American Horror Story (AHS) Season 6, titled ‘Roanoke,’ premiered on September 14, 2016, on FX. The release was shrouded in unprecedented secrecy, with multiple trailers and teasers released that ultimately misled viewers, creating an atmosphere of intense anticipation and speculation around the season’s theme and narrative.
A Deep Dive into ‘Roanoke’: The Season of Uncertainty
Season 6, ‘Roanoke,’ broke from the show’s tradition of revealing the season’s theme well in advance. Instead, FX employed a deliberate marketing strategy of misdirection. Numerous trailers hinted at vastly different storylines, leaving fans guessing until the premiere episode aired. This strategy was largely successful in generating buzz and heightened viewership for the season’s launch.
The season itself is structured uniquely, initially presented as a documentary called ‘My Roanoke Nightmare,’ recounting the terrifying experiences of Shelby and Matt Miller, portrayed by Lily Rabe and Andre Holland, who move to a remote farmhouse in North Carolina only to be tormented by supernatural forces. The documentary is intercut with reenactments featuring actors portraying the Millers, including Sarah Paulson as Shelby and Cuba Gooding Jr. as Matt.
Later, the season shifts into a more meta narrative, exploring the consequences of returning to the Roanoke house and the escalating chaos that ensues. This innovative format, coupled with the initial secrecy surrounding the theme, made ‘Roanoke’ a standout season in the American Horror Story anthology.
The Marketing Masterclass: Why the Secrecy?
The decision to keep the theme of Season 6 under wraps was a calculated risk by Ryan Murphy, the creator of American Horror Story. The television landscape had become saturated with information leaks and spoilers, diminishing the impact of new season premieres. Murphy believed that by maintaining secrecy, they could reignite the element of surprise and excitement that had been somewhat lost in recent years.
This unconventional marketing approach generated a significant amount of free press and social media buzz. Fans were actively engaged in trying to decipher the clues hidden in the trailers, contributing to a collective anticipation that reached fever pitch by the time the premiere aired. In many ways, the marketing campaign itself became a part of the American Horror Story narrative.
FAQs About American Horror Story Season 6 (‘Roanoke’)
Here’s a detailed breakdown of frequently asked questions regarding ‘American Horror Story: Roanoke’:
What was the significance of the multiple trailers released for Season 6?
The multiple trailers served primarily as misdirection. FX deliberately released trailers hinting at various horror themes, including aliens, spiders, and rural horror, to confuse viewers and prevent them from accurately guessing the true theme of ‘Roanoke.’ This strategy was a key component of the season’s unique marketing campaign.
Who were the main actors in American Horror Story Season 6?
The main cast included:
- Sarah Paulson (Shelby Miller / Audrey Tindall)
- Cuba Gooding Jr. (Matt Miller / Dominic Banks)
- Lily Rabe (Shelby Miller – Real)
- Andre Holland (Matt Miller – Real)
- Kathy Bates (The Butcher / Agnes Mary Winstead)
- Denis O’Hare (Dr. Elias Cunningham)
- Angela Bassett (Lee Harris / Monet Tumusiime)
- Evan Peters (Rory Monahan)
- Wes Bentley (Ambrose White / Dylan)
- Adina Porter (Lee Harris – Real)
What inspired the storyline of ‘Roanoke’?
The season draws inspiration from the lost colony of Roanoke, a historical mystery where a British settlement in North Carolina vanished without a trace in the late 16th century. The season incorporates elements of this historical event, blending them with supernatural horror and found-footage tropes.
What is the “My Roanoke Nightmare” format used in Season 6?
“My Roanoke Nightmare” is a fictional documentary series within the American Horror Story universe. It presents the story of Shelby and Matt Miller’s experiences through interviews and reenactments, blurring the line between reality and fiction. This format adds a layer of realism and suspense to the narrative.
How does the season shift in the latter half of ‘Roanoke’?
After the “My Roanoke Nightmare” segment concludes, the season shifts to a meta-narrative called “Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell.” This segment features the actors and the real-life people they portrayed returning to the Roanoke house during the blood moon, resulting in chaos and gruesome deaths.
What is the significance of the blood moon in Season 6?
The blood moon is a recurring motif in ‘Roanoke’ and represents a period of heightened supernatural activity. During the blood moon, the spirits of the Roanoke colony are at their strongest, leading to increased violence and terror.
What are some of the other horror tropes explored in ‘Roanoke’?
Besides the historical mystery and found-footage elements, ‘Roanoke’ also explores tropes such as:
- Hillbilly horror: Featuring the Polk family, a cannibalistic group living in the woods.
- Home invasion horror: The constant threat posed by the Roanoke colonists.
- Supernatural horror: The presence of ghosts, demons, and other supernatural entities.
Was ‘Roanoke’ a commercially successful season for American Horror Story?
Yes, despite the initial secrecy, ‘Roanoke’ was a commercial success for American Horror Story. The unique marketing campaign generated significant buzz and viewership, proving that unconventional strategies could still resonate with audiences.
How does ‘Roanoke’ rank among other American Horror Story seasons in terms of critical reception?
Critical reception for ‘Roanoke’ was mixed but generally positive. Some praised its innovative format and intense horror elements, while others criticized its pacing and reliance on gore. Overall, it is considered one of the more divisive seasons of American Horror Story.
Where can I watch American Horror Story Season 6?
American Horror Story Season 6, ‘Roanoke,’ is typically available on streaming services such as Hulu and FXNow (with a cable subscription). It may also be available for purchase or rent on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Apple TV. Availability may vary depending on your region.
What is the overall message or theme of ‘Roanoke’?
While open to interpretation, ‘Roanoke’ explores themes of the dangers of reality TV, the blurring lines between fiction and reality, the consequences of revisiting traumatic experiences, and the primal nature of fear. It also touches upon the darker aspects of American history and folklore.
What made the filming of ‘Roanoke’ different from previous seasons?
Due to the secrecy surrounding the season, the cast and crew were given limited information about the storyline in advance. This required a high degree of trust and flexibility during filming, as the actors often didn’t know what their characters’ fates would be until shortly before shooting their scenes. This added to the season’s overall sense of mystery and unpredictability.