History of American Horror Story in Timeline
American Horror Story is a horror anthology series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. Each season functions as a self-contained miniseries with a new setting, characters, and storyline, often loosely based on true events. Despite being independent, the seasons exist within the same fictional universe. The show is known for its diverse cast, exploring various horror subgenres and themes through different historical periods and locations.
1964: American Horror Story: Asylum is set in 1964 at the Briarcliff Manor.
In 1964, the events of 'American Horror Story: Asylum' take place at Briarcliff Manor, a mental asylum owned by the church in Massachusetts, focusing on the patients and staff dealing with supernatural and scientific influences.
1981: Murders Target Gay Community in New York City
In 1981, a series of murders targeting the gay community occurs in New York City, leading to investigations by detective Patrick Read and reporter Gino Barelli. Adam Carpenter searches for a missing friend, and Dr. Hannah Wells investigates a new disease spreading from Fire Island.
1984: Counselors Arrive at Camp Redwood
In 1984, Brooke Thompson and other counselors travel to Camp Redwood to work for the summer. They encounter the camp's owner, Margaret Booth, and learn about its violent history. News breaks that Mr. Jingles has escaped from an asylum and is heading to the camp.
1984: American Horror Story: 1984 centers around a reopening of a summer camp after a massacre.
In 1984, the American Horror Story season titled '1984' revolves around the reopening of a summer camp after a prior massacre had occurred.
February 2011: FX Orders Pilot
In February 2011, FX officially announced that it had ordered a pilot for a possible series from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk.
April 2011: Production Begins
In April 2011, production on the series began.
July 2011: Series Picked Up
In July 2011, FX officially announced the project had been picked up to become a full series.
July 2011: Production begins for the first season
In July 2011, production and shooting for the first season of American Horror Story began at the Rosenheim Mansion in Los Angeles.
September 2011: FX launches website to tour the Murder House
In September 2011, FX launched a website which allows visitors to tour the Murder House throughout the decades and look for clues.
November 2011: Series premiere in Europe and Latin America
In November 2011, the series premiere of American Horror Story aired across Europe and Latin America on Fox International Channels, ranking as the first or second most-watched telecast in its timeslot among all paid television in most metered markets.
2011: Season 1, Murder House, receives generally positive reviews
In 2011, American Horror Story: Murder House received generally positive reviews from critics, with a 72% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 62 on Metacritic.
2011: The Harmon family moves into a haunted mansion in American Horror Story: Murder House.
In 2011, the Harmon family, consisting of Vivien, Ben, and Violet, moves from Boston to Los Angeles into a restored mansion in 'American Horror Story: Murder House', unaware that the home is haunted by the ghosts of its past residents.
2011: American Horror Story's first season is most-viewed new cable series.
In 2011, the inaugural season of American Horror Story achieved the distinction of being the most-viewed new cable series of the year.
March 2012: Second Season Planned Around Jessica Lange
In March 2012, Ryan Murphy revealed that the second season of American Horror Story had been planned around Jessica Lange. Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Lily Rabe and Zachary Quinto also return to join the main cast.
July 2012: Production begins for the second season
In late July 2012, production and shooting for the second season began for a scheduled premiere in mid October. The exteriors were filmed in Hidden Valley, Ventura County, California.
August 2012: First promo for season two released
In August 2012, the first promo for the second season was released on the American Horror Story Facebook page entitled "Special Delivery", featuring a nun carrying body parts.
August 31, 2012: Televised teasers released for second season
On August 31, 2012, two televised teasers, titled "Meet the Residents", were released for the second season, featuring patients and staff dealing with their issues in the asylum.
November 2012: FX Chief Describes Unique Format
In November 2012, FX chief executive, John Landgraf, described the unique format of the series, calling it a groundbreaking anthological series of miniseries with a repertory cast.
May 2013: Emma Roberts Added to Cast
In May 2013, Emma Roberts was added to the cast of the third season of American Horror Story, playing Madison Montgomery.
July 2013: Denis O'Hare Joins the Cast
In July 2013, Denis O'Hare joined the cast of the third season of American Horror Story in an unknown role, later revealed as Spalding.
July 23, 2013: Principal photography begins for the third season
On July 23, 2013, principal photography for the third season began in New Orleans, Louisiana.
November 2013: Jessica Lange Returns for Fourth Season
In November 2013, Ryan Murphy confirmed that Jessica Lange would be returning for a fourth season of American Horror Story, although in a reduced capacity.
