of 18 to enter the bakery. Guests also had to make reservations for 30 minute visits. It featured sweet treats inspired by the series, as well as unique designs and characters based on past installments of American Horror Story and American Horror Stories. After placing an order, the Rubber Woman, introduced in the first episode of American Horror Stories, delivered the order through a secret window. It opened in Los Angeles from August 4, 2021, until August 14, 2021, in Beverly Grove.The bakery opened in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where the first part of the tenth season were filmed, at Pat's Happy Park on September 1, 2021, until September 4, 2021.[118][119][120][121][122][123][124]
Broadcast
The series premiered on October 5, 2011, and is broadcast on the cable television channel FX in the United States. In November 2011, it premiered internationally on the respective countries' Fox Networks Group. The first season premiered on October 5, 2011, and concluded on December 21, 2011. The second season premiered on October 17, 2012, and concluded on January 23, 2013. The third season premiered on October 9, 2013, and concluded on January 29, 2014. The fourth season premiered on October 8, 2014, and concluded on January 21, 2015. The fifth season premiered on October 7, 2015, and concluded on January 13, 2016. The sixth season premiered on September 14, 2016, and concluded on November 16, 2016. The seventh season premiered on September 5, 2017, and concluded on November 14, 2017. The eighth season premiered on September 12, 2018, and concluded on November 14, 2018. The ninth season premiered on September 18, 2019, and concluded on November 13, 2019. Seasons 5 to 7 premiered on the same day and same time with the American broadcasts on FX in Canada, though the first season followed a slightly different schedule as that network launched on October 31, 2011. The series is aired in India on STAR World Premiere HD shortly after its U.S. airing. Along with it, it airs on FX India on standard definition.
In the United Kingdom seasons 1-9 were broadcast on Fox until it closed in July 2021, with season ten debuting on Disney+. In April 2022, the entire series moved from Netflix to Disney+.
Reception
Critical response
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic |
|---|---|---|
| Murder House | 72% (147 reviews)[125] | 62 (30 reviews)[126] |
| Asylum | 84% (220 reviews)[127] | 65 (23 reviews)[128] |
| Coven | 85% (221 reviews)[129] | 71 (24 reviews)[130] |
| Freak Show | 77% (202 reviews)[131] | 69 (19 reviews)[132] |
| Hotel | 64% (214 reviews)[133] | 60 (24 reviews)[134] |
| Roanoke | 74% (160 reviews)[135] | 72 (9 reviews)[136] |
| Cult | 73% (218 reviews)[137] | 66 (24 reviews)[138] |
| Apocalypse | 79% (193 reviews)[139] | 63 (6 reviews)[140] |
| 1984 | 88% (170 reviews)[141] | — |
| Double Feature | 80% (61 reviews)[142] | — |
| NYC | 71% (7 reviews)[143] | — |
The first season, American Horror Story: Murder House, received generally positive reviews from critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported that 72% of 147 critics gave the first season a positive review. The site's consensus stated: "Convoluted yet effective, American Horror Story is strange, gory, and twisted enough to keep viewers hooked."[125] The first season scored 62 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 30 reviews, indicating generally favorable reviews.[126] Ken Tucker from Entertainment Weekly awarded the pilot episode a B+, stating: "AHS is pretty much all scare, all the time: a whole lotta screams, sex, jolts, mashed faces, psychotic behavior, and dead babies."[144] Hank Stuever from The Washington Post said in his review that: "Overdoing things is one of Murphy's trademark flaws, but this show has a captivating style and giddy gross-outs."[145] Not all reviews were favorable: Alan Sepinwall of HitFix gave the series a D−, saying: "It is so far over the top that the top is a microscopic speck in its rearview mirror, and so full of strange sounds, sights and characters that you likely won't forget it—even though many of you will wish you could."[146] Sepinwall would later go on to call it one of the worst TV shows of 2011.[147] The Los Angeles Times' Mary McNamara gave it a mixed review, stating that it "collapses into camp... upon more than one occasion" but also noting that it is "hard to look away."[148]
The second season, American Horror Story: Asylum, received critical acclaim from critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported that 84% of 220 critics gave the season a positive review. The site's consensus is: "American Horror Story: Asylum crosses boundaries to shock and scare with sexy subplots and some innovative takes on current social issues."[127] It scored 65 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 23 reviews, indicating generally favorable reviews.[128] James Poniewozik from Time stated: "AHS: Asylum feels like a more focused, if equally frenetic, screamfest. It's also gorgeously realized, with a vision of its '60s institution setting so detailed you can smell the stale air and incense."[149] Maureen Ryan of The Huffington Post said: "It's to the credit of Asylum's writers, directors and cast that the emotional pain of the characters often feels as real as their uncertainty and terror."[150] Verne Gay from Newsday gave the season a C grade, stating it "has some good special effects, just not much of a story to hang them on."[151] Linda Stasi of the New York Post thought the season was "over the top," adding: "I need to enter [an asylum] myself after two hours of this craziness."[152]
The third season, American Horror Story: Coven, received critical acclaim from critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported that 85% of 221 critics gave the season a positive review. The site's consensus reads: "A noteworthy ensemble cast combined with creepy storytelling and campy, outrageous thrills make American Horror Story: Coven a potently structured fright-fest."[129] It scored 71 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 24 reviews, the second-highest score for any season, after Roanoke, on that site.[130] In their post-season reviews, The Michigan Daily gave Coven a B+, saying, "And while its conclusion, appropriately titled "The Seven Wonders", never quite matched the high standard it set for itself throughout the season, Coven's reputation will nonetheless remain a solid one."[153] Not all reviews were positive, however, with criticism focused on both the story and character arcs in the second half of the season. The A.V. Club gave this season the low rating of a D+, with critic Emily VanDerWerff remarking: "It lurched drunkenly from idea to idea, never settling on one long enough to build anything of worth."[154]
The fourth season, American Horror Story: Freak Show, received mostly positive reviews from critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 77% of 202 critics gave the season a positive review. The site's consensus is: "Though it may turn off new viewers unaccustomed to its unabashed weirdness, Freak Show still brings the thrills, thanks to its reliably stylish presentation and game cast."[131] This season was Jessica Lange's final major performance on the show; however, it was not her last appearance. It scored 69 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 19 reviews, indicating generally favorable reviews.[132]
