The highly anticipated thirteenth season of American Horror Story is slated to premiere on FX on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 10 PM ET/PT. This season, officially titled American Horror Story: Delicate, promises a chilling adaptation of Danielle Valentine’s novel Delicate Condition, blending psychological thriller with the show’s signature horror flair.
Unveiling American Horror Story: Delicate
American Horror Story: Delicate marks a significant shift for the series, being the first season to be based directly on a novel. This adaptation brings a new layer of suspense and intrigue to the franchise, exploring the anxieties and paranoia surrounding pregnancy. The season will be split into two parts, with the first part premiering in September and the second half expected to air in 2024. This decision, reportedly influenced by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, allows for a more focused narrative and potentially maximizes the impact of the story’s twists and turns.
The Story So Far: Delicate Condition
The source material, Delicate Condition, centers around Anna Alcott, a successful actress desperate to have a baby. After undergoing IVF, she finally becomes pregnant, but her joy is quickly overshadowed by a growing sense of dread. She begins to suspect that someone, or something, is trying to sabotage her pregnancy. Anna experiences unsettling symptoms, encounters strange and ominous figures, and feels increasingly isolated and gaslit by those around her. The novel, often described as a modern horror take on Rosemary’s Baby, provides a rich tapestry of paranoia and psychological torment that American Horror Story is perfectly poised to translate to the screen.
The Cast and Creative Team
American Horror Story: Delicate boasts a stellar cast, headlined by Emma Roberts, a returning favorite to the AHS universe. Alongside her, the season features Kim Kardashian in a significant role, marking her first major foray into acting. Other notable cast members include Matt Czuchry, Billie Lourd, Denis O’Hare, Leslie Grossman, Zachary Quinto, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.
The show’s creative team remains largely consistent, ensuring the familiar American Horror Story aesthetic and tone are preserved. While specific directors and writers for each episode have yet to be officially confirmed, the series is overseen by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, the creators and driving forces behind the anthology. Halley Feiffer serves as the showrunner and main writer for this season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about American Horror Story Season 13
FAQ 1: Will all the episodes of American Horror Story: Delicate be released at once?
No, American Horror Story: Delicate will not be released all at once. As mentioned earlier, the season is split into two parts. Part One will premiere on September 20, 2023, with subsequent episodes airing weekly. The release date for Part Two is currently unconfirmed but expected in 2024, pending resolution of the Hollywood strikes.
FAQ 2: Where can I watch American Horror Story: Delicate?
You can watch American Horror Story: Delicate on FX when it airs live. Episodes will also be available to stream the next day on Hulu. You may also be able to purchase episodes or seasons on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play.
FAQ 3: What is the rating for American Horror Story: Delicate?
Like previous seasons, American Horror Story: Delicate is expected to be rated TV-MA, signifying that it contains mature content, including violence, gore, sexual situations, and strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.
FAQ 4: How many episodes will be in American Horror Story: Delicate?
While the exact number of episodes for American Horror Story: Delicate hasn’t been officially confirmed, it is anticipated to be around 10 episodes, consistent with recent seasons.
FAQ 5: Is this season connected to any previous American Horror Story seasons?
While American Horror Story is an anthology series, meaning each season tells a distinct story, there are often subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) connections and recurring characters throughout the franchise. As of now, there is no official confirmation of direct connections to previous seasons, but keep an eye out for potential Easter eggs and thematic links.
FAQ 6: How does Delicate Condition (the book) differ from previous American Horror Story themes?
Delicate Condition brings a more grounded and psychological horror element compared to some of the more supernatural or fantastical themes explored in past American Horror Story seasons. The focus on pregnancy anxieties, gaslighting, and the female experience offers a fresh perspective and taps into a different kind of fear.
FAQ 7: Why was Kim Kardashian cast in American Horror Story: Delicate?
Ryan Murphy has expressed his admiration for Kim Kardashian’s acting abilities and her potential to bring a unique dimension to the role. He believes she possesses the intelligence, drive, and charisma needed to succeed in the challenging world of American Horror Story. This casting choice has generated significant buzz and is expected to attract a wider audience to the show.
FAQ 8: Will there be any new horror tropes explored in American Horror Story: Delicate?
The focus on pregnancy horror and themes of bodily autonomy suggests that American Horror Story: Delicate will explore new and unsettling territory within the horror genre. The season is likely to delve into anxieties surrounding motherhood, the vulnerability of pregnancy, and the societal pressures placed on women.
FAQ 9: Are there any trailers or teasers available for American Horror Story: Delicate?
Yes, several trailers and teasers have been released, offering glimpses into the eerie atmosphere and unsettling events of American Horror Story: Delicate. You can find these trailers on the official FX and American Horror Story social media channels, as well as on YouTube.
FAQ 10: What impact will the Hollywood strikes have on the release schedule?
The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes are already impacting the release schedule. The season has been split into two parts, with the second part’s release date dependent on the resolution of the strikes. Keep an eye on industry news for updates. While Part 1 is still slated for September 2023, further production delays could affect the timing of Part 2.
FAQ 11: How can I stay updated on American Horror Story: Delicate news?
Stay up-to-date on American Horror Story: Delicate news by following the official FX and American Horror Story social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook), subscribing to entertainment news websites and blogs, and tuning in to entertainment news programs.
FAQ 12: Is it necessary to read Delicate Condition before watching the season?
While reading Delicate Condition might enhance your viewing experience by providing additional context and background information, it is not strictly necessary. The American Horror Story adaptation is expected to stand on its own as a compelling and self-contained story. However, reading the novel could give you a head start on deciphering the season’s mysteries and appreciating the nuances of the characters and plot.