The question of whether American Horror Stories (AHS Stories) is canon to the main American Horror Story (AHS) series is complex, but the most accurate answer is: loosely canonical. While AHS Stories provides opportunities for revisiting familiar locations and expanding on established lore, its anthology format often leads to inconsistencies and interpretations that exist alongside, rather than strictly within, the overarching AHS narrative. The show serves more as a playground for exploring the AHS universe than a rigid adherence to its established rules.
The Anthology Paradox: Defining Canonicity in AHS
The very nature of the American Horror Story franchise presents a challenge to traditional notions of canonicity. AHS, while an anthology, has increasingly interwoven characters and storylines across seasons, creating a complex and interconnected universe. AHS Stories, by being a further anthology within that framework, adds another layer of complexity. Each episode (or two-part story) is essentially its own mini-season, free to explore different facets of horror. This freedom often clashes with the need for strict consistency within a larger, established narrative.
AHS Stories allows for creative experimentation and the exploration of plotlines that might not fit neatly into the grand tapestry of the main series. This can result in reinterpretations of characters, timelines, or even supernatural rules that, while entertaining, don’t necessarily align with everything previously established. Think of it as exploring alternate timelines or “what if” scenarios within the broader AHS multiverse.
Evidence for and Against Canonicity
The case for AHS Stories being canon hinges on several factors:
- Shared Locations: Some episodes directly revisit locations from the main series, most notably the Murder House. This suggests a deliberate effort to tie the spinoff into the established world.
- Character Cameos: While rare, the appearance of familiar characters from AHS suggests a continuity between the two shows. Even brief mentions or allusions can reinforce this connection.
- Thematic Resonance: Many episodes of AHS Stories share thematic similarities with the main series, exploring themes of trauma, obsession, and the dark underbelly of American society.
However, the case against strict canonicity is equally compelling:
- Inconsistencies in Lore: Some episodes introduce new elements or reinterpret existing lore in ways that clash with established AHS canon. This can create contradictions and confusion for dedicated fans.
- Self-Contained Narratives: The anthology format prioritizes self-contained narratives over overarching continuity. Many episodes can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the AHS universe.
- Limited Impact on the Main Series: To date, no significant plot points or character developments from AHS Stories have directly influenced the main American Horror Story seasons.
AHS Stories: Expansion or Fan Fiction?
Ultimately, whether you consider AHS Stories canon depends on your personal interpretation and level of commitment to maintaining strict continuity. Some fans embrace the spinoff as a valuable expansion of the AHS universe, while others view it as entertaining but non-essential fan fiction. The show’s creators have deliberately maintained a degree of ambiguity, allowing fans to draw their own conclusions.
The best approach is perhaps to view AHS Stories as a supplementary text, offering new perspectives and insights into the AHS universe but not necessarily requiring absolute adherence to established rules. It’s a fun and often terrifying playground, but not necessarily a sacred text.
Frequently Asked Questions About AHS Stories Canonicity
FAQ 1: Does AHS Stories contradict the established lore of AHS?
Yes, occasionally. Some episodes introduce new concepts or reinterpretations of existing lore that clash with established American Horror Story canon. These inconsistencies are a primary reason why the spinoff is considered only loosely canonical.
FAQ 2: Are characters in AHS Stories always portrayed consistently with their appearances in AHS?
Not always. While some character portrayals remain faithful to their original appearances, others may exhibit subtle differences in personality or backstory. This can be attributed to the anthology format, which allows for different writers and directors to put their own spin on familiar characters.
FAQ 3: Does knowing the main AHS seasons enhance the AHS Stories viewing experience?
Absolutely. While many episodes of AHS Stories can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the main series, familiarity with American Horror Story enhances the experience by providing context and allowing viewers to appreciate the subtle references and connections.
FAQ 4: Will events in AHS Stories ever directly impact the main AHS series?
It’s possible, but unlikely. While there have been crossovers and references, no major plot points from AHS Stories have significantly altered the course of the main American Horror Story series. The focus remains on self-contained narratives.
FAQ 5: Should I consider AHS Stories essential viewing for understanding the overall AHS universe?
No, it is not essential. The main American Horror Story series stands on its own. AHS Stories is more of a supplemental experience, offering additional insights and perspectives but not crucial for understanding the core narrative.
FAQ 6: How does the anthology format affect the canonicity of AHS Stories?
The anthology format is a major factor. By prioritizing self-contained narratives, AHS Stories is less concerned with maintaining strict continuity across episodes and seasons. This freedom allows for greater creative experimentation, but also makes it harder to definitively classify the spinoff as fully canonical.
FAQ 7: Are the producers of AHS concerned with maintaining strict canonicity between the two shows?
It appears they prioritize creative freedom over strict canonicity. While they acknowledge the shared universe and occasionally include direct references, they seem more interested in exploring different facets of horror than enforcing rigid rules.
FAQ 8: Where does AHS: NYC fit within the canonicity discussion?
AHS: NYC, despite not being part of AHS Stories, is fully canonical. It is a season of the main American Horror Story series and adheres to the established rules and timelines of the AHS universe. The same applies to any season designated as American Horror Story.
FAQ 9: What is the best approach for watching AHS Stories in relation to the main AHS seasons?
There is no right or wrong approach. You can watch AHS Stories independently or alongside the main series. However, it’s generally recommended to watch at least a few seasons of American Horror Story before diving into the spinoff to better appreciate the references and connections.
FAQ 10: Are there any episodes of AHS Stories that are more canonical than others?
Yes, some episodes are more tightly connected to the main series than others. Episodes that directly revisit established locations or feature prominent characters from AHS are generally considered more canonical than episodes that introduce entirely new concepts and characters.
FAQ 11: How do fans generally view the canonicity of AHS Stories?
Fan opinions vary. Some fans embrace the spinoff as a valuable addition to the AHS universe, while others are more critical of its inconsistencies and prefer to view it as a separate entity. The general consensus is that AHS Stories is entertaining but not always strictly canon.
FAQ 12: Should I worry about canonicity while watching AHS Stories?
Ultimately, no. The primary goal is to enjoy the show. Worrying too much about canonicity can detract from the viewing experience. Embrace the inconsistencies and appreciate the creative freedom that the anthology format allows. Focus on the scares and the stories, and let the canonicity debate fade into the background.