2013: Falchuk Compares Series to Horror Films at PaleyFest
In 2013, at PaleyFest, Brad Falchuk compared the American Horror Story series to horror films, emphasizing the audience's affection for the characters and the need for compassion.
2013: American Horror Story: Coven is set in 2013 following Salem witch descendants.
In 2013, the events of 'American Horror Story: Coven' unfold, following the descendants of the Salem witches as they struggle to survive in the modern world and protect themselves from violent attacks.
March 29, 2014: Returning Cast Members Announced
On March 29, 2014, Ryan Murphy announced that Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Frances Conroy, Emma Roberts, Denis O'Hare, and Angela Bassett would all return for the fourth season of American Horror Story.
July 15, 2014: Principal photography begins for the fourth season
On July 15, 2014, principal photography for the fourth season began in New Orleans, though the story takes place in Jupiter, Florida.
October 7, 2014: FX orders American Crime Story
On October 7, 2014, FX ordered a 10-episode companion series titled American Crime Story, developed by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski.
2014: American Horror Story: Roanoke is set from 2014 to 2016.
From 2014 to 2016, the events of 'American Horror Story: Roanoke' occur involving the supernatural events in a renovated farmhouse in North Carolina, recounted in the documentary 'My Roanoke Nightmare'.
February 25, 2015: Lady Gaga Joins Cast
On February 25, 2015, Lady Gaga was announced as the first and newest main cast member for the fifth cycle of American Horror Story.
June 2015: Denis O'Hare Returns
In June 2015, it was announced that Denis O'Hare would also return for the fifth season of American Horror Story.
July 14, 2015: Principal photography begins for the fifth season
On July 14, 2015, principal photography for the fifth season began in Los Angeles, California. A six-story hotel set was being built on the Fox lot.
August 2015: Character Roles Announced
In August 2015, Ryan Murphy announced the character roles for the cast including Lady Gaga as Elizabeth Johnson, Cheyenne Jackson as Will Drake, and Denis O'Hare as Liz Taylor for the fifth season of American Horror Story.
August 2015: Murphy Reveals Two Seasons a Year
In August 2015, Ryan Murphy revealed that the show is producing two seasons a year, with different writers rooms, one broadcast late in the year and the other early in the next year. The next season will be very different than Hotel.
2015: Billie Lourd's breakout appearance with Ryan Murphy
In 2015, Billie Lourd had her breakout appearance working with Ryan Murphy.
2015: Shelby and Matt recount their harrowing experience in My Roanoke Nightmare.
In 2015, Shelby and Matt recounted their harrowing experience living in a farmhouse in North Carolina, which was situated on the land where the Roanoke Colony moved after their infamous 1580s disappearance, in a popular documentary series titled 'My Roanoke Nightmare'.
2015: American Horror Story: Hotel is set in 2015 following strange happenings around Hotel Cortez.
In 2015, the events of 'American Horror Story: Hotel' take place around the retro Hotel Cortez in Los Angeles, California, where Detective John Lowe investigates a series of grisly murders that exemplify the Ten Commandments.
February 2016: Angela Bassett Confirms Return
In February 2016, Angela Bassett confirmed she would return to join the main cast of the sixth season of American Horror Story during an interview with Larry King.
February 2016: Premiere of American Crime Story Season 1
In February 2016, the first season of American Crime Story premiered.
May 2016: Denis O'Hare Announces Appearance
In May 2016, Denis O'Hare announced that he would also appear in the sixth season of American Horror Story in an interview.
June 2016: Jackson, Peters, Bentley, and Bates Return
In June 2016, Cheyenne Jackson, Evan Peters, Wes Bentley, and Kathy Bates announced their returns for the sixth season of American Horror Story.
July 6, 2016: Filming begins for the sixth season
On July 6, 2016, filming for the sixth season began at Santa Clarita, California, with set constructions including a colonial settler home.
August 2016: Paulson Returns and Gooding Jr. Joins Cast
In August 2016, Sarah Paulson announced that she would return to the series in the sixth season and Ryan Murphy announced that Cuba Gooding Jr. had joined the main cast of American Horror Story.
August 16, 2016: American Horror Story maze announced for Halloween Horror Nights
On August 16, 2016, FX announced a deal to feature an American Horror Story maze at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando for their Halloween Horror Nights events, featuring sets and themes from Murder House, Freak Show, and Hotel.