The fifth season, American Horror Story: Hotel, received more mixed reviews from critics, in comparison to its predecessors. Rotten Tomatoes reports that 64% of 214 critics gave the season a positive review. The site's consensus is: "Favoring garish style over effective storytelling, the fifth American Horror Story strands a talented cast at Ryan Murphy's Hotel."[133] Hotel scored a 60 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 24 reviews, indicating mixed or average reviews.[134] Some praise the season for its increased amount of horror elements and experimentation, while many believe that Jessica Lange's departure negatively impacted the show's ratings and the overall character of the series moving forward. Dan Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter gave a positive review, writing, "Early on, Hotel hasn't hooked me with its storytelling, but it's always fun to see what the series does with its repertory acting company and with new additions. Throw in the normal grotesquerie and visual panache, and that should keep me going for a while, even if all of the humor appears to have been funneled into Scream Queens."[155][156] On the other hand, Matt Zoller Seitz of New York Magazine found the season "confusing, tedious, annoyingly precious, and often ostentatiously brutal", but also praised it for being "darkly beautiful, deeply weird, and (sometimes) exhilarating."[157] Although Scott D. Pierce from The Salt Lake Tribune praised the production design and the cinematography, he said "the storytelling is derivative; the scares are non-existent; and it's all about style without much substance."[158] Mike Hale from The New York Times complained that it "suffers from the absence of Jessica Lange".[159] IGN's Matt Fowler gave a rating of 5.9 out of 10, criticizing the season as "mediocre" and concluding "all weight and meaning is gone."[160]
The sixth season, American Horror Story: Roanoke, received mostly positive reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes reports that 74% of 160 critics gave the season a positive review. The site's consensus is: "American Horror Story: My Roanoke Nightmare takes a surprising turn away from prior AHS formats, revisiting the deliberate pace of earlier seasons on a spookier, smaller scale, even if the true-crime format feels overdone."[135] It scored a 72 on Metacritic based on nine reviews, making it the highest-scored season on that site.[136]
The seventh season, American Horror Story: Cult, received mostly positive reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes reports that 73% of 218 critics gave the season a positive review. The site's consensus is: "American Horror Story: Cult intrigues with timely, over-the-top creepiness – and lots of clowns – despite being hampered by broad political generalizations and occasional holes in the narrative's logic."[137] It scored a 66 on Metacritic based on 24 reviews, indicating generally favorable reviews.[138]
The eighth season, American Horror Story: Apocalypse, received positive reviews from critics, with some considering it as an improvement over the recent seasons. Rotten Tomatoes reports that 79% of 193 critics gave the season a positive review. The site's consensus is: "Ryan Murphy and his murderers' row of witchy performers literally save the world—and franchise—in Apocalypse, the series most ambitious crossover swing yet."[139] It scored a 63 on Metacritic based on six reviews, indicating generally favorable reviews.[140]
The ninth season, American Horror Story: 1984, received critical acclaim. Rotten Tomatoes reports that 88% of 170 critics gave the season a positive review. The site's consensus is: "A near-perfect blend of slasher tropes and American Horror Story's trademark twists, 1984 is a bloody good time."[141]
The tenth season, American Horror Story: Double Feature, received very positive reviews during the onset of its first part, Red Tide, with some critics praising it as a return to the series’ form. However, the finale of Red Tide received very negative reviews for its rushed, and abrupt ending, while Death Valley received mixed to positive reviews throughout, with criticism towards its storytelling, writing, and ending. Rotten Tomatoes reports an 80% approval rating, based on 61 reviews for the season, with an average rating of 9.00/10. The site's consensus is: "Though its second tale is still a mystery, the first half of Double Feature proves a spine-tingling good time with terrific performances – especially from the spectacular Leslie Grossman and Frances Conroy."[142] Liz Shannon Miller of Collider stated Double Feature manages to be one of the best American Horror Story seasons ever created, writing, "For 10 seasons now, American Horror Story has represented the wildest excesses of the Ryan Murphy brand — incredible casts, deliberately outlandish premises and plots, and experiments in form which explode the ideas of what's possible on television."[161] Riley Runnells of The Post praised the performances of the actors and complimented the writing, claiming, "The vibe of the show is almost more of a movie style and more professional-seeming than any other season so far. Not only are there incredible acting and technical moments, but the writing seems more polished and original than the more recent seasons of the show – especially the fresh take on a vampire plot."[162] Andy Swift of TVLine applauded the performances of the cast members and stated the season succeeds to be terrifying, saying, "Chilling, compelling and wonderfully acted, Double Feature already feels like a return to form for the long-running franchise."[163] Kayla Cobb of Decider said Double Feature succeeds to be frightening across its jumpscares and characters, while praising the performances of the actors, stating, "If you’re into American Horror Story for the horror, you’re going to have a blast. If not, then Double Feature has some killer performances from your favorites that you won’t want to miss."[164] Matt Fowler of IGN rated the season 7 out of 10, stating, "The first two episodes of the first half of American Horror Story: Double Feature start slow, but then amplify the intrigue with an interesting spin on vampires."[165] Ron Hogan of Den of Geek rated the season 3 out of 5 stars, saying, "There are some very clever transitions between scenes, and the episode has good flow without getting slowed down during exposition dumps. The effects are used as appropriate punchlines, and American Horror Story is never shy about blood and gore when necessary. It (the half-season, not the episode) just felt a little too rushed, with too many ideas and not quite enough development."[166]
The eleventh season, American Horror Story: NYC, received mostly positive reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes reports that 71% of seven critics gave the season a positive review.[143]
Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk have been credited with creating a series that increases both the LGBT creators and storylines in the industry. Theresa L. Geller and Anna Marie Banker have stated that Murphy and Falchuk utilize "the formal structure of the serialized anthology...to present serial narratives made by and about 'queers,' openly subverting gender and sexual norms that define the majority of television."[167] In the journal Gender Forum, Robert Sevenich further acknowledges that "American Horror Story is a unique and challenging text that confronts issues of queer visibility, provides queer performers and creators a vehicle to contribute to cultural conversations, and gives audiences a lens to glean meaning."[168]
Ratings
The pilot episode of American Horror Story was watched by 3.2 million viewers and averaged a 1.6 rating in the 18–49 years adult demographic, the most sought after by advertisers.[169] These were the best numbers FX had ever received for a series premiere.[170] The episode was seen by 3.2 million total viewers in 59 countries.[171] Ratings increased as the season progressed, with the season finale being watched by 3.22 million viewers and receiving a 1.7 ratings share in the 18–49 years adult demographic.[172] The series premiere aired in November 2011 across Europe and Latin America on Fox International Channels, and ranked as first or second most watched telecast in its timeslot among all paid television in most metered markets.[171] "Numbers so strong, it's scary. American Horror Story has brought droves of new viewers to a killer global lineup", said Hernan Lopez, the president of Fox International Channels.[171]
