History of American Horror Story in Timeline
American Horror Story (AHS) is an anthology horror series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk for FX. Each season functions as a self-contained miniseries with a different setting, characters, and storyline, all within the same fictional universe. While each season has a distinct narrative arc, some plots are loosely based on true events. AHS is the first installment in the American Story media franchise.
1952: American Horror Story: Freak Show
American Horror Story: Freak Show, released in 1952, portrays the struggles of a freak show in Jupiter, Florida, led by Elsa Mars. The show features diverse characters like "Lobster Boy" Jimmy Darling, Ethel the bearded lady, and conjoined twins Bette and Dot Tattler. The season explores their lives, the dark entities lurking in Jupiter, and a mysterious killer clown.
1964: Asylum Setting
The second season of American Horror Story, "Asylum," is set in 1964 and follows the patients and staff of Briarcliff Manor, a mental institution.
1981: American Horror Story: NYC
Set in 1981 New York City, this season explores a series of murders targeting the gay community amidst rising homophobia and the AIDS epidemic. The plot follows a closeted detective and his partner as they investigate.
1984: American Horror Story 1984
The events described do not pertain to the year 1984. American Horror Story: 1984 is the title of the ninth season, which aired much later and received critical acclaim.
1984: American Horror Story: 1984
The ninth season of American Horror Story, titled "1984", premiered in 1984. It followed a group of counselors at Camp Redwood, who are terrorized by escaped serial killer Mr. Jingles and other mysterious figures.
1984: 1984 Season
The ninth season of American Horror Story, titled "1984," was set in 1984 and focused on a summer camp reopening after a massacre.
February 2011: Pilot Ordered
In February 2011, FX ordered a pilot for American Horror Story from creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk.
April 2011: Production Begins
Production began on the first season of American Horror Story in April 2011.
July 2011: Series Picked Up
FX officially picked up American Horror Story for a full series in July 2011.
September 2011: "House Call" Campaign and Online Promotion
In September 2011, FX launched the "House Call" campaign, allowing fans to interact with a character from the series. An online experience was also launched, enabling users to explore the Murder House across different decades.
November 2011: American Horror Story Premiere Draws Record Viewership for FX
In November 2011, the premiere of American Horror Story drew record viewership for FX, both domestically and internationally. The strong performance led to the show's expansion into global markets and contributed to its early success.
2011: Murder House Season Premiere
The first season of American Horror Story, "Murder House," premiered in 2011 and followed the Harmon family's move into a haunted mansion.
2011: American Horror Story Premiere and Success
The first season of American Horror Story premiered in 2011 and became the most-viewed new cable series of that year.
2011: American Horror Story: Murder House Premieres to Mixed Reviews
In 2011, the first season of American Horror Story, subtitled Murder House, premiered to mixed reviews. While some critics praised its captivating style and scares, others criticized it for being over-the-top and convoluted.
March 2012: Season 2 Casting
In March 2012, casting details were revealed for the second season of American Horror Story, "Asylum," centered around Jessica Lange's character, Sister Jude.
August 2012: Early Promotion for Asylum
In August 2012, the first promo for American Horror Story: Asylum, "Special Delivery," was released on Facebook, along with over 20 subsequent teasers and four photos.
August 31, 2012: "Meet the Residents" Teasers Released
On August 31, 2012, two teasers titled "Meet the Residents" were released for Asylum, featuring the patients and staff.
November 2012: Anthological Format Praised
In November 2012, FX CEO John Landgraf praised the anthological format of American Horror Story, calling it groundbreaking and trendsetting.
May 2013: Emma Roberts Joins Coven
In May 2013, Emma Roberts joined the cast of American Horror Story: Coven as Madison Montgomery.
July 2013: Denis O'Hare Returns
Denis O'Hare joined the cast of American Horror Story: Coven in July 2013.
November 2013: Jessica Lange's Return and Role Revealed
In November 2013, Ryan Murphy confirmed Jessica Lange's return for the fourth season in a reduced role as freak show owner Elsa Mars. Kathy Bates' return as Ethel Darling was also announced.
2013: AHS Compared to Horror Films
At PaleyFest 2013, Brad Falchuk discussed the unique responsibility to characters in a horror TV series versus a film due to audience affection.
