The American Horror Story (AHS) anthology format offers both freedom and frustration: you can jump in anywhere, but the interconnectedness of characters and themes begs the question: what’s the best order to watch it in? While there’s no definitively right answer, a modified chronological order, prioritizing seasons with overlapping characters and storylines, offers the richest and most rewarding viewing experience.
Why Order Matters (Even in an Anthology)
While each season of American Horror Story tells a self-contained story, the series is riddled with recurring actors playing different roles, subtle (and not-so-subtle) connections between seasons, and the occasional direct crossover. Watching in a strategic order allows you to fully appreciate these nuances, Easter eggs, and character arcs that extend beyond a single season. Ignoring these connections means missing out on a significant layer of depth and enjoyment. It’s like reading a book series out of order – you can, but you’ll inevitably be confused and miss the callbacks.
The Recommended Viewing Order: A Blended Approach
Here’s the order I recommend, along with the rationale behind each placement:
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Murder House (Season 1): This is the essential starting point. It introduces the core AHS aesthetic, many of the franchise’s most iconic tropes, and establishes the foundation for future crossovers.
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Asylum (Season 2): While stylistically different from Murder House, Asylum’s strong narrative and self-contained story make it a good follow-up. It offers a complete experience before diving into the more interconnected seasons.
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Coven (Season 3): Coven builds upon the supernatural elements introduced in earlier seasons and sets the stage for future witch-related stories.
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Freak Show (Season 4): Freak Show provides a break from the overtly supernatural, focusing on human monsters and societal outcasts. It’s a visually stunning and emotionally resonant season.
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Hotel (Season 5): Hotel begins to significantly interweave characters and storylines from previous seasons, making it best viewed after you’ve established a foundation with the earlier installments.
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Roanoke (Season 6): Roanoke is a meta-horror season that stands somewhat apart, making it a good choice to watch around the midpoint. Its documentary style offers a different perspective.
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Cult (Season 7): Cult is a more grounded, politically charged season that explores the themes of fear and manipulation. It’s best appreciated after understanding the show’s broader patterns.
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Apocalypse (Season 8): Apocalypse is the ultimate crossover season, directly connecting Murder House and Coven. Watching it before seeing those seasons would severely diminish its impact. This is the crucial season where order becomes paramount.
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1984 (Season 9): 1984 is a throwback to 80s slasher films, offering a fun and self-contained story. It provides a lighter tone after the intensity of Apocalypse.
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Double Feature (Season 10): Double Feature is split into two parts, Red Tide and Death Valley. While relatively independent, knowing AHS lore enhances the experience.
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NYC (Season 11): NYC offers a darker and more grounded take on the AHS formula, exploring themes of homophobia and the AIDS crisis.
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Delicate (Season 12): As the most recent season, Delicate is best watched after becoming familiar with the series’ style and recurring themes. Its connection to the broader AHS universe remains to be fully seen.
Understanding the Crossovers and Connections
The beauty of this order lies in how it allows you to see characters evolve, understand the significance of returning locations, and appreciate the subtle (and not-so-subtle) nods to past seasons. The connections are often thematic, like the exploration of power and corruption in Coven and Hotel, or the commentary on societal fears in Cult and NYC. However, direct character crossovers, especially in Apocalypse, are where the viewing order truly matters.
FAQs: Your Burning AHS Questions Answered
1. Is it really necessary to watch in order?
While not mandatory, watching in the recommended order significantly enhances your viewing experience. You’ll catch Easter eggs, appreciate character cameos, and understand the overarching lore much better. If you’re a completionist or enjoy unraveling interconnected narratives, it’s highly recommended.
2. What if I already watched a season out of order?
Don’t worry! You can still enjoy the series. Just adjust your expectations. When you revisit that season after watching others, you’ll likely notice details you missed the first time around.
3. Which season is the scariest?
This is subjective, but many find Asylum to be the most genuinely terrifying due to its psychological horror elements. Roanoke also relies heavily on jump scares and gore.
4. Which season is considered the best by most fans?
Asylum and Coven are consistently ranked among the most popular and critically acclaimed seasons. Murder House is also a strong contender due to its foundational role in the series.
5. Are there any seasons I can skip entirely?
While every season has its merits, some fans find Cult and Roanoke to be less engaging. However, skipping any season means missing out on potential connections and character development.
6. Where can I watch American Horror Story?
American Horror Story is available on various streaming platforms, including Hulu, Netflix (depending on your region), and Amazon Prime Video. Check your local listings for availability.
7. Will watching in this order spoil anything from future seasons?
This order aims to minimize spoilers. While knowing some returning characters might slightly alter your perception, it won’t ruin the core narratives of individual seasons.
8. What about American Horror Stories (the spin-off)?
American Horror Stories is a separate anthology series with self-contained episodes. You can watch it independently of the main AHS series, but familiarity with AHS tropes and characters will enhance your enjoyment. Watch it after completing at least the first 5-6 seasons of American Horror Story.
9. How many seasons of American Horror Story are planned?
Currently, American Horror Story has been renewed through its 13th season. Future seasons are likely.
10. Are there any books or comics related to American Horror Story?
While there aren’t officially sanctioned novels or comics, fan fiction and online communities offer plenty of content for those seeking more AHS-related material.
11. Is it better to binge-watch or watch an episode a week?
This depends on your personal preference. Binge-watching allows you to immerse yourself in the story and catch connections more easily, but watching weekly allows you to savor each episode and discuss it with others.
12. What’s the most important thing to remember when watching American Horror Story?
Embrace the absurdity! American Horror Story is known for its over-the-top characters, bizarre storylines, and shocking twists. Don’t take it too seriously and enjoy the ride! It’s a wild, unpredictable, and often brilliant exploration of fear, humanity, and the dark corners of the American psyche. Choose your poison and get ready to scream.