The second season's premiere gained a 2.2 18–49 ratings share and gathered 3.85 million viewers,[173] marking the highest numbers for the series.[174] By the season's sixth episode, the numbers dropped to a series-low 0.9 18–49 ratings share and 1.89 million viewers;[175] however, they rebounded to above two million viewers for the subsequent episodes,[176][177] and reached 2.29 million viewers for the season's finale.[178] The premiere of the fifth season of the series became the second most-watched telecast in the network's history, only behind the premiere episode of the previous season, which was watched by 6.13 million viewers.[179] The show was subsequently renewed for another season; John Landgraf, the CEO of the network, commented on the show's success by saying that American Horror Story, the network's highest rated series, "has unquestionably joined the ranks of television's landmark series."[180] In 2016, a study by The New York Times of the 50 TV shows with the most Facebook Likes found that "unlike a lot of shows about the supernatural", American Horror Story was "more popular in cities, but also throughout parts of the Southwest".[181]
| Season | Timeslot (ET) | Episodes | First aired | Last aired | TV season | Avg. viewers (millions) | Avg. 18–49 rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Viewers (millions) | Date | Viewers (millions) | ||||||
| 1 | Wednesday 10:00 p.m. | 12 | October 5, 2011 | 3.18[182] | December 21, 2011 | 3.22[183] | 2011–12 | N/A | N/A |
| 2 | 13 | October 17, 2012 | 3.85[184] | January 23, 2013 | 2.29[185] | 2012–13 | 2.53[186] | 1.4[186] | |
| 3 | 13 | October 9, 2013 | 5.54[187] | January 29, 2014 | 4.24[188] | 2013–14 | 4.00[189] | 2.2[189] | |
| 4 | 13 | October 8, 2014 | 6.13[190] | January 21, 2015 | 3.27[191] | 2014–15 | 3.85[192] | 1.9[192] | |
| 5 | 12 | October 7, 2015 | 5.81[193] | January 13, 2016 | 2.24[194] | 2015–16 | 2.89[195] | 1.5[195] | |
| 6 | 10 | September 14, 2016 | 5.14[196] | November 16, 2016 | 2.45[197] | 2016–17 | 2.93[198] | 1.6[198] | |
| 7 | Tuesday 10:00 p.m. | 11 | September 5, 2017 | 3.93[199] | November 14, 2017 | 1.97[200] | 2017–18 | 2.22[201] | 1.1[201] |
| 8 | Wednesday 10:00 p.m. | 10 | September 12, 2018 | 3.08[202] | November 14, 2018 | 1.83[203] | 2018–19 | 2.04[204] | 1.0[204] |
| 9 | 9 | September 18, 2019 | 2.13[205] | November 13, 2019 | 1.08[206] | 2019–20 | 1.32[207] | 0.6[207] | |
| 10 | 10 | August 25, 2021 | 0.93[208] | October 20, 2021 | 0.58[209] | 2021–22 | 0.65[210] | 0.2[210] | |
| 11 | 10 | October 19, 2022 | 0.38[211] | November 16, 2022 | 0.19[212] | 2022-23 | 0.27[213] | 0.1[213] | |
Accolades
American Horror Story has won over 100 awards out of its 359 award nominations. The franchise has garnered 28 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, with Jessica Lange winning for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie and for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie, James Cromwell winning for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie, and Kathy Bates winning for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie. It received an additional 50 Creative Arts Emmy Award nominations, winning eleven times, including Outstanding Hairstyling for a Miniseries or a Movie, Outstanding Costumes for a Miniseries, Movie, or Special, Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Special, and Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or a Special.[214] It has received nine Golden Globe Award nominations, with Lange winning for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film,[215] and Lady Gaga winning for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film.[216] The series has also received three Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, with Lange winning for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series.[217] Additional accolades include eighteen Critics' Choice Television Awards nominations, with four wins,[218] the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding TV Miniseries,[219] four Costume Designers Guild Awards nominations, winning three times,[220] eight wins out of ten nominations at the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild,[221] five People's Choice Awards nominations, winning once,[222] and eleven Satellite Awards nomination, with three wins.[223] On April 9, 2019, it was announced by the Television Academy that American Horror Story: Apocalypse would not qualify for the Limited Series categories, and instead be moved to Drama.[224] American Horror Story was named the most in-demand horror TV show in 2019 by Guinness World Records,[225] based on global TV demand data supplied by Parrot Analytics.[226]
Companion and spin-off series
American Crime Story
On October 7, 2014, it was announced that FX had ordered a 10-episode companion series[227] titled American Crime Story, developed by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski.[228] While each season of American Horror Story focuses on a new horror theme, each season of American Crime Story focuses on a new true crime story. The series features American Horror Story cast members Sarah Paulson, Connie Britton, Cuba Gooding Jr., Darren Criss, Finn Wittrock, Max Greenfield, Jon Jon Briones, Cody Fern and Billy Eichner. The first season premiered in February 2016, with the second season premiering in January 2018.[229] A third season, titled Impeachment, focused on the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal, and aired in September 2021.[230] A potential fourth season, tentatively titled Studio 54, focusing on the rise and fall of Studio 54 owners Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, is currently in development.[231]
American Horror Stories
On May 11, 2020, Murphy revealed that a spin-off series named American Horror Stories was being developed; it would feature self-contained anthological episodes, instead of a season-long story arc as featured in American Horror Story. It was set to air on FX.[232] On June 22, 2020, it was announced that American Horror Stories would stream on FX on Hulu instead.[233] On August 4, 2020, it was announced that Sarah Paulson was set to be a director on the series.[234] The first season featured actors who have appeared in American Horror Story.[235] Matt Bomer, Gavin Creel, Sierra McCormick, Paris Jackson, Belissa Escobedo, Merrin Dungey, Selena Sloan, Ashley Martin Carter, Valerie Loo, Kaia Gerber, Aaron Tveit and Celia Finkelstein star in the first two-episode story.[236] Other American Horror Story alums that appear in the series include Naomi Grossman, John Carroll Lynch, Charles Melton, Billie Lourd, Chad James Buchanan, Cody Fern, Dylan McDermott, Jamie Brewer, Denis O'Hare, Matt Lasky, Gabourey Sidibe, Max Greenfield, Austin Woods, Seth Gabel, Rebecca Dayan, Cameron Cowperthwaite, Spencer Neville and Teddy Sears along with newcomers Rhenzy Feliz, Madison Bailey, Ben J. Pierce, Leonardo Cecchi, Kyle Red Silverstein, Amy Grabow, Adrienne Barbeau, Kevin McHale, Nico Greetham, Dyllón Burnside, Taneka Johnson, Danny Trejo, Ronen Rubinstein, Virginia Gardner, Vanessa E. Williams, Michael B. Silver, Kimberley Drummond, Jake Choi, Misha Gonz-Cirkl, Tiffany Dupont, Blake Shields, Colin Tandberg, Mercedes Mason, Noah Cyrus, Adam Hagenbuch, John Brotherton, Nicolas Bechtel, Tom Lenk, Kristine Froseth, Houston Jax Towe, Abby Corrigan, Simone Recasner, Maryssa Menendez, Emily Morales-Cabrera, Caitlin Dulany, Joel Swetow, Lily Rohren, Vince Yap, Nancy Linehan Charles, Bella Thorne, Anthony De La Torre, Billie Bodega, Julia Schlaepfer, Addison Timlin, Ian Sharkey, Dominique Jackson, Quvenzhané Wallis, Raven Scott, Kyla Drew, Kyanna Simone, Shane Callahan, Ryan D. Madison, Tiffany Yvonne Cox, Judith Light, Britt Lower, Todd Waring, Cornelia Guest, Madison Iseman, Jeff Doucette, Sara Silva, Jessika Van, Chelsea M. Davis, Alicia Silverstone, Olivia Rouyre, Bobby Hogan, Heather Wynters and Jarrod Crawford.[237][238][239] American Horror Stories premiered on July 15, 2021, and its first season consisted of seven episodes.[240][241] A second season of eight episodes premiered on July 21, 2022.
