Absolutely. While each season of American Horror Story presents a standalone narrative, watching the series in chronological order unlocks a deeper, richer viewing experience, revealing subtle connections and recurring themes that enhance the overall impact of the anthology.
The Method to the Madness: Why Order Matters
Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story (AHS) has captivated audiences for over a decade with its blend of horror, drama, and dark humor. The anthology format, where each season features a new storyline, setting, and characters (often played by the same actors), initially suggests that the viewing order is irrelevant. However, scratching beneath the surface reveals a tapestry of interconnected narratives, recurring characters, and shared lore that dramatically enriches the experience for those who watch from the beginning.
Watching AHS in order allows you to appreciate the evolution of the actors’ performances. Seeing Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, and others tackle different roles across seasons becomes a fascinating study in acting range. You’ll also recognize subtle nods and Easter eggs that connect seemingly disparate seasons. While you may grasp the main plot points of individual seasons in any order, you’ll miss out on the subtle nuances that seasoned viewers cherish.
Furthermore, certain seasons explicitly reference or build upon events and characters from previous iterations. For instance, characters introduced in Murder House make significant reappearances later in the series. Skipping seasons can leave you feeling like you’re missing crucial pieces of the puzzle. This isn’t to say that watching out of order ruins the experience entirely, but it certainly diminishes the overall impact.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the viewer. However, for the most rewarding and comprehensive experience, watching American Horror Story in chronological order is highly recommended.
The Argument Against Chronological Order (And Why It’s Weak)
Some argue that because each season is a self-contained story, the order doesn’t matter. They might suggest that viewers should start with the seasons that pique their interest the most. While this approach is valid, it often leads to spoilers for earlier seasons and a fragmented understanding of the AHS universe.
Another argument is that some seasons are simply better than others. Starting with a highly-rated season like Asylum or Murder House might seem like a good way to get hooked on the series. However, this risks setting unrealistic expectations for subsequent seasons and potentially missing out on the character development and lore building that occurs in earlier, perhaps less critically acclaimed, seasons.
The bottom line is that while you can watch AHS in any order, you should watch it in order. The rewards far outweigh the perceived convenience of skipping around.
Building Blocks of Horror: Connecting the Seasons
The interconnectedness of AHS is not always overt. It’s woven into the fabric of the series through subtle references, shared characters, and thematic echoes. For example, Murder House, the first season, lays the groundwork for many of the supernatural elements explored throughout the series. Its impact reverberates through subsequent seasons, particularly Apocalypse.
Similarly, the mythology surrounding the coven of witches introduced in Coven is further explored in Apocalypse and Hotel, illustrating how seemingly unrelated storylines can eventually converge. These connections are often revealed gradually, rewarding viewers who have invested in the series from the beginning.
Examples of Interconnectedness
- Characters from Murder House reappear in Apocalypse, playing crucial roles in the season’s events.
- The coven from Coven returns in Apocalypse to combat the Antichrist.
- The Cortez Hotel from Hotel is featured in later seasons, becoming a recurring location with its own dark history.
- Sarah Paulson frequently plays characters related to previous seasons.
- The Antichrist concept is a continuous thread throughout multiple seasons.
Understanding these connections elevates the viewing experience from simply watching individual horror stories to appreciating a complex and interconnected universe.
FAQs: Your Burning American Horror Story Questions Answered
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to help you navigate the terrifying world of American Horror Story:
FAQ 1: Is it okay to skip seasons of American Horror Story?
While technically possible, skipping seasons diminishes the overall experience. You’ll miss subtle character connections, lore development, and inside jokes that reward dedicated viewers.
FAQ 2: Which is the best American Horror Story season to start with?
Starting with Murder House (Season 1) is the most logical and rewarding approach. It introduces the core themes, actors, and supernatural elements that permeate the entire series.
FAQ 3: Does American Horror Story get scarier as the seasons progress?
The level of scariness is subjective and varies from season to season. Some find the psychological horror of Asylum the most terrifying, while others are disturbed by the graphic violence of Cult. It doesn’t necessarily get progressively scarier, just different.
FAQ 4: What seasons of American Horror Story are connected?
Murder House, Coven, Hotel, Apocalypse, and Return to Roanoke have the most significant connections. However, nearly every season features some degree of cross-referencing or shared lore.
FAQ 5: Do I need to watch American Horror Stories (the spin-off) before or after American Horror Story?
American Horror Stories is an anthology series with each episode featuring a different story. While some episodes are connected to the main AHS universe, it’s generally best to watch it after completing several seasons of American Horror Story. Understanding the existing lore enhances the viewing experience of the spin-off.
FAQ 6: Which American Horror Story season is the least connected to the others?
1984 (Season 9) is arguably the most stand-alone season, with fewer direct connections to the rest of the series.
FAQ 7: How long does it take to watch all of American Horror Story?
With 11 seasons (and counting) averaging 10-13 episodes each, watching the entire series can take upwards of 100 hours.
FAQ 8: Are the American Horror Story actors always playing the same characters in different timelines?
No. While the same actors are often cast in multiple seasons, they typically play different characters. However, there are instances where actors reprise roles or play characters directly related to previous ones.
FAQ 9: Will I be confused if I don’t watch American Horror Story in order?
You might experience some confusion regarding recurring characters, in-jokes, and the overall mythology of the series. The level of confusion depends on how many seasons you skip and which ones you choose to watch.
FAQ 10: Is American Horror Story appropriate for children?
No. American Horror Story is intended for mature audiences due to its graphic violence, disturbing themes, and sexual content.
FAQ 11: What’s the best way to keep track of all the American Horror Story connections?
Online resources like the American Horror Story Wiki can be helpful for tracking character relationships, plot points, and connections between seasons. Taking notes while watching can also be beneficial.
FAQ 12: Is there a definitive American Horror Story timeline?
Creating a definitive timeline is challenging due to the anthology nature of the series and the use of flashbacks and time jumps. However, dedicated fans have created comprehensive timelines that attempt to connect the various storylines.
The Final Verdict: Embrace the Order
While the allure of jumping into a specific season might be strong, the benefits of watching American Horror Story in chronological order are undeniable. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the actors’ talents, the intricate storytelling, and the rich mythology that has made the series a horror phenomenon. So, dim the lights, grab a blanket, and prepare to be immersed in the terrifying, interconnected world of American Horror Story – starting with Murder House. You won’t regret it.