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, but existing within the same fictional universe. Storylines often draw inspiration from true events, exploring a variety of horror subgenres. The series is known for its ensemble cast, shocking imagery, and exploration of societal anxieties through a horror lens.

1981: Murders in New York City's Gay Community

In 1981, New York City sees a series of murders targeting the gay community. Detective Patrick Read and reporter Gino Barelli investigate, joined by Adam Carpenter. Dr. Hannah Wells investigates a new disease, and Kathy Pizzaz deals with declining audiences.

1984: Camp Redwood's Reopening and Benjamin Richter's Escape

In 1984, Brooke Thompson and others travel to Camp Redwood to work as counselors. The camp's owner, Margaret Booth, has a history with the camp. News breaks that murderer Benjamin Richter, Mr. Jingles, has escaped and is heading to the camp.

1984: Season 9 is set around a summer camp reopening after a massacre

The ninth season, titled 1984, revolves around the reopening of a summer camp following a prior massacre event that occurred in 1984.

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. Dante Di Loreto was announced as executive producer.

April 2011: Production on American Horror Story Begins

In April 2011, production on the series American Horror Story began, following the pilot order from FX.

July 2011: FX Picks Up American Horror Story to Full Series

In July 2011, FX officially announced that the project American Horror Story had been picked up to become a full series, following production of the pilot.

July 2011: Production Begins for First Season

In July 2011, production and shooting for the first season of American Horror Story began. The pilot episode was shot on location at the Rosenheim Mansion in Country Club Park, Los Angeles, California.

September 2011: FX Launches Murder House Website

In September 2011, FX launched a website which allows visitors to tour the Murder House throughout the decades and look for clues.

2011: First season is the most viewed new cable series

In 2011, American Horror Story's first season achieved the distinction of being the most-viewed new cable series on the FX network.

2011: The Harmon Family moves into the Murder House in 2011

In 2011, the Harmon family, consisting of Vivien, Ben, and Violet, relocated from Boston to Los Angeles seeking a fresh start following a miscarriage. They move into a restored mansion haunted by the ghosts of those who died on the property.

2011: Positive Reviews for American Horror Story: Murder House

In 2011, the first season of American Horror Story, Murder House, received generally positive reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes reported that 72% of 147 critics gave the first season a positive review, with a consensus stating that it is "strange, gory, and twisted enough to keep viewers hooked."

March 2012: Casting Announcements for the Second Season

In March 2012, Ryan Murphy revealed that the second season was planned around Jessica Lange, who portrays Sister Jude. Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Lily Rabe, and Zachary Quinto also return to join the main cast.

July 2012: Production Begins for Second Season

In July 2012, production and shooting for the second season of American Horror Story began, with exteriors filmed in Hidden Valley, Ventura County, California.

August 2012: "Special Delivery" Promo Released

In August 2012, the first promo for the second season of American Horror Story was released on Facebook, entitled "Special Delivery". It depicts a nun carrying buckets of body parts through a field.

August 31, 2012: "Meet the Residents" Teasers Released

On August 31, 2012, two televised teasers for American Horror Story Season 2, titled "Meet the Residents", were released. They feature patients and staff in the asylum as the heads of the asylum look on, with the song "Que Sera, Sera" playing.

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November 2012: FX Chief Executive Describes Unique Format

In November 2012, FX chief executive, John Landgraf, described American Horror Story's unique format as an anthological series of miniseries with a repertory cast, noting it as groundbreaking and trendsetting.

May 2013: Emma Roberts Added to the Cast

In May 2013, it was announced that Emma Roberts had been added to the cast of American Horror Story, playing Madison Montgomery.

July 2013: Denis O'Hare Joins the Cast

In July 2013, season one alum Denis O'Hare joined the cast 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.

November 2013: Jessica Lange Returning for Fourth Season

In November 2013, Ryan Murphy confirmed that Jessica Lange would be returning for a fourth season, although in a reduced capacity, 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, requiring a different responsibility to them.

March 29, 2014: Additional 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.

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, though the story takes place in Jupiter, Florida.

2014: Season set from 2014 to 2016 focuses on supernatural events in a farmhouse

Starting in 2014, the season follows supernatural occurrences at a renovated farmhouse in North Carolina, built on land once inhabited by the lost Roanoke Colony.

February 25, 2015: Lady Gaga Announced as New Main Cast Member

On February 25, 2015, singer-songwriter Lady Gaga was announced as the first and newest main cast member for the fifth season of American Horror Story.

June 2015: Denis O'Hare Returns for Fifth Season

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 Season Five

On July 14, 2015, principal photography for the fifth season of American Horror Story began in Los Angeles, California. A six-story hotel set was built on the Fox lot.

August 2015: Character Roles Announced for the Cast

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.

August 2015: Murphy Reveals Show Producing Two Seasons a Year

In August 2015, Ryan Murphy revealed that the show is producing two seasons a year, with different writers rooms for each. He noted that the next season would be very different from 'Hotel', more rogue and dark.

2015: Billie Lourd's Breakout Appearance

In 2015, Billie Lourd had her breakout appearance in a production by Ryan Murphy.

2015: The Millers recount their experiences in a documentary series in 2015

In 2015, Shelby Miller, her husband Matt, and Matt's sister Lee Harris shared their experiences living in a farmhouse a year prior, in the documentary series "My Roanoke Nightmare".

February 2016: Angela Bassett Confirms Return

In February 2016, Angela Bassett confirmed she would return to join the main cast of the sixth season during an interview with Larry King.

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.

June 2016: Cheyenne Jackson, Evan Peters, Wes Bentley, and Kathy Bates Announce Returns

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 in Santa Clarita, California. Set constructions included a colonial settler home.

