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, featuring different characters and settings within the same fictional universe, with storylines that have a clear beginning, middle, and end. The series often draws inspiration from true events to enhance its plots. As an anthology, the show offers diverse horror themes each season, contributing to its broad appeal.
1908: Rosenheim Mansion Built
In 1908, the Tudor or Collegiate Gothic-style Rosenheim Mansion was designed and built by Alfred Rosenheim, serving as the haunted house and crime scene in the series. The single family home was previously used as a convent.
1952: Freak Show Setting
In 1952, the fourth season of American Horror Story, Freak Show, is set. The season follows a struggling freak show in Jupiter, Florida, led by Elsa Mars, as they face societal prejudices and dark entities. The season explores themes of identity, acceptance, and exploitation.
1964: Asylum Setting
In 1964, the second season of American Horror Story, Asylum, is set. The season follows the patients and staff members of Briarcliff Manor, a mental asylum in Massachusetts, focusing on themes of sanity, religion, and societal oppression.
1981: Murders target the gay community in New York City.
In 1981, New York City is plagued by a series of murders targeting the gay community, prompting detective Patrick Read and reporter Gino Barelli to investigate, while Adam Carpenter searches for a missing friend, and Dr. Hannah Wells investigates a new disease outbreak.
1984: Camp Redwood counselors face Mr. Jingles.
In 1984, Brooke Thompson and other counselors arrive at Camp Redwood, a newly reopened summer camp, only to face the threat of escaped murderer Benjamin Richter, also known as Mr. Jingles, who has a violent history at the camp.
1984: 1984 Season
In 1984, the ninth season took place, centering around the reopening of a summer camp after a massacre. The season draws inspiration from classic slasher films and features elements of suspense, horror, and mystery.
February 2011: FX orders pilot for American Horror Story.
In February 2011, FX officially announced that it had ordered a pilot for a possible series from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, with both writing and Murphy directing, and Dante Di Loreto as executive producer.
April 2011: Production begins on American Horror Story.
In April 2011, production on the American Horror Story series began.
July 2011: FX picks up American Horror Story as a full series.
In July 2011, FX officially announced the project had been picked up to become a full series named American Horror Story.
July 2011: First Season Production Begins
On 27 July 2011, production and shooting for the first season of American Horror Story began in Los Angeles. The pilot episode was shot on location at the Rosenheim Mansion.
September 2011: FX Launches Website for American Horror Story
In September 2011, FX launched a website which allows visitors to tour the Murder House throughout the decades and look for clues.
2011: Harmon Family Move
In 2011, the Harmon family, consisting of Vivien, Ben, and Violet, moved from Boston to Los Angeles. They sought a fresh start after Vivien's miscarriage and Ben's affair, which had strained their relationship.
2011: Most-Viewed Cable Series
In 2011, the first season of American Horror Story became the most-viewed new cable series, marking a significant success for the FX network. The series gained popularity and critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and ensemble cast.
March 2012: Murphy reveals the second season had been planned around Jessica Lange.
In March 2012, Ryan Murphy revealed that the second season of American Horror Story had been planned around Jessica Lange, who portrays Sister Jude, with Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Lily Rabe and Zachary Quinto also returning to join the main cast.
July 2012: Production Begins for Season Two
In late July 2012, production and shooting for the second season of American Horror Story began for a scheduled premiere in mid October. The exteriors were filmed in Hidden Valley, California.
August 2012: First Promo Released for Season Two
In August 2012, the first promo for the second season of American Horror Story was released on the American Horror Story Facebook page entitled "Special Delivery", featuring a nun carrying buckets filled with body parts. Over 20 subsequent teasers were released.
August 31, 2012: Televised Teasers Released
Two televised teasers, titled "Meet the Residents", were released on August 31, 2012, featuring patients and staff dealing with individual issues as the heads of the asylum look on, while the song "Que Sera, Sera" plays.
November 2012: FX describes unique format of the series.
In November 2012, FX chief executive John Landgraf described the unique format of American Horror Story, stating that the notion of doing an anthological series of miniseries with a repertory cast has proven groundbreaking.
