The question of what order to watch American Horror Story (AHS) has plagued fans since its debut. While each season presents a seemingly self-contained story, subtle connections and recurring actors enrich the experience. Ultimately, the best viewing order is by release date, but we’ll delve into the nuances and alternative approaches favored by the Reddit AHS community.
The Release Date Order: A Solid Foundation
Starting with “Murder House” and progressing chronologically provides the optimal introduction to Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s twisted universe. This allows you to appreciate the evolving stylistic choices, character archetypes, and the ingenious reuse of actors in drastically different roles. The subtle cross-season references are best appreciated when you’re already familiar with the established lore. Here’s the definitive release order:
- Murder House (Season 1)
- Asylum (Season 2)
- Coven (Season 3)
- Freak Show (Season 4)
- Hotel (Season 5)
- Roanoke (Season 6)
- Cult (Season 7)
- Apocalypse (Season 8)
- 1984 (Season 9)
- Double Feature (Season 10)
- NYC (Season 11)
- Delicate (Season 12)
This order allows you to organically witness the development of the AHS universe, catching recurring actors like Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, and Jessica Lange in their various iterations, and understanding the significance of seemingly throwaway lines that later become integral to the narrative.
Why Reddit Often Recommends Release Order (With Caveats)
The American Horror Story subreddit is a vibrant hub for fan discussions and theories. While various viewing orders are proposed, the consensus leans heavily towards release order, primarily because:
- Avoiding Spoilers: Watching out of order can unintentionally reveal plot points or character fates from earlier seasons.
- Appreciating Character Evolution: Seeing actors like Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson transform from season to season is part of the AHS appeal, and this is best appreciated when viewed chronologically.
- Understanding Cross-Season Connections: Several seasons have direct ties to one another, most notably “Apocalypse” connecting “Murder House” and “Coven.” Watching these out of order diminishes the impact of these connections.
However, the Reddit community also acknowledges that individual preferences matter. Some suggest thematic groupings, skipping seasons considered less appealing, or watching based on actor preference.
Alternative Viewing Orders: When to Break the Mold
While release order is generally recommended, there are a few alternative approaches:
- Thematic Order: Grouping seasons based on similar themes (e.g., witchcraft: “Coven” and “Apocalypse”; confinement: “Asylum” and “Hotel”) can be interesting, but risks spoilers and diminished impact of cross-season connections.
- Actor-Focused Order: If you’re a fan of a specific actor, you could watch their seasons in order of appearance. This allows you to track their growth and versatility within the anthology.
- Standalone Seasons First: Starting with seasons that have fewer cross-season ties (e.g., “Cult,” “1984,” “Roanoke”) might be a good entry point for new viewers.
Ultimately, the best approach depends on your personal preferences and viewing goals. If you value a cohesive and spoiler-free experience, stick to release order. If you’re more interested in specific themes or actors, feel free to experiment.
American Horror Story FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about watching American Horror Story, addressing common concerns and offering further insights:
1. Is it necessary to watch all seasons of American Horror Story to understand each one?
No, each season is designed as a standalone anthology. You can technically jump in at any point. However, watching in release order enhances the experience, allowing you to appreciate the recurring actors, themes, and subtle connections that weave throughout the series.
2. What is the connection between “Murder House” and “Apocalypse”?
“Apocalypse” directly follows the events of “Murder House,” featuring many of the same characters and storylines. Knowing the events of “Murder House” is crucial for understanding the plot of “Apocalypse.”
3. Does “Coven” connect to any other seasons besides “Apocalypse”?
Yes, “Coven” also has connections to “Hotel” and “Apocalypse”. Queenie from “Coven” appears in “Hotel,” and “Apocalypse” heavily relies on the mythology and characters established in “Coven.”
4. Is “Roanoke” a found footage season?
Yes, “Roanoke” employs a found footage format for a significant portion of the season, creating a unique and unsettling viewing experience.
5. Is “Cult” based on a true story?
While “Cult” is fictional, it draws inspiration from real-life cult leaders and political events, lending it a sense of realism and unease.
6. Is “Apocalypse” a good season to start with?
No, “Apocalypse” is not a good starting point. It heavily relies on the storylines and characters from “Murder House” and “Coven,” making it difficult to follow and appreciate without prior knowledge of those seasons.
7. Which season is the scariest?
This is subjective, but many fans consider “Asylum” to be the scariest season due to its disturbing themes and intense atmosphere. Other contenders include “Roanoke” for its found footage elements and “Cult” for its unsettlingly realistic portrayal of manipulation and fear.
8. Which season is the least connected to the others?
“1984” is generally considered the least connected season, with minimal ties to other seasons. “NYC” is also relatively standalone.
9. Should I skip any seasons?
This is entirely up to you. Some fans dislike certain seasons more than others. However, even less popular seasons often contain valuable world-building elements or feature exceptional performances. Consider reading reviews to decide if a particular season aligns with your interests.
10. Are there any American Horror Stories episodes I should watch before certain AHS seasons?
American Horror Stories, the spin-off anthology, doesn’t directly impact the viewing experience of the main American Horror Story seasons. However, some episodes, particularly those revisiting past locations or characters, can enhance your understanding and appreciation if watched after the corresponding AHS season.
11. Where can I watch American Horror Story?
American Horror Story is available on various streaming platforms, including Hulu, FXNow (with cable subscription), and rentable or purchasable on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. Availability may vary depending on your region.
12. Is there a specific order to watch American Horror Stories episodes in relation to the main series?
No, the American Horror Stories episodes are generally self-contained and don’t require a specific order. You can watch them independently of the main series, or after viewing the corresponding AHS season that their setting or characters are linked to. This can offer a deeper dive into the universe, but is not required for enjoying the main series.