No, American Horror Story is not available on Disney+ in the United States. While Disney owns the show’s distributor, 20th Television (formerly 20th Century Fox Television), the series typically streams on Hulu (in the US) due to its mature content.
Understanding American Horror Story’s Streaming Home
The question of where to find American Horror Story often sparks confusion, largely because of Disney’s vast portfolio. It’s a tale of media consolidation and strategic content placement. The reason AHS isn’t nestled alongside Mickey Mouse and Pixar characters lies in a deliberate decision based on content suitability and pre-existing licensing agreements. To fully understand where to watch this anthology series, we need to delve into the nuances of the streaming landscape.
The Hulu Connection: A Match Made in Horror Heaven
The primary reason American Horror Story resides on Hulu is its content rating. Hulu is positioned as Disney’s streaming service for mature audiences, offering a platform for shows with graphic violence, sexual content, and other themes not aligned with Disney+’s family-friendly branding. AHS, with its often disturbing and shocking storylines, fits perfectly within Hulu’s content strategy. This allows Disney to cater to a broader audience base without diluting the Disney+ brand.
International Availability: A Region-by-Region Breakdown
While Hulu is the primary streaming home for American Horror Story in the US, availability varies significantly internationally. In some regions, the show might be available on Disney+’s Star content hub (a section within Disney+ offering content for more mature audiences). In others, it may be exclusively licensed to local streaming services. Checking local streaming listings is crucial for viewers outside the United States.
FAQs: Unraveling the American Horror Story Streaming Puzzle
This section addresses common questions and concerns surrounding the availability of American Horror Story on streaming platforms. These FAQs provide clarity and practical information for fans seeking to access the series.
FAQ 1: Will American Horror Story Ever Be on Disney+ in the US?
The short answer is unlikely in its entirety in its current form. While Disney could theoretically add AHS to Disney+ with stricter parental controls, it’s highly improbable given Hulu’s established role and the show’s explicit content. Disney seems committed to maintaining distinct brand identities for its streaming services. Future seasons may see more judicious editing to allow for potential Disney+ availability, but the older, more graphic seasons will likely remain on Hulu.
FAQ 2: What Streaming Services Offer American Horror Story?
In the US, Hulu is the primary streaming service for American Horror Story. Seasons are typically added to Hulu shortly after their television broadcast. Other platforms, like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, may offer individual episodes or seasons for purchase. Outside the US, check your local streaming services.
FAQ 3: Can I Watch American Horror Story Live?
American Horror Story initially airs on FX. Therefore, you can watch it live via cable subscription or through live TV streaming services that include FX in their channel lineup, such as YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV.
FAQ 4: Are All Seasons of American Horror Story Available on Hulu?
Yes, all currently released seasons of American Horror Story are generally available on Hulu in the United States. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check, as streaming rights and availability can occasionally fluctuate.
FAQ 5: Does Disney+ Star Offer American Horror Story in Other Countries?
In some international markets, Disney+’s Star content hub does offer American Horror Story. This depends on the specific region and local licensing agreements. Check your local Disney+ listings to confirm availability.
FAQ 6: Why Isn’t American Horror Story on Disney+ in the US Like Other 20th Television Shows?
The key reason is content suitability. Disney+ is positioned as a family-friendly streaming service, and American Horror Story‘s mature themes and graphic content are not aligned with that brand identity. Other 20th Television shows on Disney+ are typically those that meet the service’s content guidelines.
FAQ 7: Will Disney Ever Create a Separate Horror Streaming Service?
While there have been rumors and speculation, Disney has not officially announced any plans to create a dedicated horror streaming service. For now, Hulu serves as the company’s primary platform for mature content, including horror. The future of streaming services is always uncertain, and changes in strategy are possible.
FAQ 8: Can I Purchase Individual Episodes or Seasons of American Horror Story?
Yes, individual episodes and seasons of American Horror Story are available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV (iTunes), and Google Play Movies. This provides an alternative for viewers who don’t subscribe to Hulu or other streaming services.
FAQ 9: How Soon After Airing on FX is American Horror Story Available on Hulu?
Typically, episodes of American Horror Story are available on Hulu the day after they air on FX. This allows viewers to catch up on the latest episodes without waiting for the entire season to conclude.
FAQ 10: Are There Any Censored Versions of American Horror Story on Hulu?
No, the versions of American Horror Story available on Hulu are generally uncensored. This is consistent with Hulu’s content strategy of offering mature programming without significant alterations.
FAQ 11: Does Having the Disney Bundle Give Me Access to American Horror Story?
Yes, if your Disney Bundle includes Hulu, you will have access to American Horror Story on Hulu. The Disney Bundle typically includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, offering a comprehensive streaming package. Ensure that your Hulu plan is not a limited or ad-supported version that restricts access to certain content.
FAQ 12: Are There Any Alternatives to Streaming American Horror Story?
Besides streaming, you can purchase physical copies of American Horror Story seasons on DVD and Blu-ray. This provides a permanent way to own and watch the series, independent of streaming service availability. You can also rent seasons or episodes from digital storefronts.