Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer regarding when (or if) new seasons of American Horror Story (AHS) will materialize on Netflix. While the earlier seasons were previously available, they have since transitioned to other streaming platforms due to complex licensing agreements and the emergence of streaming services owned by AHS’s parent company, Disney.
The Streaming Status of American Horror Story: A Complex Web
Navigating the streaming landscape for American Horror Story can feel like wandering through one of its eerie sets. Understanding where each season resides requires unraveling a knot of licensing agreements and corporate strategies. While Netflix once housed several seasons, the picture has changed significantly.
Where Can You Watch AHS Right Now?
Currently, the primary streaming home for American Horror Story is Hulu. Because AHS is produced by 20th Television, a subsidiary of Disney, Hulu enjoys preferential streaming rights. Many seasons, including the most recent ones, are available to stream with a Hulu subscription. You can also find older seasons available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. However, these purchases don’t grant permanent access; licensing agreements can and do change.
The Netflix Factor: A History and Future Outlook
Netflix previously streamed seasons 1 through 8 of AHS. These agreements have since expired, and Disney has chosen to prioritize streaming on its own platforms. While it’s unlikely that new seasons of AHS will return to Netflix anytime soon, the possibility of older seasons reappearing in the future isn’t entirely off the table. Streaming deals are constantly renegotiated, and market dynamics could shift, prompting Disney to reconsider its strategy. However, as of today, Netflix is not the place to find your AHS fix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About AHS on Netflix
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify the situation surrounding American Horror Story and its availability on Netflix, providing the most up-to-date information.
1. Is American Horror Story currently available on Netflix in the US?
No, currently, American Horror Story is not available on Netflix in the United States. The licenses for the older seasons have expired, and there are no current plans to bring the show back to the platform.
2. Why did American Horror Story leave Netflix?
The primary reason American Horror Story left Netflix is due to expiring licensing agreements and Disney’s strategic decision to consolidate its content on its own streaming platforms, namely Hulu and Disney+.
3. Will new seasons of American Horror Story ever come to Netflix?
It’s highly unlikely that new seasons of AHS will appear on Netflix. Disney’s focus is on growing its own streaming services, making it improbable they would license new seasons to a competitor like Netflix.
4. Is American Horror Story available on Netflix in other countries?
The availability of American Horror Story on Netflix varies by country. Some regions may still have access to older seasons, but it’s becoming increasingly rare. Check your local Netflix library to confirm availability. The global trend, however, is a shift away from Netflix and towards Hulu and Disney+ (depending on the region).
5. Where can I watch the latest season of American Horror Story?
The latest seasons of American Horror Story are primarily available on Hulu in the United States. They may also be available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Google Play.
6. Is American Horror Stories (the spin-off series) on Netflix?
No, American Horror Stories, the anthology spin-off of American Horror Story, is also exclusively available on Hulu. It follows the same licensing agreements as its parent show.
7. Are there any legal ways to watch American Horror Story without Hulu?
Yes, you can legally watch American Horror Story without Hulu by purchasing or renting individual episodes or seasons on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, and iTunes. Keep in mind that purchased content can sometimes be removed due to licensing changes, though this is rare.
8. How long does it typically take for a new season of AHS to appear on streaming services after airing on FX?
The timeframe for a new season of AHS to arrive on streaming services like Hulu usually ranges from several months to a year after its initial broadcast on FX. This delay allows for the show to complete its television run and generate buzz before becoming available for streaming.
9. Is there a way to watch American Horror Story for free legally?
While finding a completely free and legal way to watch American Horror Story is challenging, you can sometimes utilize free trial periods offered by streaming services like Hulu. However, these trials are typically short-lived and require a subscription afterward.
10. Does owning the FX channel through cable or streaming provide access to AHS on demand?
Yes, many cable and streaming providers that include FX in their channel lineup offer on-demand access to episodes of American Horror Story after they air. This is often accessible through the provider’s app or website.
11. Can I use a VPN to watch American Horror Story on Netflix in another country?
While using a VPN to access content in different regions is technically possible, it often violates the terms of service of both Netflix and the VPN provider. It can also be unreliable, as streaming services actively work to block VPN usage. It is generally not recommended.
12. Will the merger of Disney+ and Hulu affect the availability of AHS?
The integration of Disney+ and Hulu is unlikely to bring American Horror Story to Disney+ proper. While there is some content crossover in the new combined app, AHS remains squarely in Hulu’s content domain due to its more mature content and target demographic. It’s more likely to streamline access for subscribers to both services than to fundamentally change where AHS resides.
The Future of Streaming and American Horror Story
The streaming landscape is constantly evolving. While Hulu currently reigns supreme as the home for American Horror Story, future licensing deals and corporate strategies could shift the show’s availability once again. For now, Hulu remains the most reliable option for catching the latest scares from Ryan Murphy’s terrifying creation. Staying informed about these shifts requires keeping a close eye on streaming industry news and official announcements from Disney and FX. In the meantime, prepare to brave the horrors on Hulu!