Notes
- ^ Known as 20th Century Fox Television from 2011 to 2020.
- ^ a b c d e This amount represents the total qualified expenditures for the California Film & Television Tax Credit and excludes other non-qualifying costs.
- ^ The tenth season is split into two parts, each of which also has its own subtitle; Red Tide for the first six episodes, and Death Valley for the latter four.[7]
References
- ^ Droesch, Paul. "American Horror Story (2011)". AllMovie. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
- ^ "American Horror Story 6 Seasons 2011". Amazon.com. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e "2019 Television Report" (PDF). FilmL.A.: 20. (PDF) from the original on July 13, 2020. Retrieved May 11, 2020.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ Pehanick, Maggie (April 24, 2016). "The True Stories Behind 18 American Horror Story Characters". Popsugar.com. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
- ^ Wood, Lucy (October 18, 2015). "DID YOU KNOW THEihiut7b7to8ypnouoijmmijiuhugygiuho9,8yio,jkmhubyguiytuybv fhdsdgarw BASED ON TRUE EVENTS?". Sugarscape.com. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
- ^ Gennis, Sadie (October 20, 2015). "The Real-Life Inspirations Behind American Horror Story: Hotel". TV Guide. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (August 13, 2021). "'American Horror Story' Season 10: 'Double Feature' Episode Split Confirmed". Deadline. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "'Coven' witches will return to 'American Horror Story' after 'Apocalypse,' says Ryan Murphy". EW.com. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
- ^ Bradley, Laura (December 5, 2018). "Get Ready for More of the Coven Witches on American Horror Story". HWD. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
- ^ "'American Horror Story' Crossovers Continue? Ryan Murphy Says 'Witches Will Be Back'". www.thewrap.com. December 4, 2018. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
- ^ White, Peter (January 9, 2020). "'American Horror Story': FX Renews Anthology Series For Three More Seasons – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
- ^ a b c Mullins, Jenna (December 22, 2011). "American Horror Story Season Two Scoop: New House and (Mostly) New Faces". E! Online. NBCUniversal. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
- ^ Stack, Tim (October 5, 2011). "'American Horror Story' co-creator Ryan Murphy talks premiere, his favorite scene, and identity of Rubber Man – EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
- ^ Juergens, Brian (October 3, 2011). "Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk Talk "American Horror Story": Blood, Infidelity, and Zachary Quinto". NewNowNext. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
- ^ Fienberg, Daniel (February 17, 2011). "FX orders 'American Horror Story' from 'Glee' pair". HitFix. from the original on July 1, 2015. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
- ^ "FX Orders "American Horror Story" to Series". The Futon Critic (Press release). Futon Media. July 18, 2011. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
- ^ Itzkoff, Dave (December 22, 2011). "'American Horror Story' Will Scare Up a New Cast and New Haunted Home for Season 2". The New York Times. from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
- ^ de Moraes, Lisa (November 15, 2012). "FX picks up third season of 'American Horror Story'". The Washington Post. from the original on October 23, 2013. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
- ^ a b Luna, Keri (March 19, 2013). "American Horror Story Creators, Cast Tease Season 3". Spinoff.ComicBookResources.com. Retrieved April 21, 2013.
- ^ Stack, Tim (August 27, 2015). "There could be TWO seasons of American Horror Story in 2016". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
- ^ Stransky, Tanner (March 18, 2011). "'Friday Night Lights' star Connie Britton cast in Ryan Murphy's 'American Horror Story' pilot". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2011.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 30, 2011). "Denis O'Hare Joins Ryan Murphy's FX Pilot 'American Horror Story'". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved March 30, 2011.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (April 13, 2011). "Jessica Lange To Star in Ryan Murphy/Brad Falchuk's FX Pilot 'American Horror Story'". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on May 11, 2011. Retrieved April 13, 2011.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (April 29, 2011). "Dylan McDermott To Star in Ryan Murphy's FX Pilot 'American Horror Story'". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on May 8, 2011. Retrieved April 29, 2011.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 5, 2011). "'American Horror Story' Casts Young Leads". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved May 5, 2011.
- ^ Fowler, Tara (September 4, 2012). "Sister Jude (Jessica Lange)". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
- ^ Bricker, Tierney (March 2, 2012). "American Horror Story Season Two Scoop: Three More Castmembers Confirmed to Return!". E! Online. NBCUniversal. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
- ^ Fowler, Tara (September 4, 2012). "Kit (Evan Peters)". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
- ^ Fowler, Tara (September 4, 2012). "Lana (Sarah Paulson)". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
- ^ Fowler, Tara (September 4, 2012). "Sister Eunice (Lily Rabe)". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
- ^ Fowler, Tara (September 4, 2012). "Dr. Thredson (Zachary Quinto)". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (March 2, 2012). "Zachary Quinto Returning to FX's 'American Horror Story'". The Hollywood Reporter. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael (April 11, 2012). "Exclusive: American Horror Story Casts French Actress in Major (and Mysterious) Season 2 Role". TV Line. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved April 11, 2012.
- ^ Harnick, Chris (September 5, 2012). "American Horror Story: Asylum Photos". The Huffington Post. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
- ^ Fowler, Tara (September 4, 2012). "Dr. Arden (James Cromwell)". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
- ^ Stack, Tim (May 7, 2012). "'American Horror Story' scoop: James Cromwell in talks for season 2". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
- ^ a b Kondolojy, Amanda (August 1, 2012). . TV by the Numbers (Press release). Tribune Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
- ^ Fowler, Tara (September 4, 2012). "Monsignor Timothy Howard (Joseph Fiennes)". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
- ^ Stack, Tim (June 11, 2012). "'American Horror Story' scoop: Joseph Fiennes in talks for season 2 – EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved June 12, 2012.
- ^ Harnick, Chris (November 15, 2012). "'American Horror Story' Renewed: FX Orders Season 3 With Jessica Lange". The Huffington Post. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
- ^ "American Horror Story Season 3 to Take Place in Multiple Cities; First Plot Details Revealed!". TV Web. January 18, 2013. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
- ^ a b Goldberg, Lesley (February 7, 2013). "'American Horror Story' Adds Frances Conroy, Taissa Farmiga for Season 3". The Hollywood Reporter. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2013.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (January 31, 2013). "'American Horror Story': Lily Rabe Returning for Season 3". The Hollywood Reporter. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael (February 26, 2013). "Exclusive: American Horror Story Season 3 Pits Jessica Lange Against... Kathy Bates!". TVLine. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2013.
