No, generally, American Horror Story (AHS) does not need to be watched in chronological order. While certain seasons contain subtle interconnected threads and returning actors playing different roles, each season operates as a standalone anthology with a distinct plot, characters, and thematic focus.
Understanding the Anthology Format
American Horror Story’s core strength lies in its anthology format. This allows the show to explore diverse horror subgenres, settings, and social commentaries each season, providing a fresh experience for viewers. Unlike serialised dramas where understanding past events is crucial for following the narrative, AHS essentially resets with each new installment.
The Appeal of Disconnected Storylines
This disconnected nature offers several benefits:
- Accessibility: New viewers can jump in at any season without feeling lost or overwhelmed by pre-existing lore.
- Variety: The anthology format allows for experimentation with different styles and tones, catering to a wider range of horror preferences.
- Reinvention: The show consistently reinvents itself, preventing formulaic repetition and maintaining a sense of surprise and anticipation.
When Order Might Matter (Subtly)
While each season is primarily self-contained, there are nuances to consider. Interconnectedness is a recurring, though subtle, theme throughout the series. Some seasons feature:
- Returning Characters: A few characters have crossed over between seasons, though often in different roles or with altered backstories. Knowing their original context can add depth to their new portrayal but isn’t crucial for understanding the current plot.
- Shared Universes: Certain locations or organizations hinted at in one season might reappear in another, suggesting a larger, interconnected universe.
- Easter Eggs and References: The show is rich with Easter eggs and subtle references to previous seasons, rewarding long-time viewers but not hindering the enjoyment of newcomers.
The most significant examples of direct crossover are seasons Apocalypse and Murder House, which are directly linked. Coven and Hotel also have characters crossing over.
The Optimal Viewing Experience
Ultimately, the best approach depends on your viewing preferences. If you prioritize maximizing your understanding of the show’s overarching mythology and appreciating all the subtle connections, watching in chronological order is advisable. However, if you’re primarily interested in experiencing the individual stories and enjoying the diverse horror themes, watching in any order is perfectly acceptable.
FAQs: Deep Diving into AHS and Viewing Order
Here are 12 Frequently Asked Questions to further illuminate the complexities of watching American Horror Story in order:
FAQ 1: Is it absolutely necessary to watch Murder House first?
No, it’s not absolutely necessary, but Murder House (Season 1) establishes the show’s tone, style, and introduces the iconic house. While later seasons can be enjoyed independently, starting with Murder House provides a foundational understanding of the AHS universe and its recurring themes of family, trauma, and the supernatural. Apocalypse, in particular, has strong ties to Murder House.
FAQ 2: Which seasons are most directly connected to each other?
The most directly connected seasons are Murder House (Season 1) and Apocalypse (Season 8). Apocalypse functions as a crossover season between Murder House and Coven (Season 3). Also, characters from Coven appear in Hotel (Season 5). While you can watch Apocalypse without seeing Murder House or Coven, the plot will be significantly less impactful and certain character arcs will lack context.
FAQ 3: If I only want to watch the “scariest” season, does order matter?
No. The perceived “scariest” season is subjective. Some find Asylum (Season 2) terrifying due to its themes of mental illness and institutional abuse, while others find Cult (Season 7) disturbing because of its portrayal of political manipulation and paranoia. Choose based on your preferred horror subgenre.
FAQ 4: Will I be lost if I skip a season?
Generally, no. Each season has a self-contained narrative. However, skipping seasons might mean missing out on recurring actors in different roles or subtle references to earlier storylines.
FAQ 5: Does knowing the actors playing different roles spoil the surprise?
Sometimes. For instance, knowing Evan Peters’ previous AHS roles might influence your perception of his character in a new season. However, the actors are skilled at portraying vastly different characters, minimizing any potential “spoiler” effect. Furthermore, recognizing them can add an enjoyable layer of meta-awareness.
FAQ 6: I heard Apocalypse requires watching previous seasons. Is this true?
Yes, to fully appreciate Apocalypse, you should ideally watch Murder House (Season 1) and Coven (Season 3). While the season can be followed without prior knowledge, the emotional impact and narrative threads are significantly diminished without the context provided by those two seasons.
FAQ 7: Should I watch American Horror Stories (the spin-off) before or after American Horror Story?
American Horror Stories is an anthology series in itself, with each episode telling a separate story. While some episodes are connected to the main American Horror Story series, particularly Murder House, it’s best enjoyed after becoming familiar with the main show. Watching it first won’t ruin anything, but you might miss subtle connections.
FAQ 8: Are there any resources that track the interconnectedness between seasons?
Yes, many online articles, forum threads, and fan-made charts meticulously document the connections, recurring characters, and shared universe elements within the AHS franchise. Searching “American Horror Story timeline” or “AHS connections” will yield numerous resources.
FAQ 9: If I only have time to watch a few seasons, which ones should I prioritize?
This depends on your preferences! For classic horror vibes, Murder House and Asylum are excellent choices. For supernatural themes, Coven and Hotel are highly regarded. If you prefer political commentary blended with horror, Cult is a strong contender.
FAQ 10: Does Ryan Murphy, the creator, intend for viewers to watch in order?
While Ryan Murphy has acknowledged the interconnectedness of certain seasons and teased a larger AHS universe, he has consistently emphasized the anthology nature of the show. He encourages viewers to jump in wherever they feel most drawn, highlighting the accessibility and diverse appeal of the series.
FAQ 11: Will watching out of order ruin the plot twists?
No. Because each season presents a completely new story, watching out of order won’t spoil any plot twists from previous seasons. You might miss some character cameos or references, but the core narrative will remain intact.
FAQ 12: What’s the best way to decide where to start watching?
Browse brief summaries and trailers of each season. Identify the themes, settings, or horror subgenres that most appeal to you. Start with that season. Don’t feel pressured to adhere to a strict chronological order. The beauty of American Horror Story is its flexibility and ability to cater to diverse tastes.