September 2016: Full Main Cast Announced
In September 2016, the full main cast was announced after the first episode of the sixth season of American Horror Story with the inclusion of André Holland and returning series veteran Lily Rabe.
2016: Popularity in Cities and Southwest
In 2016, a New York Times study analyzing the 50 TV shows with the most Facebook Likes revealed that American Horror Story was more popular in cities and throughout parts of the Southwest.
2016: Brookfield Heights Divided After Trump's Election
In 2016, after Donald Trump's election, the town of Brookfield Heights, Michigan, is deeply divided. Restaurant owner Ally Mayfair-Richards is distraught, while Kai Anderson sees the election as an opportunity to pursue political power.
2016: American Horror Story: Cult centers on a cult after the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
In 2016, the American Horror Story season 'Cult' centers around the emergence of a cult in the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election that year.
2016: The success of My Roanoke Nightmare leads to Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell.
In 2016, the success of the documentary 'My Roanoke Nightmare' led to a sequel titled 'Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell', inviting the Millers and reenactment actors back to the farmhouse, resulting in a chaotic and tragic disaster.
June 2017: Filming plans for season seven
In June 2017, filming for the seventh season was originally planned to begin in Orange, California, before it was moved to May instead.
October 2017: Sarah Paulson announces return for the eighth season
In October 2017, Sarah Paulson announced her return for the eighth season of American Horror Story.
December 2017: The Walt Disney Company announces purchase of 21st Century Fox
In December 2017, The Walt Disney Company announced it would purchase 21st Century Fox which included the 20th Century Fox film and TV assets.
2017: Ally's Phobias Re-emerge
In 2017, Ally's repressed phobias begin to resurface, affecting her relationships. She is terrorized by masked assailants, causing those around her to question her sanity. New neighbors move in, and a news reporter covers the strange incidents in Brookfield Heights.
2017: Paulson and Peters return for the seventh season
In 2017, during the Winter TCA Press Tour, it was announced that Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters would return for the seventh season. Additionally, Billie Lourd was confirmed to join the main cast in April, with Jackson following in May. Alison Pill was announced to co-star in June.
January 2018: Premiere of American Crime Story Season 2
In January 2018, the second season of American Crime Story premiered.
June 16, 2018: Filming begins for the eighth season
On June 16, 2018, filming for the eighth season began in multiple locations.
December 5, 2018: Witches from Coven to Return
On December 5, 2018, Ryan Murphy announced that the witches from Coven will return in a future season of American Horror Story.
2018: Most In-Demand Horror TV Show
In 2018, American Horror Story was named the most in-demand horror TV show by Guinness World Records, based on global TV demand data from Parrot Analytics.
February 2019: Emma Roberts and Gus Kenworthy join Season 9
In February 2019, Ryan Murphy announced via Instagram that Emma Roberts would return for the show's ninth season along with new cast member, Gus Kenworthy.
March 20, 2019: 20th Century Fox becomes part of The Walt Disney Studios
On March 20, 2019, The Walt Disney Company finalized its purchase of 21st Century Fox, including the 20th Century Fox film and TV assets, making it officially part of The Walt Disney Studios.
April 9, 2019: Apocalypse moved to Drama category
On April 9, 2019, the Television Academy announced that American Horror Story: Apocalypse would be moved to the Drama category instead of qualifying for the Limited Series categories.
July 11, 2019: Filming for season nine begins
On July 11, 2019, Ryan Murphy confirmed that the ninth season had begun filming.
July 2019: Angelica Ross joins the cast for Season 9
In July 2019, Ryan Murphy announced via his Instagram the addition of Angelica Ross to the cast of the ninth season. Later that month, other cast members were confirmed.
January 9, 2020: Series Renewed Through Season 13
On January 9, 2020, the American Horror Story series was renewed through season 13.
January 2020: FX renews American Horror Story through season 13
In January 2020, FX officially renewed the American Horror Story series, guaranteeing its continuation through to a thirteenth season.
January 2020: Sarah Paulson confirms return for Season 10
In January 2020, Sarah Paulson confirmed her return in a lead role for the show's tenth installment.
May 11, 2020: Spin-off Series American Horror Stories announced
On May 11, 2020, Murphy revealed that a spin-off series named American Horror Stories was being developed.
June 22, 2020: American Horror Stories to stream on FX on Hulu
On June 22, 2020, it was announced that American Horror Stories would stream on FX on Hulu instead of airing on FX.