- ^ Masters, Megan (February 27, 2013). "American Horror Story Scoop: Ryan Murphy Teases Kathy Bates' Turn as a 'Bad, Bad Woman!'". TVLine. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2013.
- ^ Masters, Megan (May 22, 2013). "American Horror Story Exclusive: Emma Roberts Joins the FX Spookfest's Coven". TVLine. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2013.
- ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (July 27, 2013). "Horror Story Vet Denis O'Hare Joins Coven". TV Line. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
- ^ "'American Horror Story' Season 4: Jessica Lange's Final Year". ScreenCrush.com. November 22, 2013. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
- ^ "'American Horror Story': Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett season 4 return". Hypable.com. November 8, 2013. Archived from the original on January 24, 2016. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (March 29, 2014). "Michael Chiklis Joins FX's 'American Horror Story: Freak Show'". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
- ^ Perlman, Jake (March 29, 2014). "Michael Chiklis joins the cast of 'American Horror Story: Freak Show'". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
- ^ Hibberd, James (February 25, 2015). "Lady Gaga to star in American Horror Story next season". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on February 26, 2015. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
- ^ Oldenburg, Ann (March 16, 2015). "'American Horror Story: Hotel' adds to cast". USA Today. from the original on March 17, 2015. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
- ^ Petski, Denise (March 24, 2015). "Chloe Sevigny cast in 'American Horror Story: Hotel'". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on April 30, 2015. Retrieved May 2, 2015.
- ^ Stack, Tim (June 17, 2015). "Finn Wittrock joins American Horror Story: Hotel... and a Lady Gaga love triangle". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on June 18, 2015. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (June 18, 2015). "Ryan Murphy On Jessica Lange's 'AHS' Exit & Possible Return, Building His 'Hotel' & Next 'American Crime Story' – Emmys". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved June 18, 2015.
- ^ Woerner, Meredith (August 7, 2015). "Lily Rabe confirmed to play serial killer, Aileen Wuornos". Los Angeles Times. from the original on August 9, 2015. Retrieved August 7, 2015.
- ^ "Angela Bassett Confirms She'll Be In 'American Horror Story' Season 6". Ora TV. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
- ^ . MoviePilot.com. Archived from the original on August 30, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- ^ Dixon, Marcus James (June 29, 2016). "'American Horror Story' Season 6: Evan Peters to return, but what about Finn Wittrock, Denis O'Hare?". Gold Derby. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (June 27, 2016). "'American Horror Story': Cheyenne Jackson Confirms Season 6 Return". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
- ^ Gajewski, Ryan (July 23, 2016). "Emma Roberts Teases 'American Horror Story' Return: See Her Mysterious Comments!". Us Weekly. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- ^ "'American Horror Story' Brand New Haunted House Unveiled". TMZ. August 4, 2016. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ^ Branch, Kate (August 5, 2016). "Sarah Paulson on Playing American Horror Story and American Crime Story Characters at the Same Time". Glamour. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
- ^ Bricker, Tierney (September 15, 2016). "American Horror Story's Season 6 Cast Is Finally Revealed". E!#E! Online. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
- ^ Murphy, Ryan [@MrRPMurphy] (October 31, 2016). "Sarah Paulson's ASYLUM ultimate survivor LANA WINTERS returns this season on "AHS: ROANOKE." Happy Halloween!" (Tweet). Retrieved October 31, 2016 – via Twitter.
- ^ Stack, Tim (December 9, 2015). "American Horror Story exclusive: Sarah Paulson to reprise season one's Billie Dean Howard in Hotel finale". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on December 12, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
- ^ Wagmeister, Elizabeth (January 12, 2017). "Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters to Return for 'American Horror Story' Season 7". Variety. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (April 6, 2017). "Billie Lourd To Star In 'American Horror Story' Season 7 On FX". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2017.
- ^ Nilles, Billie (April 7, 2017). "American Horror Story Season 7 Adds Scream Queens Vet Billie Lourd". E!. from the original on May 21, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
- ^ AHStoryNet [@AHStoryNet] (May 27, 2017). "Cheyenne Jackson @cheyennejackson - On Set of "American Horror Story" - May 26 #AHS #AHS7" (Tweet). Retrieved May 27, 2017 – via Twitter.
- ^ AHStoryNet [@AHStoryNet] (June 28, 2017). "Alison Pill is officially joining the cast of #AHS7 !" (Tweet). Retrieved June 28, 2017 – via Twitter.
- ^ Lynch, Jason (October 1, 2017). "Sarah Paulson Has Taken FX, the Emmys and Movie Studios by Storm. Next up: Netflix". Adweek. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
- ^ Stack, Tim (March 20, 2018). "American Horror Story: Kathy Bates to return for season 8". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
- ^ Bentley, Jean (April 7, 2018). "'American Horror Story' Season 8: Evan Peters, Billy Eichner, Cheyenne Jackson, More Returning". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
- ^ Bentley, Jean (May 18, 2018). "Billie Lourd To Return To 'American Horror Story' For Season 8, Joins 'Booksmart' Movie". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
- ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (June 17, 2018). "Emma Roberts Teases Return of 'American Horror Story's Madison Montgomery". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
- ^ Otterson, Joe (July 26, 2018). "'American Horror Story' Season 8 Casts Cody Fern as Michael Langdon". Variety. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved September 19, 2018.
- ^ "'mrrpmurphy' on Instagram". February 9, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2019. Non-loginwalled link at bibliogram.pussthecat.org
- ^ Strause, Jackie (July 11, 2019). "'American Horror Story: 1984': Matthew Morrison Joins Cast, Billie Lourd and Cody Fern Among Returning Stars". Hollywood Reporter. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
- ^ Maas, Jennifer (January 9, 2020). "Sarah Paulson to Return to 'American Horror Story' for Season 10 (Exclusive)". The Wrap. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
- ^ "Instagram". from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
- ^ Harp, Justin (August 3, 2022). "American Horror Story's Sarah Paulson casts doubt on series return". Digital Spy.
- ^ a b Keeps, David A. (October 31, 2011). "Set Pieces: The haunted house of 'American Horror Story'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 5, 2011.
- ^ Kudler, Adrian Glick (October 4, 2011). "American Horror Story Gave Alfred Rosenheim House in Country Club Park an Early Halloween Costume". Curbed.com. Retrieved October 13, 2011.
- ^ Chaney, Jen (October 5, 2011). "Connie Britton on 'American Horror Story,' 'Friday Night Lights' and what she learned from Rob Zombie". The Washington Post. from the original on September 9, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2011.
- ^ Rice, Lynette (March 1, 2012). "Jessica Lange will return to 'American Horror Story' – EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
- ^ Dos Santos, Kristin (July 26, 2012). . E! Online. NBCUniversal. Archived from the original on July 28, 2012. Retrieved July 27, 2012.
