American Story

Lore & Background

Creators Ryan Murphy and Brad 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, stating he wanted to create something challenging and dark. Falchuk was intrigued by putting a different angle on the horror genre, with the main goal of scaring viewers. In February 2011, FX announced it had ordered a pilot, with Murphy and Falchuk writing and Murphy directing. Production began in April 2011, and the project was picked up as a full series in July 2011.

From the beginning, Murphy and Falchuk planned that each season would tell a different story. After the first-season finale, Murphy stated that returning actors would play completely different characters. In November 2012, FX chief executive John Landgraf described the format as groundbreaking and trendsetting. On October 7, 2014, FX ordered a 10-episode companion series, American Crime Story, developed by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, focusing on true crime stories. On May 11, 2020, Murphy revealed a spin-off, American Horror Stories, featuring self-contained anthological episodes. On August 13, 2021, FX ordered American Sports Story and Love Story.

Reader's Guide

The American Story franchise has received widespread critical acclaim and won several Emmy Awards. Its anthology format, with a repertory cast appearing across multiple seasons and series, proved influential. Many actors have appeared in two or more installments, including Sarah Paulson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Connie Britton, Darren Criss, Finn Wittrock, Jon Jon Briones, Billy Eichner, Matt Bomer, Kaia Gerber, Naomi Grossman, Chad James Buchanan, John Carroll Lynch, Dylan McDermott, Charles Melton, Billie Lourd, Jamie Brewer, Naomi Campbell, Celia Finkelstein, Blake Shields, John Lacy, Nico Greetham, Teddy Sears, Judith Light, Rebecca Dayan, Matt Lasky, Cameron Cowperthwaite, Spencer Neville, Denis O'Hare, and Gabourey Sidibe. Cody Fern and Max Greenfield have appeared in three installments.

The franchise expanded from horror into true crime, standalone horror episodes, sports stories, and love stories. American Crime Story covered the O. J. Simpson trial, the assassination of Gianni Versace, and the impeachment of a U.S. president. American Sports Story began with the story of Aaron Hernandez. Love Story planned to depict the relationship of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. The franchise's ability to reinvent itself each season while maintaining a consistent creative team and rotating cast has been a key aspect of its longevity and cultural impact.

Did You Know?

• American Horror Story was created before Glee began production, as Murphy wanted to do something challenging and dark.
• The franchise includes American Horror Story, American Crime Story, American Horror Stories, American Sports Story, and Love Story.
• Matt Bomer directed an episode of American Crime Story.