August 2016: Sarah Paulson and Cuba Gooding Jr. Join 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.

August 16, 2016: American Horror Story Maze at Universal Studios Announced

On August 16, 2016, FX announced that an American Horror Story maze would be featured 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 with the inclusion of André Holland and returning series veteran Lily Rabe.

2016: The Aftermath of Donald Trump's Election

In 2016, the fictional town of Brookfield Heights, Michigan, is divided following Donald Trump's election. Ally Mayfair-Richards is distraught, while Kai Anderson sees it as an opportunity to gain political power.

2016: Sequel to documentary filmed in 2016

In 2016, the success of the documentary series "My Roanoke Nightmare" led to a sequel titled "Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell", where the Millers and reenactment actors return to the farmhouse during the blood moon.

2016: Cult season focuses on a cult after the 2016 U.S. presidential election

The seventh season, Cult, centers around a cult's activities and impact following the 2016 United States presidential election.

June 2017: Filming Planned for Season Seven

In June 2017, filming for the seventh season of American Horror Story was originally planned to begin in Orange, California, but it was later moved to May.

October 2017: Paulson Announces Return for Eighth Season

In October 2017, Sarah Paulson announced that she would return for the eighth season of American Horror Story.

December 2017: Disney 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 Unraveling and Kai's Rise

In 2017, Ally's phobias resurface, affecting her relationships. Kai Anderson pursues political power, leading to sinister motives and paranoia in Ally, who suspects everyone is against her.

2017: Return of the American Horror Story Maze to Universal Parks

In 2017, American Horror Story returned as a haunted attraction to Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando, with Universal Orlando featuring Asylum, Coven, and Roanoke, and Universal Studios Hollywood featuring Roanoke.

2017: Paulson and Peters Set to Return; Billie Lourd Joins Cast

In 2017, it was announced that Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters would return for the seventh season of American Horror Story. Billie Lourd, known for her appearance in a Ryan Murphy production in 2015, was also confirmed to join the main cast in April 2017.

June 16, 2018: Filming Begins for Season Eight

On June 16, 2018, filming for the eighth season of American Horror Story 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 of 2018

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 Nine

In February 2019, Ryan Murphy announced via Instagram that Emma Roberts would return for the ninth season of American Horror Story, along with new cast member Gus Kenworthy.

March 20, 2019: Disney Finalizes Acquisition of 20th Century Fox

On March 20, 2019, The Walt Disney Company finalized its acquisition of 21st Century Fox, including 20th Century Fox film and TV assets, making it officially part of The Walt Disney Studios.

July 11, 2019: Ninth Season Filming Confirmed

On July 11, 2019, Ryan Murphy confirmed that filming for the ninth season of American Horror Story had begun.

July 2019: Angelica Ross Joins Cast of Season Nine

In July 2019, Ryan Murphy announced via Instagram that Angelica Ross, from Pose, would join the cast of the ninth season of American Horror Story. Also, Cody Fern, Leslie Grossman, and Billie Lourd were confirmed to return, with John Carroll Lynch being promoted to the main cast.

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January 9, 2020: Series Renewal Through Season 13

On January 9, 2020, 'American Horror Story' was renewed for future seasons extending through season 13.

January 2020: FX renews American Horror Story through season 13

In January 2020, FX officially announced the renewal of American Horror Story, ensuring its continuation through the thirteenth season.

January 2020: Paulson Confirms Return to Lead Role for Season Ten

In January 2020, Sarah Paulson confirmed that she would return to American Horror Story for its tenth installment in a lead role, following her absence in 1984.

October 2020: Virtual Paranormal Investigation Hosted at Murder House

In October 2020, the owners of the Alfred Rosenheim Mansion hosted a virtual paranormal investigation. The house, known as "The Murder House", has been featured in several productions, including the first season of American Horror Story. The event featured a production crew, 15 cameras, and notable guests.

December 2, 2020: Filming Begins for Season 10

On December 2, 2020, Lily Rabe confirmed that filming had begun for season 10 of American Horror Story.

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. Guests had to be over the age of 18 to enter the bakery.

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 LA

On August 4, 2021, the American Horror Story themed bakery opened in Los Angeles in Beverly Grove until August 14, 2021.

August 14, 2021: American Horror Story Themed Bakery Closes in LA

On August 14, 2021, the American Horror Story themed bakery closed in Los Angeles in 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 wrapped on September 27, 2021.

August 2022: Paulson Doubts Return for Future Seasons

In August 2022, Sarah Paulson expressed doubts about returning for any future seasons of American Horror Story.

April 6, 2023: Matt Czuchry Joins Cast of Season 12

On April 6, 2023, Matt Czuchry joined the cast of the twelfth season after the cancellation of The Resident.

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April 10, 2023: Kim Kardashian to Lead Season 12

On April 10, 2023, Ryan Murphy confirmed that Kim Kardashian would lead the twelfth season of American Horror Story alongside Emma Roberts.

April 2023: American Horror Stories third season greenlit

In April 2023, it was announced that a third season of American Horror Stories was greenlit, and it is set to premiere on October 26, 2023.

April 24, 2023: Cara Delevingne Joins Season 12

On April 24, 2023, Cara Delevingne 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, Annabelle Dexter-Jones and MJ Rodriguez joined the cast of the twelfth season of American Horror Story.

May 4, 2023: Season 12 Filming Temporarily Shut Down, Then Resumed

On May 4, 2023, filming for the twelfth season of American Horror Story was reported to have shut down due to the WGA writers strike, but production resumed later that day.