Yes, American Horror Stories (AHS: Stories) and American Horror Story (AHS) are explicitly connected through a shared universe, characters, thematic elements, and, occasionally, direct narrative overlaps. While AHS: Stories functions as an anthology featuring mostly self-contained episodes, it draws heavily from the established lore and iconic locations of its parent series, creating a layered viewing experience that rewards dedicated fans.
The Web of Horror: Unpacking the Connections
The relationship between American Horror Story and American Horror Stories is more than just a shared franchise name. It’s a deliberate weaving together of storylines, a revisiting of familiar haunts, and an expansion of the overall mythology. Understanding this interconnectedness is key to appreciating both series fully.
Direct and Indirect Connections
The most obvious connection lies in the recurrence of locations. The infamous Murder House from American Horror Story: Murder House (Season 1) features prominently in multiple episodes of American Horror Stories. This isn’t merely a backdrop; these returns often delve deeper into the history of the location, introducing new characters intertwined with the original inhabitants.
Beyond locations, AHS: Stories features characters directly related to those in AHS. Scarlett Winslow, daughter of Ruby, a ghost trapped in the Murder House, demonstrates this most visibly. Her presence in AHS: Stories provides closure (or, arguably, more complications) to the Murder House narrative, directly impacting storylines from AHS Season 1.
Less direct connections are prevalent in thematic explorations. Both series explore shared fears: loss, betrayal, the corrupting influence of power, and the supernatural. Recurring tropes like the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the psychological toll of trauma bind the two shows together, even when the stories are entirely separate.
Expanding the Mythology
American Horror Stories also serves as a vehicle for expanding the existing AHS mythology. The American Horror Story: Coven (Season 3) world of witches, voodoo, and magic often resurfaces, sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly. The implications of those storylines and the power structures created in the main series are then teased out or further developed in AHS: Stories.
This expansion doesn’t always come through familiar faces. It might be through a new interpretation of a familiar creature, the introduction of a previously unknown supernatural entity, or an exploration of a historical event that resonates with the themes of the larger AHS universe. By exploring these tangential storylines, AHS: Stories enriches the viewing experience of AHS.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Horror
To further clarify the connection between the two series, here are some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Do I need to watch American Horror Story to understand American Horror Stories?
No, you don’t need to watch American Horror Story to enjoy American Horror Stories. Each episode of AHS: Stories is designed to be relatively self-contained. However, you’ll gain a much richer and more nuanced understanding of the references, Easter eggs, and thematic undertones if you are familiar with the main series. Watching AHS enhances, but doesn’t require, watching AHS: Stories.
FAQ 2: Which episodes of American Horror Stories directly connect to American Horror Story?
Several episodes tie in directly. The two-part premiere, “Rubber(wo)Man,” directly connects to Murder House. Certain episodes, particularly those dealing with familiar locations or supernatural elements established in previous seasons of AHS, also contain direct connective threads. Checking episode descriptions and fan forums before watching can help you identify these connections.
FAQ 3: Are there any American Horror Story actors who appear in American Horror Stories playing the same character?
Yes, a few actors reprise their roles. Dylan McDermott returns as Dr. Ben Harmon from Murder House. Others, like Jamie Brewer, appear in roles that either have connections or are similar to characters they have portrayed in AHS. The casting choices themselves often serve as another connective thread.
FAQ 4: Does American Horror Stories ever contradict the established lore of American Horror Story?
Occasionally, there are inconsistencies or reinterpretations of lore, which can be frustrating for die-hard fans. These can be viewed as minor retcons or creative liberties taken by the writers. While these inconsistencies exist, the overall intent remains to operate within the same universe.
FAQ 5: What is the best way to watch American Horror Story and American Horror Stories to maximize the connections?
Chronological order of release is generally recommended. Watch American Horror Story Season 1, then American Horror Stories Season 1, followed by AHS Season 2, and so on. This allows you to appreciate the references and callbacks as they were intended. Alternatively, you can watch each AHS season and then research which AHS: Stories episodes connect to that season before watching them.
FAQ 6: Are all episodes of American Horror Stories horror-themed?
While the overall tone is dark and unsettling, not all episodes are strictly “horror” in the traditional sense. Some lean more into psychological thriller territory, while others explore dark humor or social commentary. The constant, however, is a sense of unease and a willingness to push boundaries.
FAQ 7: Will characters introduced in American Horror Stories ever appear in American Horror Story?
It’s possible, though it hasn’t happened extensively yet. The success of AHS: Stories could pave the way for more significant crossovers in future seasons of AHS. This would be a natural progression of the established connections and a compelling way to reward loyal viewers.
FAQ 8: Does Ryan Murphy, the creator, have a clear vision for the interconnectedness of the two series?
Yes, Ryan Murphy has explicitly stated his intention for the two series to exist within a shared universe. While individual writers contribute to both shows, Murphy’s overall creative vision ensures a degree of cohesion, even if some inconsistencies arise. He acts as an architect, overseeing the general design of the universe.
FAQ 9: Are there any specific themes or symbols that consistently connect both shows?
Themes of family trauma, unresolved grief, the exploitation of others, and the dangers of unchecked ambition are prominent in both AHS and AHS: Stories. Recurring symbols like crosses, mirrors, and masks further reinforce the connection, serving as visual shorthand for the larger narrative themes.
FAQ 10: Is American Horror Stories just a way to reuse sets and ideas from American Horror Story?
While reusing sets and exploring previously introduced concepts is undoubtedly a factor, American Horror Stories goes beyond simple recycling. It allows for more experimental storytelling, explores niche horror subgenres, and provides a platform for new talent to contribute to the AHS universe. It can be seen as a creative playground within the established boundaries.
FAQ 11: How does American Horror Stories contribute to the overall American Horror Story franchise?
American Horror Stories broadens the scope of the franchise, introducing new stories and characters while reinforcing the core themes and lore of American Horror Story. It also acts as a testing ground for new ideas and talent, potentially influencing the direction of future AHS seasons. Its anthological format allows for more diverse and experimental storytelling than the often-stretched narratives of the main series.
FAQ 12: Should I watch American Horror Stories if I am a casual American Horror Story fan?
Even casual fans of American Horror Story may find American Horror Stories enjoyable. The anthology format makes it easy to sample different stories without committing to an entire season. If you enjoy the general tone and themes of AHS, you’re likely to find something to appreciate in AHS: Stories. Be prepared, however, for stories that may be more explicitly gory or unsettling than those in the main series.
In conclusion, the connection between American Horror Story and American Horror Stories is undeniable. While each show offers a unique viewing experience, understanding their interwoven narratives enriches the overall enjoyment and appreciation of the American Horror Story universe.