- ^ "American Horror Story Season 3 Supports New Orleans Film Industry With Crew, Casting Call: Coven Cast Travel To Louisiana To Begin Shooting". KPopStarz.com. July 16, 2013. Retrieved July 17, 2013.
- ^ Prudom, Laura (March 15, 2013). "'American Horror Story: Coven': Kathy Bates To Star In Season 3, Featuring Witches And Filming In New Orleans". The Huffington Post. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2013.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (March 15, 2013). "'American Horror Story' at PaleyFest: Season 3 Title Revealed". The Hollywood Reporter. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2013.
- ^ "'American Horror Story' At PaleyFest: Season 3 Has Witches, Kathy Bates Comes Onstage; Vampire Series Teased". Deadline Hollywood. March 15, 2013. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved March 17, 2013.
- ^ "Michael Goi on Twitter: "To the fans of American Horror Story, who made us the #1 show in FX's history, we dedicate this season to you". Twitter. July 14, 2015. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
- ^ Woerner, Meredith (July 11, 2015). "Go inside the American Horror Story: Hotel, built just for San Diego Comic-Con". Los Angeles Times. from the original on July 12, 2015. Retrieved July 13, 2015.
- ^ Nilles, Billy (June 27, 2016). "Finally, An American Horror Story Season 6 Update". E!. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
- ^ "'American Horror Story' New Set Photos Hint At Lost Colony". TMZ. August 1, 2016. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
- ^ Stanhope, Kate (February 15, 2017). "Ryan Murphy Reveals 'American Horror Story' Will Tackle 2016 Presidential Election". The Hollywood Reporter. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 28, 2017). "'American Horror Story': Billy Eichner Cast In Season 7 Of FX Anthology Series". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
- ^ Blyth, Antonia (April 6, 2018). "Ryan Murphy Confirms 'American Horror Story' Season 8 Is Set "18 Months From Today"; Joan Collins To Play Evan Peters' Grandmother". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
- ^ Murphy, Ryan (July 11, 2019). "To celebrate the first day of filming the NINTH Season of AMERICAN HORROR STORY, here's the official 1984 cast announcement along with some amazing 80s lewks. Enjoy!". Instagram. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
- ^ Warner, Sam; Opie, David (December 2, 2020). "American Horror Story's Lily Rabe says season 10 starts filming this week". Digital Spy. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
- ^ Crider, Michael (August 3, 2011). "'American Horror Story' Opening Credits Are Totally Creepy [Updated]". Screen Rant. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2011.
- ^ Stack, Tim (September 28, 2011). "'American Horror Story': Watch the terrifying opening credits sequence – EXCLUSIVE VIDEO". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
- ^ Abrams, Natalie (August 7, 2012). "The New Rubber Man, Lange's Character and More American Horror Story: Asylum Spoilers". TV Guide. CBS Interactive. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
- ^ Bryant, Jacob (October 1, 2015). "Watch: 'American Horror Story: Hotel' Opening Sequence Gets Biblical". Variety. from the original on October 2, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
- ^ Murphy, Ryan (September 13, 2019). "I am so excited to share with you the new AMERICAN HORROR STORY title sequence by our longtime collaborator Kyle Cooper and our new friend Corey Vega, who ignited this concept with an original "fan" cut he posted on Twitter after the 1984 season was announced. I liked it so much, I decided to bring him on board to work together with Kyle as they evolved the concept into something major. Congratulations Corey! 1980s horror never looked so good. @broadway1228". from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
- ^ Bailey, Shawn (May 10, 2014). "Why Is The 'American Horror Story' Font So Creepy?". The Inquisitr News. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
- ^ Carp, Jesse (August 10, 2011). "American Horror Story Continues Creepy Promos Plus A Horror House Call Campaign". Cinema Blend. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
- ^ Carp, Jesse (August 5, 2011). "American Horror Story Promos Are Creepy Clues". Cinema Blend. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2011.
- ^ Stanley, T.L. (September 15, 2011). "FX's 'American Horror Story' Just as Upsetting Online". Adweek. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
- ^ Richenthal, Matt (August 17, 2012). "American Horror Story Season 2 Promo: Buckets of Body Parts". TV Fanatic. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
- ^ "'American Horror Story' Season 2 Spoilers: 'Asylum's' Premiere Date, New Photos And Haunting 8th Teaser, 'White Rave', Released [VIDEO]". International Business Times. August 28, 2012. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
- ^ Stack, Tim (August 28, 2012). "'American Horror Story': See 4 terrifying images from season 2 'Asylum' – EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
- ^ "Meet the Residents". YouTube. August 31, 2012. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
- ^ . Omaze. Archived from the original on October 3, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
- ^ Woerner, Meredith (August 16, 2016). "'American Horror Story' will come alive at Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights". Los Angeles Times. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
- ^ Gregory, John (March 25, 2019). "Why the Disney-Fox deal doesn't mean much for Disney World". Orlando Rising. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
- ^ Chesin, Michaela (August 31, 2021). "Does it look like Provincetown? 'American Horror Story' Season 10 rings true to locals". Cape Cod Times. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
- ^ Stueven, Michele (August 2, 2021). "American Horror Story 'Night Bites Bakery' Opens August 4 in L.A." LA Weekly. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
- ^ Leiber, Sarah Jae. "FX Celebrates American Horror Story Premieres With 'Night Bites Bakery' Pop-Ups in NY, LA & More". Broadway World. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ . AHS Night Bites. Archived from the original on July 21, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ Amick, Brian. ""American Horror Story"-themed pop-up bakery opens in New York City". Bake. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ Navarro, Meagan (July 19, 2021). "FX Celebrates "American Horror Stories" Premiere with Themed Bakery Pop-Up". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ McGrew, Shannon (July 23, 2021). "[News] AHS "Night Bites Bakery" Coming to LA". Nightmarish Conjurings. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Murder House". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season 1". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Asylum". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season 2". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Coven". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season 3". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Freak Show". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season 4". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Hotel". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season 5". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Roanoke". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season 6". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Cult". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season 7". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Apocalypse". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season 8". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: 1984". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Double Feature". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: NYC". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ Tucker, Ken (September 28, 2011). "American Horror Story". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2011.
