History of American Horror Story in Timeline

American Horror Story is a horror anthology television series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. Each season functions as a self-contained miniseries with different characters, settings, and storylines, though connected within a shared fictional universe. Many plot elements are inspired by true events, adding a layer of realism to the often-extreme horror. The show is known for its consistent cast, who portray different roles each season, and for exploring various subgenres of horror, from haunted houses and asylums to witches and cults.

1908: Rosenheim Mansion Built

In 1908, the Rosenheim Mansion was designed and built by Alfred Rosenheim. It was used as the haunted house in the first season.

1952: Freak Show Season Setting

Set in 1952, the fourth season, Freak Show, focuses on a struggling freak show in Jupiter, Florida, led by Elsa Mars, as they face societal prejudices and encounter dark forces.

1964: Asylum Season Setting

Set in 1964, the second season, Asylum, revolves around the patients and staff of Briarcliff Manor, a mental asylum in Massachusetts, dealing with themes of criminal insanity, supernatural occurrences, and scientific experimentation.

1981: Murders in New York City's Gay Community

In 1981, a series of murders targeting the gay community in New York City prompts an investigation by detective Patrick Read and reporter Gino Barelli. Adam Carpenter searches for his missing friend, connecting with photographer Theo Graves. Dr. Hannah Wells investigates a new disease while Kathy Pizzaz deals with decreasing audiences in 1981.

1984: Camp Redwood Murders

In 1984, Brooke Thompson and others travel to Camp Redwood as counselors. They encounter the owner, Margaret Booth, and learn of Mr. Jingles' escape from an asylum. Secrets about the counselors and the camp's history are revealed throughout the season in 1984.

1984: 1984 Season Setting

The ninth season, titled 1984, centers around the reopening of a summer camp after a massacre in 1984.

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, with both writing and Murphy directing.

April 2011: Production Begins

Production on the American Horror Story series began in April 2011.

July 2011: Full Series Pick-Up

In July 2011, FX officially announced that the project had been picked up to become a full series.

July 2011: Production Begins for First Season

In July 2011, production and shooting began for the first season of American Horror Story.

September 2011: Website Launched for Murder House

In September 2011, FX launched a website that allows visitors to tour the Murder House throughout the decades and look for clues about American Horror Story.

2011: First Season Success

In 2011, the first season of American Horror Story became the most-viewed new cable series, drawing consistently high ratings for the FX network.

2011: First Season Receives Mixed Reviews

In 2011, the first season of American Horror Story: Murder House, received generally positive reviews from critics, but some reviews were mixed or unfavorable.

2011: Murder House Setting

Set in 2011, the first season, Murder House, follows the Harmon family as they move from Boston to Los Angeles after Vivien's miscarriage, encountering paranormal activities in their new home.

March 2012: Season 2 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. Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Lily Rabe and Zachary Quinto also return to join the main cast.

July 2012: Production Begins for Second Season

In late July 2012, production and shooting began for the second season of American Horror Story, scheduled for a mid-October premiere.

August 2012: Promo Released on Facebook

In August 2012, the first promo for the second season, entitled "Special Delivery", was released on the American Horror Story Facebook page, featuring a nun with body parts. Four photos were also released on EW.com.

August 31, 2012: Televised Teasers Released

Two televised teasers for the second season, titled "Meet the Residents", were released on August 31, 2012. They feature the patients and staff dealing with their issues. The song "Que Sera, Sera" plays.

November 2012: FX Chief Describes Unique Format

In November 2012, FX chief executive, John Landgraf, described the unique format of the series stating: "[T]he notion of doing an anthological series of miniseries with a repertory cast—has proven groundbreaking, wildly successful and will prove to be trendsetting."

May 2013: Emma Roberts Added to Cast

In May 2013, Emma Roberts was added to the cast of American Horror Story, playing Madison Montgomery.

July 2013: Denis O'Hare Joins Cast

In July 2013, Denis O'Hare joined the cast of American Horror Story in an unknown role, later revealed as Spalding.

July 23, 2013: Filming Begins for Third Season

On July 23, 2013, principal photography for the third season of American Horror Story began in New Orleans, Louisiana.

November 2013: Jessica Lange Returns for Season Four

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, playing freak show owner Elsa Mars.