May 2013: Emma Roberts added to the cast of American Horror Story: Coven.
In May 2013, Emma Roberts was added to the cast of the third season of American Horror Story, titled 'Coven'. Roberts played Madison Montgomery, a "self-involved party girl".
July 2013: Denis O'Hare joins the cast of American Horror Story: Coven.
In July 2013, season one alum Denis O'Hare joined the cast of the third season of American Horror Story, known as 'Coven' in an unknown role, later revealed as Spalding.
July 23, 2013: Principal Photography Begins for Season Three
On July 23, 2013, principal photography for the third season of American Horror Story began in New Orleans, Louisiana, which primarily served as the filming location.
November 2013: Jessica Lange returns for fourth season in a reduced capacity.
In November 2013, Ryan Murphy confirmed that Jessica Lange would be returning for the fourth season of American Horror Story, although in a reduced capacity. She would be playing freak show owner Elsa Mars.
2013: Falchuk compares series to horror films at PaleyFest.
At the 2013 PaleyFest, Brad Falchuk compared American Horror Story to horror films, noting that the audience develops a different affection for the characters in a TV show, requiring a different responsibility to them compared to movies.
2013: Coven Setting
In 2013, the third season of American Horror Story, Coven, is set. The season focuses on a coven of witches and their struggle to survive in the modern world, addressing themes of power, identity, and female empowerment.
March 29, 2014: Returning cast members for fourth season confirmed.
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 Season Four
On July 15, 2014, principal photography for the fourth season of American Horror Story began in New Orleans, even though the story takes place in Jupiter, Florida.
October 7, 2014: American Crime Story ordered
On October 7, 2014, FX ordered a 10-episode companion series titled American Crime Story, developed by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski.
2014: Beginning of Roanoke Story
From 2014, the sixth season Roanoke of American Horror Story started, it follows the supernatural events in a renovated farmhouse in North Carolina, focusing on the retelling of the Miller's harrowing experience with ghosts and the Roanoke Colony. The season also includes the production of the documentary series "My Roanoke Nightmare".
June 2015: Denis O'Hare to return for American Horror Story: Hotel.
In June 2015, it was announced that Denis O'Hare would also return for the fifth season of American Horror Story, titled 'Hotel'.
July 14, 2015: Principal Photography Begins for Season Five
On July 14, 2015, principal photography for the fifth season of American Horror Story began in Los Angeles, California, where the story also takes place. A six-story hotel set was being built on the Fox lot.
August 2015: Character roles for American Horror Story: Hotel announced.
In August 2015, Ryan Murphy announced the character roles for the cast of American Horror Story: Hotel: Gaga as Elizabeth Johnson, Jackson as Will Drake, O'Hare as Liz Taylor, Sevigny as Alex Lowe, Bomer as Donovan, Bassett as Ramona Royale, Paulson as Sally and Peters as James Patrick March.
August 2015: Murphy reveals the show is producing two seasons a year.
In an August 2015 article for Entertainment Weekly, Ryan Murphy revealed that American Horror Story is producing two seasons a year, with different writers rooms crafting very different storylines, one more rogue and dark compared to Hotel.
2015: Billie Lourd's Breakout Appearance
Billie Lourd, who made her breakout appearance with Ryan Murphy in 2015, was confirmed to join the main cast in April.
2015: My Roanoke Nightmare Documentary
In 2015, Shelby Miller, Matt Miller, and Lee Harris recount their experience living in a farmhouse in North Carolina in the documentary series "My Roanoke Nightmare". The series details their encounters with vengeful ghosts, the cannibalistic Polk family, and the witch Scathach.
2015: Hotel Setting
In 2015, the fifth season of American Horror Story, Hotel, is set. The season focuses on the strange and dangerous happenings surrounding the Hotel Cortez in downtown Los Angeles. Themes of addiction, desire, and the consequences of one's actions are explored.
February 2016: Angela Bassett Confirmed Return
In February 2016, Angela Bassett confirmed that she would be returning to join the main cast of the sixth season in an interview with Larry King.
May 2016: Denis O'Hare Announced Appearance
In May 2016, Denis O'Hare announced that he would also appear in the sixth season during an interview.