- ^ Stuever, Hank (September 21, 2011). "2011 TV season: Few smooth takeoffs, many bumpy arrivals". The Washington Post. from the original on March 18, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
- ^ Sepinwall, Alan (October 4, 2011). "Review: FX's 'American Horror Story' an overwrought mess". HitFix. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
- ^ Sepinwall, Alan. "Lumps of coal: The worst TV I watched in 2011". from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
- ^ McNamara, Mary (October 5, 2011). "TV review: 'American Horror Story' on FX". Los Angeles Times. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
- ^ Poniewozik, James (October 17, 2012). "TV Tonight: American Horror Story: Asylum". Time. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
- ^ Ryan, Maureen (October 16, 2012). "'American Horror Story: Asylum' Review: Scary, Freaky And Surprisingly Addictive". The Huffington Post. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
- ^ Gay, Verne (October 15, 2012). "'American Horror Story: Asylum' not much of a story". Newsday. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
- ^ Stasi, Linda (October 17, 2012). "'Asylum' is a 'Horror'". New York Post. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
- ^ Stern, Alec (February 4, 2014). "'American Horror Story' wraps successful, psychotic season". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
- ^ VanDerWerff, Emily (January 29, 2014). "American Horror Story: "The Seven Wonders"". The A.V. Club. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved February 8, 2014.
- ^ Fienberg, Dan (October 5, 2015). "'American Horror Story: Hotel': TV Review". The Hollywood Reporter. from the original on October 8, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
- ^ Paskin, Willa (October 7, 2015). "American Horror Story: Hotel". Slate. from the original on October 18, 2015. Retrieved October 19, 2015.
- ^ Zoller Seitz, Matt (October 7, 2015). "American Horror Story: Hotel Is Tedious, Insufferable, and Occasionally Exhilarating". New York. from the original on October 19, 2015. Retrieved October 19, 2015.
- ^ Pierce, Scott D. (October 7, 2015). "TV review: 'American Horror Story: Hotel' is bloody, but it's not scary". The Salt Lake Tribune. from the original on October 9, 2015. Retrieved October 19, 2015.
- ^ Hale, Mike (October 6, 2015). "Review: 'American Horror Story: Hotel,' as Depraved as Ever". The New York Times. from the original on October 9, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
- ^ Fowler, Matt (October 7, 2015). "American Horror Story: Hotel – "Checking In" Review". IGN. from the original on October 8, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
- ^ "Why 'American Horror Story' Season 10 Was the Show At Its Best (For At Least 4 Episodes)". Collider. October 22, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
- ^ "TV Review: 'American Horror Story: Double Feature' has potential for one of the best seasons yet". The Post. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
- ^ Swift, Andy (August 26, 2021). "American Horror Story: Double Feature Returns the Franchise to Its Original Glory in Two-Part Season Premiere". TVLine. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
- ^ "Stream It Or Skip It: 'American Horror Story: Double Feature' on FX, a Bloody Good Time with a Lot of Horror". Decider. August 26, 2021. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
- ^ Fowler, Matt (August 26, 2021). "American Horror Story: Double Feature Season Premiere Review: "Cape Fear" and "Pale"". IGN. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
- ^ "The American Horror Story Double Feature Finale is Wild...Even for Ryan Murphy". Den of Geek. October 21, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
- ^ Geller, Theresa L.; Banker, Anna Marie (March 2017). ""That Magic Box Lies": Queer Theory, Seriality, and American Horror Story". The Velvet Light Trap. 79: 36–49. doi:10.7560/VLT7904. S2CID 192114162.
- ^ Sevenich, Robert (2015). Neumeier, Beate (ed.). ""Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are" Queering American Horror Story" (PDF). Gender Forum (54): 35–51. (PDF) from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2020 – via JSTOR.
- ^ Seidman, Robert (October 6, 2011). . TV by the Numbers. Tribune Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on October 7, 2011. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
- ^ Gorman, Bill (October 25, 2011). . TV by the Numbers (Press release). Tribune Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on October 28, 2011. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
- ^ a b c Gorman, Bill (November 15, 2011). . TV by the Numbers (Press release). Tribune Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on November 17, 2011. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
- ^ Gorman, Bill (December 22, 2011). . TV by the Numbers. Tribune Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2011.
- ^ Bibel, Sara (October 18, 2012). . TV by the Numbers. Tribune Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on September 8, 2015. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
- ^ Bibel, Sara (October 18, 2012). . TV by the Numbers (Press release). Tribune Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on June 29, 2015. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
- ^ Bibel, Sara (November 26, 2012). . TV by the Numbers. Tribune Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on November 30, 2012. Retrieved November 27, 2012.
- ^ Bibel, Sara (November 29, 2012). . TV by the Numbers. Tribune Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on December 2, 2012. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
- ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (December 7, 2012). . TV by the Numbers. Tribune Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on December 7, 2012. Retrieved December 7, 2012.
- ^ Bibel, Sara (January 24, 2013). . TV by the Numbers. Tribune Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
- ^ Kissell, Rick (October 8, 2015). "Ratings: Viewers Go Gaga for FX's 'American Horror Story: Hotel' Premiere". Variety. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
- ^ Rose, Lacey (November 10, 2015). "FX Renews 'American Horror Story' for Season 6". The Hollywood Reporter. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2015.
- ^ Katz, Josh (December 27, 2016). "'Duck Dynasty' vs. 'Modern Family': 50 Maps of the U.S. Cultural Divide". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 29, 2017. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
- ^ Seidman, Robert (October 6, 2011). . TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 7, 2011. Retrieved October 7, 2011.
- ^ Gorman, Bill (December 22, 2011). . TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2011.
- ^ Bibel, Sara (October 18, 2012). "'American Horror Story' Premiere Garners 3.85 Million Total Viewers, 2.20 Million Adults 18-49". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 18, 2012. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
- ^ Bibel, Sara (January 24, 2013). . TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season Two Ratings". TV Series Finale. January 24, 2013. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
- ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (October 10, 2013). . TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 12, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
- ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (January 30, 2014). . TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved January 31, 2014.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Coven (Season 3) Ratings". TV Series Finale. January 30, 2014. Archived from the original on October 19, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
- ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (October 9, 2014). . TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 11, 2014. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
- ^ . TV by the Numbers. January 22, 2015. Archived from the original on January 23, 2015.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Freak Show Ratings". TV Series Finale. January 22, 2015. Archived from the original on January 3, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
- ^ Porter, Rick (October 8, 2015). . TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 9, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2015.
