American Horror Stories
A weekly anthology of standalone horror stories.
American Horror Stories is a horror anthology series for FX on Hulu, created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. It is a direct spin-off and companion to *American Horror Story*, making it the third entry in the American Story franchise. While the original show usually dedicates a full season to one narrative (with one exception), this series changes its story from episode to episode. The only deviations from that format are the two-part premiere and the linked finale of the first season.
Several actors from the original series have returned, typically in new roles. These include Matt Bomer, Naomi Grossman, John Carroll Lynch, Charles Melton, Billie Lourd, Cody Fern, Dylan McDermott, Jamie Brewer, Denis O'Hare, Gabourey Sidibe, Max Greenfield, Austin Woods, Seth Gabel, Rebecca Dayan, Cameron Cowperthwaite, Spencer Neville, Teddy Sears, Jeff Hiller, Casey Thomas Brown, and Nick Jacobs.
The show premiered on Hulu on July 15, 2021, and became the most successful launch of any FX on Hulu series at that time. A second season followed in July 2022, and the third season was released in two parts, in October 2023 and October 2024.
Each episode presents a standalone horror story. Some episodes connect to past *American Horror Story* seasons: "Rubber(wo)Man Part One," "Rubber(wo)Man Part Two," and "Game Over" are linked to *Murder House*, while "Dollhouse" ties into *Coven*.
Murphy announced the spin-off on May 11, 2020, describing it as a series of self-contained anthology episodes rather than a season-long arc. The first season has seven episodes. FX renewed it for an eight-episode second season on August 13, 2021. The next installment was first reported in May 2023, but its production was affected by the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike. In August 2023, it was announced that four episodes would premiere on October 26 as a "Huluween" event. Another five-episode installment was reported in September 2024, with a premiere date of October 15, 2024, also as a "Huluween" event; *The Hollywood Reporter* referred to this as the fourth season.
Casting for the first two episodes featured Matt Bomer, Gavin Creel, Sierra McCormick, Paris Jackson, Belissa Escobedo, Merrin Dungey, Selena Sloan, Ashley Martin Carter, Valerie Loo, Kaia Gerber, Aaron Tveit, and others.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Horror / Anthology
- Creator
- Ryan Murphy / Brad Falchuk
- Theme Music Composer
- César Dávila-Irizarry / Charlie Clouser
- Composer
- Mac Quayle
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Num Seasons
- 3
- Num Episodes
- 24
- Executive Producer
- Ryan Murphy / Brad Falchuk / Alexis Martin Woodall / John J. Gray / Loni Peristere / Manny Coto / Crystal Liu
- Producer
- Susan V. McConnell / Todd Nenninger / Lou Eyrich / Eryn Krueger Mekash / Reilly Smith / Todd Kubrak
- Cinematography
- Shasta Spahn
- Editor
- Peggy Tachdjian / Lousine Shamamian
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
American Horror Stories was announced on May 11, 2020, by Ryan Murphy as a spin-off featuring self-contained anthological episodes. The first season consists of seven episodes and premiered on Hulu on July 15, 2021, becoming the most successful launch of any FX on Hulu series to date. The second season premiered in July 2022, and the third season was released in two parts, in October 2023 and October 2024. The series was renewed for a second season of eight episodes on August 13, 2021. The next installment was first reported in May 2023, when it was affected by the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, and later announced as a four-episode "Huluween" event premiering October 26. A further installment of five episodes was reported in September 2024 with an expected premiere date of October 15, 2024. The third season was filmed in Los Angeles and other locations, not in New Jersey.
Reader's Guide
American Horror Stories is significant as a direct spin-off of the long-running American Horror Story franchise, expanding its universe into a weekly anthology format. The series features returning cast members from the original show, usually playing new characters, including Matt Bomer, Billie Lourd, Cody Fern, Dylan McDermott, Denis O'Hare, Gabourey Sidibe, and many others. Some episodes are connected to past American Horror Story seasons, such as "Rubber(wo)Man" parts one and two and "Game Over" linking to Murder House, and "Dollhouse" connecting to Coven. The series achieved strong viewership, ranking as the most successful launch of any FX on Hulu title, and later appearing in Nielsen's top ten most-streamed original series for multiple weeks. Its critical reception on Rotten Tomatoes stands at 66% overall, with the first season scoring 52%.
Did You Know?
- Every episode has its own title sequence, except the first two episodes, which share one.
- The third season was filmed in New Jersey.
- The title sequence was created by Elastic, who also created the title sequence for HBO's Game of Thrones.
More in American television spinoffs 1-24
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