2013: Coven Season Premiere
The third season of American Horror Story, titled "Coven," premiered in 2013 and centered on a coven of witches in New Orleans.
March 29, 2014: American Horror Story: Freak Show Casting Announcements
On March 29, 2014, Ryan Murphy announced the return of several cast members for the fourth season, American Horror Story: Freak Show, including Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Frances Conroy, Emma Roberts, Denis O'Hare, and Angela Bassett. Their respective roles were also revealed.
October 7, 2014: FX Orders Companion Series "American Crime Story"
On October 7, 2014, FX ordered a companion series to American Horror Story, titled American Crime Story, focusing on true crime anthologies.
2014: My Roanoke Nightmare Documentary Begins Production
In 2014, production begins on the documentary series "My Roanoke Nightmare," focusing on the supernatural events experienced by the Miller family in a North Carolina farmhouse.
February 25, 2015: Lady Gaga Joins American Horror Story: Hotel
On February 25, 2015, Lady Gaga was announced as the first main cast member for the fifth season, American Horror Story: Hotel.
June 2015: Denis O'Hare Returns for Hotel
In June 2015, Denis O'Hare's return for the fifth season, American Horror Story: Hotel, was announced.
July 14, 2015: Principal Photography Begins for Hotel
On July 14, 2015, principal photography commenced for American Horror Story: Hotel in Los Angeles, California. A six-story hotel set was constructed on the Fox lot, and a dummy set showcasing the 1920s Art Deco style was displayed at San Diego Comic-Con.
August 2015: American Horror Story: Hotel Character Roles Revealed
In August 2015, Ryan Murphy revealed the character roles for the cast of American Horror Story: Hotel, including Lady Gaga as "The Countess", Cheyenne Jackson as Will Drake, and others.
August 2015: Two Seasons a Year
In August 2015, Ryan Murphy revealed that American Horror Story would begin producing two seasons a year, with different writing teams.
2015: American Horror Story: Hotel
Premiering in 2015, American Horror Story: Hotel revolves around the enigmatic Hotel Cortez in Los Angeles, built as a torture chamber. Detective John Lowe investigates murders linked to the Ten Commandments, encountering the Countess (a vampire) and other mysterious residents. The season explores themes of addiction, loss, and the hotel's dark history.
2015: My Roanoke Nightmare Documentary Airs
The documentary "My Roanoke Nightmare" airs in 2015, recounting Shelby, Matt, and Lee's experiences in the haunted farmhouse. The series becomes a hit, featuring dramatic reenactments of their encounters with ghosts and a witch.
February 2016: American Crime Story Premieres Its First Season
The first season of American Crime Story premiered in February 2016, featuring several American Horror Story cast members.
February 2016: Angela Bassett Returns for Season 6
In February 2016, Angela Bassett confirmed her return for the sixth season of American Horror Story.
May 2016: Denis O'Hare Joins Season 6
Denis O'Hare announced his involvement in the sixth season of American Horror Story in May 2016.
June 2016: Multiple Cast Members Return for Season 6
In June 2016, several actors, including Cheyenne Jackson, Evan Peters, Wes Bentley, and Kathy Bates, announced their return for the sixth season of American Horror Story.
July 6, 2016: Filming Begins for Roanoke
Filming for American Horror Story: Roanoke started on July 6, 2016, in Santa Clarita, California. Set constructions included a colonial settler home, hinting at the theme of the lost Roanoke Colony.
August 2016: Sarah Paulson and Cuba Gooding Jr. Join Season 6
In August 2016, Sarah Paulson confirmed her return, and Cuba Gooding Jr. was announced as a new cast member for the sixth season of American Horror Story.
August 16, 2016: American Horror Story Maze at Halloween Horror Nights
On August 16, 2016, FX announced a partnership with Universal Studios for American Horror Story mazes at Halloween Horror Nights, featuring elements from Murder House, Freak Show, and Hotel.
September 2016: Full Cast for Season 6 Revealed
The full main cast for the sixth season of American Horror Story, including André Holland and Lily Rabe, was revealed in September 2016.