June 2016: Cast Member Return Announcements
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 Sixth Season
On July 6, 2016, filming for the sixth season of American Horror Story began at Santa Clarita, California. Set constructions included a colonial settler home to speculate the disappearance of the Roanoke Colony.
August 2016: Sarah Paulson and Cuba Gooding Jr. Join Cast
In August 2016, Sarah Paulson announced she would return for the sixth season and Ryan Murphy announced that Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. had joined the main cast of American Horror Story.
August 16, 2016: American Horror Story Maze at Universal Studios
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. The maze featured 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 with the inclusion of André Holland and returning series veteran Lily Rabe.
2016: Donald Trump's Election Divides Brookfield Heights
In 2016, the election of Donald Trump as president deeply divides the fictional town of Brookfield Heights, Michigan, causing distress for local restaurant owner Ally Mayfair-Richards and sparking political aspirations for Kai Anderson.
2016: Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell
In 2016, the sequel to the documentary series, titled "Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell", was produced. This sequel brings the Millers and the reenactment actors back to the farmhouse for three days during the blood moon, captured by hidden cameras.
2016: Cult Season
In 2016, the seventh season was set, focusing on a cult's activities following the U.S. presidential election. The season explores themes of fear, manipulation, and the impact of political events on society.
June 2017: Filming Planned for Season Seven
Filming for the seventh season of American Horror Story was originally planned to begin in Orange, California, in June 2017 before it was moved to May instead.
October 2017: Sarah Paulson to Return for Eighth Cycle
In October 2017, Sarah Paulson announced that she would return for the series' eighth cycle.
December 2017: The Walt Disney Company announced to purchase 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 Mayfair-Richards faces phobias and masked assailants.
In 2017, Ally Mayfair-Richards, grappling with the aftermath of the 2016 election, experiences intensified phobias and paranoia, further complicated by encounters with masked assailants, leading to doubts about her sanity among those around her.
2017: Paulson and Peters Return for Seventh Season
In 2017, during the Winter TCA Press Tour, it was announced that Paulson and Peters would return to the series for the seventh season.
2017: Return as Haunted Attractions
In 2017, the show returned as haunted attractions to both parks, with Universal Orlando having an attraction based on Asylum, Coven, and Roanoke, and Universal Studios Hollywood basing their attraction solely on Roanoke.
June 16, 2018: Filming for Eighth Season Begins
On June 16, 2018, filming for the eighth season of American Horror Story began. It was filmed in multiple locations.
December 5, 2018: Witches from Coven to return in future season.
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 recognized by Guinness World Records as the most in-demand horror TV show, based on global TV demand data.
February 2019: Emma Roberts and Gus Kenworthy Join Season Nine
In February 2019, Ryan Murphy revealed via his Instagram that Emma Roberts would return to the show for its ninth season along with new cast member, Gus Kenworthy.
March 20, 2019: 20th Century Fox Officially Part of Disney
On March 20, 2019, The Walt Disney Company's purchase of 21st Century Fox was completely finalized, making 20th Century Fox officially part of The Walt Disney Studios.
July 11, 2019: Filming Begins for Season Nine
On July 11, 2019, Ryan Murphy confirmed that the ninth season of American Horror Story had begun filming.
July 2019: Angelica Ross Added to Season Nine Cast
In July 2019, Ryan Murphy announced via his Instagram, the addition of Pose cast member, Angelica Ross, to the cast of the ninth season.
January 9, 2020: American Horror Story is renewed through season 13.
On January 9, 2020, the American Horror Story series was renewed through season 13.
January 2020: FX Series Renewal
In January 2020, FX officially announced that American Horror Story had been renewed, guaranteeing the production and release of seasons extending up to the thirteenth installment.
January 2020: Paulson Confirms Return to American Horror Story
In January 2020, Sarah Paulson confirmed that she would return to the show for its tenth installment in a lead role, following her absence in 1984.
March 2020: Season 10 Filming Delayed
Season 10 of American Horror Story was originally supposed to film in March 2020, but was delayed to the Fall due to COVID-19.