- ^ Porter, Rick (January 14, 2016). . TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 27, 2016. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Hotel (Season 5) Ratings". TV Series Finale. January 14, 2016. Archived from the original on November 25, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (September 15, 2016). . Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (November 17, 2016). . Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved November 17, 2016.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season Six Ratings". TV Series Finale. November 17, 2016. Archived from the original on October 2, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (September 6, 2017). . Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on September 7, 2017. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (November 15, 2017). . Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 16, 2017. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season Seven Ratings". TV Series Finale. November 15, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (September 13, 2018). . Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (November 15, 2018). . Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season Eight Ratings". TV Series Finale. November 15, 2018. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (September 19, 2019). . Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on September 20, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (November 14, 2019). . Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on November 16, 2019. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season Nine (1984) Ratings". TV Series Finale. November 14, 2019. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (August 26, 2021). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 8.25.2021". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
- ^ Metcalf, Mitch (October 21, 2021). "ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 10.20.2021 Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season 10 Ratings (Double Feature)". TV Series Finale. October 21, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
- ^ Salem, Mitch (October 20, 2022). "ShowBuzzDaily's Wednesday 10.19.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
- ^ Salem, Mitch (November 16, 2022). "ShowBuzzDaily's Wednesday 11.16.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
- ^ a b "American Horror Story: Season 11 Ratings (NYC)". TV Series Finale. November 17, 2022. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
- ^ American Horror Story's Emmy Awards nominations and wins:
- "64th Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. from the original on March 26, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- "65th Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. from the original on March 26, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- "66th Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. from the original on March 26, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- "67th Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. from the original on March 26, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- "68th Emmy Awards Nominees and Winners". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. from the original on July 17, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- ^ "Golden Globes 2012: The Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. January 15, 2012. from the original on June 27, 2019. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- ^ "'Carol,' Netflix Lead Golden Globes Nominations". Variety. December 10, 2015. from the original on December 11, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- ^ . Screen Actors Guild. Archived from the original on May 16, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- ^ American Horror Story's Critics' Choice Awards nominations and wins:
- "2012 // Winners of the 2nd Annual Critics' Choice Television Awards". Broadcast Film Critics Association. from the original on March 23, 2019. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- "2013 // Winners for the 3rd Annual Critics' Choice Television Awards". Broadcast Film Critics Association. from the original on January 15, 2018. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- "2014 // Winners and Nominees from the 4th Annual Critics' Choice Television Awards". Broadcast Film Critics Association. from the original on March 25, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- "The Critics' Choice Television Awards Winners". Broadcast Film Critics Association. from the original on July 26, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- Hipes, Patrick (December 14, 2015). "Critics' Choice Awards Nominations: 'Mad Max' Leads Film; ABC, HBO, FX Networks & 'Fargo' Top TV". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on December 15, 2015. Retrieved December 14, 2015.
- ^ "24th Nominees". GLAAD. from the original on July 26, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- ^ American Horror Story's Costume Designers Guild Awards nominations and wins:
- "Winners of the 15th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards". Costume Designers Guild. from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- Barnes, Bronwyn (January 8, 2014). "'Catching Fire,' 'Breaking Bad' among nominees for 16th Costume Designers Guild Awards". Entertainment Weekly. from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- McNary, Dave (February 17, 2015). "'Birdman', 'Grand Budapest Hotel' Top Costume Designer Guild Awards: Winners List". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on June 26, 2019. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- McNary, Dave (January 5, 2016). "'Star Wars,' 'Mad Max,' 'Empire' Land Costume Designers Guild Awards Nominations". Variety. from the original on January 9, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- ^ American Horror Story's Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards nominations and wins:
- Giardina, Carolyn (July 16, 2016). "Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards: The Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. from the original on February 24, 2016. Retrieved February 21, 2016.
- "'Grand Budapest', 'Guardians', 'AHS: Freak Show' Top Make-Up & Hair Stylists Awards". Deadline Hollywood. July 16, 2016. Archived from the original on March 19, 2019. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
- "'Mad Max,' 'American Horror Story' Lead Makeup and Hair Stylists Guild Nominations". Variety. January 13, 2016. from the original on January 15, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- ^ American Horror Story's People's Choice Awards nominations and wins:
- "2014 Nominees & Winners". People's Choice Awards. from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- "2015 Nominees & Winners". People's Choice Awards. from the original on January 11, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- "2016 Nominees & Winners". People's Choice Awards. from the original on August 19, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- ^ American Horror Story's Satellite Awards nominations and wins:
- "View Awards by Year: 2011". International Press Academy. from the original on March 18, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- "View Awards by Year: 2012". International Press Academy. from the original on March 22, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- "View Awards by Year: 2013". International Press Academy. from the original on January 10, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- "View Awards by Year: 2014". International Press Academy. from the original on June 20, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- "View Awards by Year: 2015". International Press Academy. from the original on March 20, 2016. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael (April 9, 2019). "Emmy Shake-Up: American Horror Story Booted From 2019 Limited Series Race". TVLine. from the original on June 26, 2020. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
- ^ "Ryan Murphy on Instagram: ""NINE years of American Horror Story. The Guinness Book of World Records has named AHS the Most Popular Horror TV Show in the World. Thank…"". Instagram. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^ "Most in-demand horror TV show". Guinness World Records. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- ^ Rose, Lacey (August 22, 2016). "Ryan Murphy Teases 'American Crime Story' Season 2, More 'American Horror Story' and Retooled 'Scream Queens'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
- ^ "FX Gives Series Order to AMERICAN HORROR STORY Companion Series AMERICAN CRIME STORY; First Season Will Focus on O.J. Simpson Trial". Collider. October 7, 2014. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
- ^ "American Crime Story: Versace Gets January Premiere Date on FX". November 2017. from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (August 6, 2019). "Monica Lewinsky-Produced 'Impeachment' Set as Next 'American Crime Story' at FX". THR. from the original on October 22, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
- ^ Turchiano, Danielle (August 13, 2021). "FX Orders 'American Love Story' and 'American Sports Story' Anthologies, Has 'Studio 54: American Crime Story' Officially in Development". Variety. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 11, 2020). "'AHS': Spinoff Series 'American Horror Stories' In the Works From Ryan Murphy". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
- ^ Swift, Andy (June 22, 2020). "American Horror Story Spinoff and Y: The Last Man Are Moving to FX on Hulu". TVLine. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (August 4, 2020). "'AHS' Spinoff 'American Horror Stories': Sarah Paulson To Direct On Ryan Murphy Series – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
- ^ @mrrpmurphy (November 12, 2020). "It's the AHS spin off. We are doing 16 one hour stand alone episodes delving into horror myths, legends and lore...many of these episodes will feature AHS stars you know and love. More to follow..." Retrieved November 12, 2020 – via Instagram.
- ^ Maas, Jennifer (May 18, 2021). "'AHS' Season 10 and Spinoff 'American Horror Stories' to Premiere This Summer". The Wrap. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
- ^ Bentz, Adam (July 7, 2021). "American Horror Story Confirms 21 Stars & Their Characters For Spinoff". Screenrant. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
- ^ Etzel, Gabby (May 29, 2022). "American Horror Stories: 10 Actors That Will Appear In Season 2". Screen Rant. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
- ^ Swift, Andy (July 13, 2022). "American Horror Stories: Bella Thorne, Alicia Silverstone and More Join Cast of Season 2 - Plus, Who's Returning?". TV Line. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
- ^ Del Rosario, Alexandra (May 18, 2021). "'AHS10', 'American Horror Stories,' 'Impeachment: ACS' & 'Atlanta' Season 3: FX Chairman John Landgraf Teases Approximate Premiere Dates". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
- ^ Swift, Andy (June 3, 2021). "AHS Season 10, American Horror Stories Spinoff Set Summer Premiere Dates". TVLine. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
External links
- Official website
- American Horror Story at IMDb
- American Horror Story at Rotten Tomatoes
- American Horror Story at Metacritic