2016: Cult Season
The seventh season of American Horror Story, titled "Cult," aired in 2016 and centered around a cult formed after the U.S. presidential election.
2016: American Horror Story: Cult
Set in 2016, American Horror Story: Cult follows the aftermath of Donald Trump's election in Brookfield Heights, Michigan. Ally Mayfair-Richards struggles with her phobias as alt-righter Kai Anderson rises to power. The season explores political division and features mysterious clown-masked assailants terrorizing Ally.
2016: American Horror Story's Continued Success and Demographic Reach
In 2016, American Horror Story continued its strong performance, with the season five premiere becoming the second most-watched telecast in FX's history. A New York Times study also revealed the show's popularity in cities and parts of the Southwest.
2016: Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell
In 2016, a sequel titled "Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell" brings the Millers and the reenactment actors back to the farmhouse during the blood moon. The production turns disastrous as tensions escalate and the supernatural entities resurface.
June 2017: Planned Filming for Cult
Filming for American Horror Story: Cult was initially slated to begin in Orange, California, in June 2017, though the location and start date were later changed.
October 2017: Sarah Paulson Returns for Season 8
In October 2017, Sarah Paulson announced her return for the eighth season of American Horror Story.
December 2017: Disney's Acquisition of 21st Century Fox Announced
In December 2017, Disney announced its intention to acquire 21st Century Fox, including its film and TV assets.
2017: Paulson and Peters Return, Lourd, Jackson, and Pill Join Season 7
During the 2017 Winter TCA Press Tour, Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters were confirmed to return for season 7. Billie Lourd and Cheyenne Jackson joined the main cast in April and May respectively. Alison Pill joined in June.
2017: American Horror Story: Cult Continues
In 2017, the events of American Horror Story: Cult continue to unfold as Ally's paranoia intensifies and Kai's sinister motives are revealed. The story explores the psychological impact of political events on individuals and communities.
2017: Return to Halloween Horror Nights
In 2017, American Horror Story returned to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios with attractions based on Asylum, Coven, and Roanoke.
January 2018: American Crime Story Season Two Premieres
The second season of American Crime Story premiered in January 2018.
June 16, 2018: Filming Begins for Apocalypse
On June 16, 2018, filming commenced for American Horror Story: Apocalypse across various locations.
December 5, 2018: Witches' Return Announced
On December 5, 2018, Ryan Murphy announced that the witches from "Coven" would return in a future season of American Horror Story.
2018: American Horror Story Named Most In-Demand Horror Show
In 2018, American Horror Story was recognized by Guinness World Records as the most in-demand horror TV show globally, based on data from Parrot Analytics.
February 2019: Emma Roberts and Gus Kenworthy Join Season 9
In February 2019, Emma Roberts' return and Gus Kenworthy's addition to the cast of American Horror Story's ninth season were announced.
March 20, 2019: Disney's Acquisition of 21st Century Fox Finalized
On March 20, 2019, Disney completed its acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
April 9, 2019: American Horror Story: Apocalypse Moved to Drama Category
On April 9, 2019, the Television Academy announced that American Horror Story: Apocalypse would compete in the Drama category instead of Limited Series.
July 11, 2019: Filming Begins for 1984
On July 11, 2019, Ryan Murphy confirmed the start of filming for American Horror Story: 1984.
July 2019: New and Returning Cast Members for Season 9 Announced
In July 2019, several casting announcements were made for the ninth season of American Horror Story, including the addition of Angelica Ross and the return of Cody Fern, Leslie Grossman, and Billie Lourd.
January 9, 2020: AHS Renewed Through Season 13
On January 9, 2020, FX renewed American Horror Story for three more seasons, taking it through season 13.
January 2020: American Horror Story Renewed
In January 2020, FX renewed American Horror Story for three more seasons, taking it through to season 13.
January 2020: Sarah Paulson Returns for Season 10
Sarah Paulson confirmed her return to American Horror Story for its tenth season in January 2020.
March 2020: Initial Filming Plans for Double Feature
Season 10, later titled "Double Feature," was originally scheduled to begin filming in March 2020.
May 11, 2020: Spin-off Series "American Horror Stories" Announced
On May 11, 2020, Ryan Murphy announced the development of a spin-off series, American Horror Stories, featuring self-contained anthological episodes.