May 11, 2020: Spin-off series announced
On May 11, 2020, it was announced that a spin-off series named American Horror Stories was being developed. The spin-off would feature self-contained anthological episodes.
June 22, 2020: American Horror Stories streaming platform announced
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, it was announced that Sarah Paulson was set to be a director on the American Horror Stories series.
October 2020: Virtual Paranormal Investigation at Murder House
In October 2020, the owners of the historic Alfred Rosenheim Mansion "The Murder House" hosted a virtual paranormal investigation featuring Hollywood psychic Patti Negri, exorcist Bishop James Long, Michelle Belanger, and other notable guests. A production crew set up 15 cameras throughout the home.
December 2, 2020: Filming Begins for Season 10
On December 2, 2020, Lily Rabe confirmed that filming for season 10 of American Horror Story had begun.
July 14, 2021: American Horror Story Themed Bakery Opens in NYC
On July 14, 2021, an American Horror Story themed bakery opened in New York's Meatpacking District in Manhattan until July 24, 2021, to celebrate the release of spin-off American Horror Stories and the tenth season titled Double Feature.
July 24, 2021: American Horror Story Themed Bakery Closes in NYC
On July 24, 2021, the American Horror Story themed bakery closed in New York's Meatpacking District in Manhattan.
August 4, 2021: American Horror Story Themed Bakery Opens in Los Angeles
On August 4, 2021, the American Horror Story themed bakery opened in Los Angeles from until August 14, 2021, in Beverly Grove.
August 14, 2021: American Horror Story Themed Bakery Closes in Los Angeles
On August 14, 2021, the American Horror Story themed bakery closed in Los Angeles from Beverly Grove.
September 1, 2021: American Horror Story Themed Bakery Opens in Provincetown
On September 1, 2021, the American Horror Story themed bakery opened in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where the first part of the tenth season were filmed, at Pat's Happy Park until September 4, 2021.
September 4, 2021: American Horror Story Themed Bakery Closes in Provincetown
On September 4, 2021, the American Horror Story themed bakery closed in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
September 27, 2021: Filming Wraps for Season 10
Filming for season 10 of American Horror Story, which began December 2, 2020, wrapped on September 27, 2021.
August 2022: Paulson Doubts Future Return
In August 2022, Sarah Paulson revealed that she doubts that she will return for any future seasons.
April 6, 2023: Matt Czuchry Joins Cast
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
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 of American Horror Stories greenlit
In April 2023, a third season of American Horror Stories was greenlit and set to premiere on October 26, 2023.
April 24, 2023: Cara Delevingne Joins 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 Cast
On April 28, 2023, it was reported that Annabelle Dexter-Jones and MJ Rodriguez has joined the cast of the season.
May 4, 2023: Filming Shut Down and Resumed for Season 12
On May 4, 2023, it was reported that filming for the twelfth season of American Horror Story has shut down due to the WGA writers strike. On the same day, it was reported that production resumed and that the cast and crew were using a back entrance to enter the studio and avoid crossing the picket line.
May 10, 2023: Production Halted for Season 12
On May 10, 2023, it was announced that the production of season 12 of American Horror Story was halted due to the strike.
October 26, 2023: Premiere of third season of American Horror Stories
The third season of American Horror Stories is set to premiere on October 26, 2023.
October 2024: Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters in talks to return for season 13.
In October 2024, Ryan Murphy announced that Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters were in talks to return for the thirteenth season of American Horror Story.
June 2025: Sarah Paulson confirmed to return for season 13.
In June 2025, Ryan Murphy confirmed Sarah Paulson's return for season 13 through an Instagram post.
October 2025: Cast Confirmed for Thirteenth Season
In October 2025, Paulson, Peters, Bassett, Bates, Roberts, Lourd, Grossman, and Lange were all confirmed to return for the thirteenth season alongside Gabourey Sidibe, who previously guest-starred in multiple seasons, with Ariana Grande also joining the cast.
October 31, 2025: Main cast confirmed for season 13.
On October 31, 2025, the main cast for the thirteenth season of American Horror Story was confirmed, including Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Leslie Grossman, Jessica Lange, Gabourey Sidibe, and Ariana Grande.
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