No, American Horror Story and American Horror Stories are not the same show. While both are created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk and share the “American Horror” umbrella, they differ significantly in format, storytelling, and overall impact. American Horror Story is an anthology series where each season tells a self-contained, overarching narrative, whereas American Horror Stories presents single-episode or multi-episode horror stories within the same universe.
Understanding the Core Differences
The confusion between the two series is understandable. They share creators, actors, and a penchant for the gruesome and macabre. However, the fundamental structure sets them apart and determines their distinct viewing experiences. American Horror Story offers a deeper, more immersive experience due to its extended storytelling, allowing for greater character development and complex plotlines. American Horror Stories, on the other hand, provides a quick, often shocking dose of horror, catering to viewers seeking instant gratification and a diverse range of terrifying scenarios.
American Horror Story’s anthology format, while reset each season, often develops a dedicated following that anticipates recurring actors and subtle connections between seasons. This builds a long-term engagement that American Horror Stories struggles to replicate due to its episodic nature. Think of it as comparing a novel (AHS) to a collection of short stories (AHStories). Both provide engaging narratives, but the commitment level and depth of storytelling are vastly different.
Format and Storytelling
American Horror Story: The Anthology Approach
American Horror Story thrives on its anthology format. Each season introduces a new setting, new characters, and a new central conflict. Themes of societal anxieties, psychological trauma, and historical horrors are interwoven into intricate plots that unfold over 10-13 episodes (depending on the season). The longer format allows for nuanced exploration of these themes and the development of complex relationships between characters. Seasons such as Murder House, Asylum, and Coven are prime examples of this successful formula, cementing the show’s reputation for delivering disturbing and thought-provoking narratives.
American Horror Stories: The Bite-Sized Scares
American Horror Stories embraces a different approach. Episodes are self-contained tales of terror, often featuring a brand-new cast and storyline. While some episodes connect loosely to previous seasons of American Horror Story (particularly Murder House), the focus is on delivering intense horror in a short timeframe. This format allows for experimentation with different subgenres of horror, from slasher flicks to psychological thrillers, providing a wider range of scares in a single season. This format has also allowed for a greater exploration of different directors and writers, expanding the creative vision within the “American Horror” universe.
Impact and Reception
American Horror Story gained immediate critical acclaim for its bold storytelling, striking visuals, and stellar performances. Its long-running success has solidified its place as a staple of the horror genre on television, influencing countless other shows and inspiring a new generation of horror fans. The series has won numerous awards and nominations, and continues to attract a large and dedicated audience.
American Horror Stories, while still popular, has received a more mixed reception. Some critics praise its ability to deliver concentrated scares and its willingness to experiment with different horror styles. However, others have criticized the show for lacking the depth and complexity of its parent series, and for sometimes relying too heavily on shock value. The shorter format also makes it more difficult to develop memorable characters and compelling storylines.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
FAQ 1: Are there any crossovers between American Horror Story and American Horror Stories?
Yes, there are crossovers, but they are generally subtle. Some episodes of American Horror Stories revisit locations and characters from previous seasons of American Horror Story, most notably the Murder House episodes. However, these crossovers are often more Easter eggs for fans than integral plot points.
FAQ 2: Which show should I watch first?
If you’re new to the franchise, start with American Horror Story. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the show’s overall aesthetic, recurring actors, and thematic concerns. Understanding the larger universe makes the connections in American Horror Stories more rewarding.
FAQ 3: Is American Horror Stories just a watered-down version of American Horror Story?
That’s a subjective opinion. While American Horror Story generally offers a more substantial and nuanced experience, American Horror Stories provides a different kind of entertainment. It’s about quick, intense scares and exploring a wider range of horror subgenres. Some viewers may prefer the brevity and variety of American Horror Stories, while others will find it lacking in depth.
FAQ 4: Do the same actors appear in both shows?
Yes, many actors have appeared in both American Horror Story and American Horror Stories. Recurring cast members like Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Emma Roberts, and Lily Rabe have all made appearances in both series, often playing different characters.
FAQ 5: Which show is scarier?
This depends on your personal preferences. American Horror Story often builds suspense and dread over a longer period, allowing for a more psychological and unsettling experience. American Horror Stories tends to rely more on jump scares and graphic violence to deliver its scares.
FAQ 6: Is American Horror Stories considered canon to American Horror Story?
Yes, officially, American Horror Stories is considered canon within the American Horror Story universe. However, the continuity between the two shows is sometimes loose and inconsistent.
FAQ 7: Is American Horror Story ending?
No, as of the writing of this article, American Horror Story has been renewed for further seasons. There are no announced plans for it to end.
FAQ 8: Is American Horror Stories ending?
Similarly, American Horror Stories has been renewed for more seasons as well. Its future appears secure alongside its flagship series.
FAQ 9: Where can I watch both shows?
Both American Horror Story and American Horror Stories are available to stream on Hulu and often on demand through cable providers that carry FX. They are also available for purchase on digital platforms like iTunes and Amazon Prime Video.
FAQ 10: What are some of the best episodes of American Horror Stories?
Popular episodes of American Horror Stories include those that delve into Murder House lore, as well as those that explore unique and disturbing scenarios such as “Ba’al” and “Game Over.” Personal preference will dictate what constitutes the ‘best’ episode, however.
FAQ 11: Will future seasons of American Horror Stories further connect to American Horror Story?
It’s highly likely that future seasons will continue to include connections to American Horror Story, as these crossovers provide fan service and enrich the overall universe. However, the extent of these connections will likely vary from season to season.
FAQ 12: Which show is more successful?
While both shows are successful, American Horror Story is generally considered the more successful of the two, due to its longer run, larger audience, and greater critical acclaim. It established the “American Horror” brand and paved the way for American Horror Stories.
Conclusion
While sharing a name and creative team, American Horror Story and American Horror Stories offer distinct horror experiences. American Horror Story is a long-form anthology that delves into complex themes and characters, while American Horror Stories provides quick, intense scares in an episodic format. Understanding these key differences will help you appreciate each show’s unique strengths and choose the viewing experience that best suits your taste for terror. So, grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and prepare to scream… regardless of which “American Horror” journey you choose.