American Horror Story (2011)
An anthology horror drama series centering on different characters and locations, including a house with a murderous past, an asylum, a witch coven, a freak show, a hotel, a farmhouse in Roanoke, a cult, the apocalypse and a summer camp.
Details
First Air Date
10/5/2011
Last Air Date
4/24/2024
Network
FX
Rating
8/10 (5705 votes)
Status
Returning Series
Production Companies
Ryan Murphy Television, Brad Falchuk Teley-vision, 20th Century Fox Television, 20th Television
About American Horror Story
"American Horror Story" is an anthology series that explores various subgenres of horror, with each season presenting a self-contained narrative. Since its debut in 2011, the show has covered diverse settings and themes, including haunted houses, asylums, witch covens, and cults. The series often blends elements of drama, mystery, and fantasy into its horror framework, making use of supernatural occurrences and psychological tension.
The show is recognized for its rotating cast of actors who often return in different roles across multiple seasons, contributing to a sense of continuity despite the distinct storylines. Its exploration of various horror tropes, from serial killers and slasher scenarios to apocalyptic events and paranormal activity, has been a consistent aspect of its storytelling. With 12 seasons and over 130 episodes, "American Horror Story" continues to expand its universe, often incorporating a wide range of thematic elements and historical periods.
The series has an average audience score of 8 out of 10 based on over 5,700 votes, and an IMDb rating of 7.9, indicating generally positive reception from viewers.
Why you might be searching for American Horror Story
People often search for "American Horror Story" due to its anthology format, which allows each season to offer a unique horror scenario. Common searches relate to specific season themes, such as a high school with unusual incidents or characters like a crazy girl with a stuffed bear. The show's tendency to feature unsettling premises, like a nurse killing infants or a girl in a psych ward, also drives viewer interest and searches.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer commented that the *Apocalypse* season functions more as a sequel to earlier seasons like *Murder House*, *Hotel*, and *Coven*, confirming the shared universe fans had speculated about. This reviewer found that while the show had faltered in previous seasons, *Apocalypse* aimed to bring back some of its earlier strengths.
Read the full reviewA review of the *1984* season described it as starting as an effective homage to summer-camp slasher films before evolving into a blend of ghost story, true-crime thriller, and a narrative about serial killers and redemption, suggesting it was one of the series' better installments.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream all 12 seasons of "American Horror Story" on Hulu in the US. Disney+ also offers the series, and it's available for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. Availability may vary by region. Season 13 of "American Horror Story" will premiere on September 24 on FX and will be available to stream on Hulu.
"American Horror Story" is not directly based on a single true story, but each season's plot elements are often loosely inspired by true events or American mythology. The series functions as an anthology, with each season featuring different characters, settings, and storylines.
There are currently 12 seasons of "American Horror Story", with a 13th season planned to premiere on September 24, 2026.
"American Horror Story" has generally been well-received by critics, particularly for its cast, with many praising Jessica Lange's performances. Reception for individual seasons has varied, but the series is known for its bold storytelling, psychological thrills, and exploration of various horror themes.