2013: Falchuk Compares the Series to Horror Films at PaleyFest

At the 2013 PaleyFest, Brad Falchuk compared American Horror Story to horror films, emphasizing the need for compassion towards the characters due to the audience's affection for them.

2013: Coven Season Setting

Set in 2013, the third season, Coven, follows the descendants of Salem witches in New Orleans as they struggle for survival in the modern world and confront internal power struggles.

March 29, 2014: Cast Members Returning for Fourth Season

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: Filming Begins for Fourth Season

On July 15, 2014, principal photography for the fourth season of American Horror Story began in New Orleans, though the story is set 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.

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2014: Roanoke Initial Setting

The sixth season, Roanoke, is set from 2014 to 2016 and recounts supernatural events occurring in a renovated farmhouse in North Carolina, particularly the experiences of Shelby and Matt Miller in 2015.

February 25, 2015: Lady Gaga Joins the 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 for Fifth Season

In June 2015, it was announced Denis O'Hare would also return for the fifth season of American Horror Story.

July 14, 2015: Filming Begins for Fifth Season

On July 14, 2015, principal photography for the fifth season of American Horror Story began in Los Angeles, California.

August 2015: Character Roles Announced

In August 2015, Ryan Murphy announced the character roles for the cast of American Horror Story: Hotel, including Lady Gaga as Elizabeth Johnson, Cheyenne Jackson as Will Drake, Denis O'Hare as Liz Taylor, and others.

August 2015: Two Seasons a Year Production

In August 2015, Ryan Murphy revealed the show is producing two seasons a year, with different writers rooms for each, with one being broadcast late in the year and the second early in the next year. He mentioned the upcoming season would be very different than "Hotel", more rogue and dark.

2015: Billie Lourd's Breakout Appearance

In 2015, Billie Lourd made her breakout appearance with Ryan Murphy.

2015: Roanoke Documentary Setting

In 2015, Shelby Miller, Matt Miller, and Lee Harris recount their harrowing experiences living in a North Carolina farmhouse in the documentary series "My Roanoke Nightmare".

2015: Hotel Season Setting

Set in 2015, the fifth season, Hotel, revolves around the mysterious and dangerous Hotel Cortez in downtown Los Angeles, exploring themes of addiction, violence, and supernatural phenomena.

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.

February 2016: Premiere of American Crime Story Season 1

In February 2016, the first season of American Crime Story premiered, featuring American Horror Story cast members.

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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: Returns Announced for Cheyenne Jackson, Evan Peters, Wes Bentley, and Kathy Bates

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.

August 2016: Sarah Paulson Returns and Cuba 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 Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. had joined the main cast of American Horror Story.

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

On August 16, 2016, FX announced an American Horror Story maze at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando for their Halloween Horror Nights events, featuring sets from Murder House, Freak Show, and Hotel.

September 2016: Full Main Cast Announced

In September 2016, the full main cast of the sixth season of American Horror Story was announced after the first episode with the inclusion of André Holland and returning series veteran Lily Rabe.

2016: Setting of the Season

In 2016, the fictional town of Brookfield Heights, Michigan, is divided following Donald Trump's election. Ally Mayfair-Richards, a local restaurant owner, becomes distraught, and her phobias re-emerge, affecting her relationships. Meanwhile, Kai Anderson sees the election as an opportunity to gain political power.

2016: Return to Roanoke

In 2016, the success of "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.

2016: Cult Season Setting

The seventh season, Cult, is set after the 2016 U.S. presidential election, exploring the rise of a cult.

June 2017: Filming Start Date Change

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

October 2017: Paulson Announces Return for Eighth Season

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

December 2017: Disney 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's Instability and Kai's Political Aspirations in 2017

In 2017, Ally's instability continues, and she is terrorized by masked assailants. Kai Anderson pursues political power with the help of his sister Winter. Ally draws connections between the attacks and strange incidents, distrusting everyone around her in 2017.

2017: Haunted Attractions Return to Universal Parks

In 2017, American Horror Story returned as haunted attractions to Universal parks. Universal Orlando had an attraction based on Asylum, Coven, and Roanoke, while Universal Studios Hollywood based their attraction solely on Roanoke.

