American Horror Story (AHS) Season 12, titled Delicate, premiered its first part on September 20, 2023, on FX, with episodes then available for streaming on Hulu. This season, unlike previous installments, is being released in two parts, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the continuation of Anna Victoria Alcott’s unsettling journey through pregnancy.
AHS: Delicate – What We Know So Far
Season 12 marks a significant shift for American Horror Story, being the first season based on a novel. Adapted from Danielle Valentine’s Delicate Condition, the story follows Anna Victoria Alcott (Emma Roberts), a rising actress undergoing IVF treatment and grappling with increasingly disturbing events that lead her to believe someone, or something, is trying to prevent her from carrying her pregnancy to term. The season boasts a stellar cast including Kim Kardashian, Matt Czuchry, and Denis O’Hare, adding a new layer of intrigue and suspense to the long-running anthology series. The choice to split the season reflects a need to maximize the narrative impact of a particularly complex and nuanced story, ensuring that Valentine’s original vision is faithfully translated to the screen. The decision also capitalizes on the already high level of viewer engagement, creating even greater anticipation for the season’s dramatic conclusion.
Deciphering the “Delicate” Narrative
The story of “Delicate” delves into the anxieties surrounding pregnancy, particularly within the high-pressure environment of Hollywood fame. Anna’s paranoia and the seemingly supernatural events she experiences leave viewers questioning her sanity and the true nature of the forces working against her. The inclusion of Kim Kardashian in a prominent role, playing Anna’s publicist Siobhan Corbyn, adds another layer of meta-commentary on the industry’s relentless demands on women. The first half of the season expertly establishes a tense and unsettling atmosphere, leaving key plot points and character motivations shrouded in mystery. Expect the second part to answer many of the lingering questions surrounding Anna’s condition, Siobhan’s true allegiances, and the origins of the unsettling symbols and rituals that permeate Anna’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Horror Story: Delicate
Here are the answers to some of the most pressing questions surrounding American Horror Story Season 12:
FAQ 1: When Will Part Two of American Horror Story: Delicate Air?
Part Two of American Horror Story: Delicate began airing on April 3, 2024. After a significant hiatus due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the final episodes are now available for viewing on FX and Hulu. This delay heightened anticipation and allowed fans to meticulously dissect the events of Part One, developing theories and predictions for the season’s conclusion.
FAQ 2: Where Can I Watch American Horror Story: Delicate?
New episodes of American Horror Story: Delicate air first on FX. Shortly after their television debut, episodes are available for streaming on Hulu. Depending on your location and subscription, other streaming services may offer past seasons of AHS, but Hulu remains the primary streaming home for current episodes.
FAQ 3: Who are the Key Cast Members in American Horror Story: Delicate?
The season features a talented ensemble cast, led by Emma Roberts as Anna Victoria Alcott and Kim Kardashian as Siobhan Corbyn. Matt Czuchry plays Dex Harding, Anna’s husband, and Denis O’Hare returns to the AHS universe in an unspecified role. Additional cast members include Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Annabelle Dexter-Jones, and Julie White. The dynamic performances of this cast are crucial to the season’s success, contributing to the palpable tension and unsettling atmosphere.
FAQ 4: Is American Horror Story: Delicate Based on a True Story?
Delicate is not based on a true story. It is an adaptation of Danielle Valentine’s novel, Delicate Condition, a thriller that explores themes of pregnancy paranoia and the pressures faced by women in the public eye. While the themes may resonate with real-world anxieties, the specific events and characters are fictional.
FAQ 5: What is Delicate Condition About?
Danielle Valentine’s Delicate Condition tells the story of Anna Alcott, an actress struggling to conceive through IVF who begins to suspect that someone is actively trying to sabotage her pregnancy. The novel explores themes of gaslighting, female anxieties, and the dark side of ambition, offering a modern reimagining of the classic horror film, Rosemary’s Baby.
FAQ 6: Will There Be an American Horror Story Season 13?
Yes, American Horror Story has been renewed for a 13th season. While details about the theme, cast, and release date of Season 13 remain under wraps, fans can expect an announcement sometime in the future, following the tradition of unveiling details closer to the premiere.
FAQ 7: How Does Delicate Differ From Previous AHS Seasons?
Delicate stands out as the first season to be directly adapted from a novel, marking a departure from the series’ usual original storytelling format. While previous seasons have drawn inspiration from historical events, urban legends, and cultural anxieties, Delicate benefits from the pre-existing framework and character development found in Valentine’s book.
FAQ 8: What Themes Does Delicate Explore?
Delicate delves into several compelling themes, including pregnancy anxiety, the pressures of fame, gaslighting, and the exploitation of women in the entertainment industry. It also explores the challenges faced by women undergoing fertility treatments and the potential psychological toll of these procedures. The narrative uses horror elements to amplify these anxieties and create a chilling and thought-provoking experience for viewers.
FAQ 9: Is American Horror Story: Delicate Scary?
Delicate employs a slow-burn approach to horror, building suspense and unease through psychological manipulation and unsettling imagery. While it may not rely heavily on jump scares, the constant sense of paranoia and the blurring of reality create a genuinely disturbing atmosphere. The effectiveness of the scares ultimately depends on individual viewer sensibilities.
FAQ 10: Who is Siobhan Corbyn and What is Her Role?
Siobhan Corbyn, played by Kim Kardashian, is Anna’s ambitious and influential publicist. Her true motives are shrouded in mystery, and viewers are left to question her loyalty and the extent of her involvement in the unsettling events surrounding Anna’s pregnancy. Siobhan’s character is a complex and compelling addition to the AHS universe, embodying the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry.
FAQ 11: What is the Significance of the Title “Delicate”?
The title Delicate refers to both the fragility of Anna’s pregnancy and the delicate state of her mental health. It also hints at the precarious nature of her career and her relationships in the face of mounting pressure and paranoia. The double meaning of the title perfectly captures the season’s central themes and sets the stage for a suspenseful and unsettling narrative.
FAQ 12: Are There Connections to Previous AHS Seasons in Delicate?
While Delicate is a standalone story, it exists within the larger American Horror Story universe. Eagle-eyed viewers may spot subtle references, recurring actors, and shared themes that connect it to previous seasons. However, prior knowledge of the AHS mythology is not essential for enjoying Delicate as a self-contained narrative. The return of Denis O’Hare provides a connection to past seasons, although his specific role remains ambiguous, leaving fans to speculate about potential links to established characters or storylines.
The Future of American Horror Story
With Season 12 now complete, anticipation builds for the already confirmed Season 13. While the specific details remain unknown, fans can expect Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk to deliver another season filled with chilling horror, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. The anthology format allows for endless possibilities, ensuring that American Horror Story continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences for years to come. The franchise’s continued success hinges on its ability to reinvent itself while staying true to its core elements of suspense, psychological horror, and exploration of societal anxieties.