August 4, 2020: Sarah Paulson to direct American Horror Stories
On August 4, 2020, it was announced that Sarah Paulson was set to be a director on the series American Horror Stories.
October 2020: Virtual paranormal investigation hosted at Murder House
In October 2020, the owners of the historic Alfred Rosenheim Mansion "The Murder House" hosted a virtual paranormal investigation with a production crew, psychics, and other guests.
December 2, 2020: Filming for Season 10 begins
On December 2, 2020, Lily Rabe confirmed that filming had begun for the tenth season of American Horror Story.
July 14, 2021: American Horror Story themed bakery opens in New York
On July 14, 2021, an American Horror Story themed bakery opened in New York's Meatpacking District to celebrate the release of spin-off American Horror Stories and the tenth season titled Double Feature. It featured themed treats and characters.
July 15, 2021: Premiere of American Horror Stories Season 1
American Horror Stories premiered on July 15, 2021, and its first season consisted of seven episodes.
July 24, 2021: Closing date of the New York American Horror Story themed bakery
On July 24, 2021, the American Horror Story themed bakery in New York's Meatpacking District closed.
August 4, 2021: American Horror Story themed bakery opens in Los Angeles
On August 4, 2021, an American Horror Story themed bakery opened in Los Angeles from August 4, 2021, until August 14, 2021, in Beverly Grove. The bakery featured themed treats and characters.
August 14, 2021: Closing date of the Los Angeles American Horror Story themed bakery
On August 14, 2021, the American Horror Story themed bakery in Los Angeles closed.
September 1, 2021: American Horror Story themed bakery opens in Provincetown
On September 1, 2021, an American Horror Story themed bakery opened in Provincetown, Massachusetts, at Pat's Happy Park. The bakery featured themed treats and characters.
September 4, 2021: Closing date of the Provincetown American Horror Story themed bakery
On September 4, 2021, the American Horror Story themed bakery in Provincetown, Massachusetts, closed.
September 2021: Premiere of American Crime Story: Impeachment
In September 2021, the third season of American Crime Story, titled Impeachment, which focused on the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal, aired.
September 27, 2021: Filming wrapped for Season 10
Filming for Season 10, which began December 2, 2020, wrapped on September 27, 2021.
July 21, 2022: Premiere of American Horror Stories Season 2
On July 21, 2022, the second season of American Horror Stories, consisting of eight episodes, premiered.
August 2022: Paulson doubts her return for future seasons
In August 2022, Sarah Paulson expressed doubts about returning for future seasons of American Horror Story.
April 6, 2023: Matt Czuchry joins the cast of the twelfth season
On April 6, 2023, it was reported that Matt Czuchry has joined the cast of the twelfth season after the cancellation of "The Resident".
April 10, 2023: Kim Kardashian to lead season 12 alongside Emma Roberts
On April 10, 2023, Ryan Murphy confirmed in an interview that Kim Kardashian would lead the twelfth season alongside Emma Roberts.
April 2023: Third season greenlit
In April 2023, a third season of American Horror Stories was greenlit.
April 24, 2023: Cara Delevingne joins the cast of Season 12
On April 24, 2023, it was reported that Cara Delevingne has joined the cast of the twelfth season after being spotted filming scenes with Emma Roberts.
April 28, 2023: Annabelle Dexter-Jones and MJ Rodriguez join season 12
On April 28, 2023, it was reported that Annabelle Dexter-Jones and MJ Rodriguez have joined the cast of the season.
May 4, 2023: Filming shuts down and resumes for Season 12 due to WGA strike
On May 4, 2023, it was reported that filming for the twelfth season was shut down due to the WGA writers strike but production resumed using a back entrance.
May 10, 2023: Production of season 12 halted due to the strike
On May 10, 2023, it was announced that the production of season 12 was halted due to the WGA writers strike.
October 26, 2023: Premiere of American Horror Stories Season 3
The third season of American Horror Stories is set to premiere on October 26, 2023.
2023: Most In-Demand Horror TV Show Awarded Again
In 2023, American Horror Story was honored again as the most in-demand horror TV show.
October 2024: Paulson and Peters in Talks to Return
In October 2024, Ryan Murphy announced that Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters are in talks to return for season 13 of American Horror Story.
February 2025: Jessica Lange Confirms She Will Not Be Involved
In February 2025, original cast member Jessica Lange confirmed that she will not be involved with the 13th season of American Horror Story.
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