2017: Paulson and Peters Return for Seventh Season

In 2017, it was announced during the Winter TCA Press Tour that Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters would return for the seventh season of American Horror Story.

January 2018: Premiere of American Crime Story Season 2

In January 2018, the second season of American Crime Story premiered, featuring American Horror Story cast members.

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June 16, 2018: Filming Begins for Eighth Season

On June 16, 2018, filming began for the eighth season of American Horror Story in multiple locations.

December 5, 2018: Witches from Coven Return

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 TV show

In 2018, American Horror Story was named the most in-demand horror TV show of the year by Guinness World Records, based on global TV demand data from Parrot Analytics.

February 2019: Roberts and Kenworthy Join Ninth Season

In February 2019, Ryan Murphy announced that Emma Roberts would return for the ninth season and Gus Kenworthy would join the cast.

March 20, 2019: 20th Century Fox Acquired by Disney

On March 20, 2019, The Walt Disney Company finalized its purchase of 21st Century Fox, including 20th Century Fox film and TV assets.

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 not qualify for the Limited Series categories and would be moved to Drama.

July 11, 2019: Filming Begins for Ninth Season

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

July 2019: Angelica Ross Joins Ninth Season Cast

In July 2019, Ryan Murphy announced that Angelica Ross would join the cast of the ninth season.

January 9, 2020: Series Renewal Through Season 13

On January 9, 2020, the American Horror Story series was renewed through season 13.

January 2020: FX Renews American Horror Story

In January 2020, FX renewed American Horror Story for seasons 11, 12, and 13, ensuring the show's continuation for several more years.

January 2020: Paulson Confirms Return to American Horror Story

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

May 11, 2020: American Horror Stories spin-off series announced

On May 11, 2020, Ryan Murphy revealed that a spin-off series named American Horror Stories was being developed, which would feature self-contained anthological episodes.

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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.

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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.

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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 psychics and other guests. The house had been featured in several films, TV shows, and music videos including the first season of American Horror Story.

December 2, 2020: Filming Begins for Tenth Season

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 in Manhattan until July 24 to celebrate the release of spin-off American Horror Stories and the tenth season titled Double Feature.

July 15, 2021: Premiere of American Horror Stories Season 1

American Horror Stories premiered on July 15, 2021, with its first season consisting of seven episodes, featuring actors from American Horror Story.

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July 24, 2021: Closing Date of New York Bakery

July 24, 2021 marked the closing date for the American Horror Story themed bakery opened in New York.

August 4, 2021: Bakery Opens in Los Angeles

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

August 14, 2021: Closing Date of Los Angeles Bakery

August 14, 2021, marked the closing date for the American Horror Story themed bakery opened in Los Angeles

September 1, 2021: Bakery Opens in Provincetown

On September 1, 2021, an American Horror Story themed bakery opened in Provincetown, Massachusetts, until September 4, 2021.

September 4, 2021: Closing Date of Provincetown Bakery

September 4, 2021, marked the closing date for the American Horror Story themed bakery opened in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

September 2021: American Crime Story: Impeachment aired

In September 2021, the third season of American Crime Story, titled Impeachment, which focused on the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal, aired.

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September 27, 2021: Filming Wraps for Season 10

Filming for the tenth season of American Horror Story wrapped on September 27, 2021.

July 21, 2022: Premiere of American Horror Stories Season 2

American Horror Stories premiered its second season consisting of eight episodes on July 21, 2022.

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August 2022: Paulson Doubts Return to Future Seasons

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

April 6, 2023: Czuchry Joins Cast of Twelfth Season

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

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April 10, 2023: Kardashian and Roberts Lead Twelfth Season

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

April 2023: Third season of American Horror Stories greenlit

In April 2023, a third season of American Horror Stories was greenlit.

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April 24, 2023: Delevingne Joins Cast of Twelfth Season

On April 24, 2023, Cara Delevingne joined the cast of the twelfth season of American Horror Story after being spotted filming scenes with Roberts.

April 28, 2023: Dexter-Jones and Rodriguez Join Cast

On April 28, 2023, Annabelle Dexter-Jones and MJ Rodriguez joined the cast of the twelfth season of American Horror Story.

May 4, 2023: Filming Suspended and Resumed for Season 12

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