June 22, 2020: American Horror Stories Moves to FX on Hulu
On June 22, 2020, it was announced that American Horror Stories would stream on FX on Hulu.
August 4, 2020: Sarah Paulson to Direct American Horror Stories
On August 4, 2020, Sarah Paulson was announced as a director for American Horror Stories.
October 2020: Paranormal Investigation at the Rosenheim Mansion
In October 2020, a virtual paranormal investigation was conducted at the Rosenheim Mansion ("Murder House"), featuring psychic Patti Negri and other experts.
December 2, 2020: Filming Begins for Double Feature
Filming for American Horror Story: Double Feature commenced on December 2, 2020, after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 14, 2021: AHS Bakery Opens in New York
On July 14, 2021, an American Horror Story themed bakery opened in New York City's Meatpacking District to promote the release of American Horror Stories and Double Feature.
July 15, 2021: American Horror Stories Premieres
American Horror Stories premiered on July 15, 2021, with its first season consisting of seven episodes and featuring several American Horror Story alumni.
July 24, 2021: AHS Bakery Closes in New York
The American Horror Story bakery in New York City closed on July 24, 2021.
August 4, 2021: AHS Bakery Opens in Los Angeles
The American Horror Story bakery opened in Los Angeles on August 4, 2021.
August 14, 2021: AHS Bakery Closes in Los Angeles
The American Horror Story bakery in Los Angeles closed on August 14, 2021.
September 1, 2021: AHS Bakery Opens in Provincetown
The American Horror Story bakery opened in Provincetown, Massachusetts, on September 1, 2021.
September 4, 2021: AHS Bakery Closes in Provincetown
The American Horror Story bakery in Provincetown, Massachusetts, closed on September 4, 2021.
September 2021: American Crime Story: Impeachment Airs
The third season of American Crime Story, titled Impeachment and focusing on the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, aired in September 2021.
September 27, 2021: Filming Wraps for Double Feature
Production on American Horror Story: Double Feature concluded on September 27, 2021.
July 21, 2022: American Horror Stories Season Two Premieres
The second season of American Horror Stories, comprising eight episodes, premiered on July 21, 2022.
August 2022: Sarah Paulson Expresses Doubt About Future Seasons
In August 2022, Sarah Paulson revealed her uncertainty about returning for future seasons of American Horror Story.
April 6, 2023: Matt Czuchry Joins Season 12
Matt Czuchry joined the cast of American Horror Story's twelfth season on April 6, 2023.
April 10, 2023: Kim Kardashian and Emma Roberts to Lead Season 12
On April 10, 2023, it was announced that Kim Kardashian and Emma Roberts would lead the twelfth season of American Horror Story.
April 2023: American Horror Stories Renewed for Third Season
In April 2023, American Horror Stories was renewed for a third season.
April 24, 2023: Cara Delevingne Joins Season 12
Cara Delevingne joined the cast of American Horror Story's twelfth season on April 24, 2023.
April 28, 2023: Annabelle Dexter-Jones and MJ Rodriguez Join Season 12
Annabelle Dexter-Jones and MJ Rodriguez joined the cast of American Horror Story's twelfth season on April 28, 2023.
May 4, 2023: Filming Disruptions for Season 12
Filming for American Horror Story season 12 began on April 24, 2023, but experienced disruptions due to the WGA writers' strike. Initially halted on May 4, 2023, production briefly resumed using a back entrance before being shut down again on May 10, 2023, due to the strike.
May 10, 2023: Production Halted for Season 12
On May 10, 2023, production on American Horror Story season 12 was officially stopped due to the ongoing WGA writers' strike.
October 26, 2023: American Horror Stories Season 3 Premieres
On October 26, 2023 the third season of American Horror Story premiered
2023: American Horror Story Maintains Top Spot as Most In-Demand Horror Show
American Horror Story continued its reign as the most in-demand horror TV show globally in 2023 according to Guinness World Records.
October 2024: Paulson and Peters in Talks for Season 13
In October 2024, Ryan Murphy revealed that Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters were in discussions to return for season 13 of American Horror Story.