American Horror Story (AHS), with its twisted narratives and revolving cast, has become a cultural phenomenon. But why can’t you binge the entire saga on Netflix? The answer lies in exclusive licensing agreements between 20th Television (owned by Disney) and Hulu, predating Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox. This existing deal grants Hulu the streaming rights, effectively keeping AHS off Netflix’s platform for the foreseeable future.
The Streaming Wars and AHS: A Battle for Exclusive Content
The modern streaming landscape is defined by competition, with platforms vying for exclusive content to attract and retain subscribers. Exclusivity is a major weapon in this battle. Popular shows like AHS become valuable assets that can significantly boost a platform’s appeal. Hulu secured a long-term deal with 20th Television for AHS before Disney’s acquisition, which meant Hulu maintained control over the show’s streaming rights even after the merger. This is a prime example of how legacy deals can shape the content availability on different platforms today.
How Disney’s Acquisition Impacted Streaming Deals
Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox and subsequently, 20th Television, complicated the streaming landscape. While Disney owns both Hulu and 20th Television, they chose to honor existing licensing agreements. This means that even though Disney technically could move AHS to Disney+ or allow Netflix to license it, they are bound by the prior agreement with Hulu. This decision highlights the importance of contractual obligations in the entertainment industry. While Disney may strategically choose to shift future seasons of AHS to other platforms, the existing seasons remain tethered to Hulu due to this early agreement.
Hulu’s Investment in AHS: A Profitable Partnership
Hulu has heavily invested in promoting and showcasing American Horror Story, understanding its popularity and drawing power. The show consistently ranks high on Hulu’s most-watched lists, contributing significantly to subscriber engagement. This makes retaining the streaming rights a financially sound decision for Hulu. The platform has even produced AHS spin-offs and tie-in content, further solidifying its commitment to the franchise.
The Future of AHS Streaming Rights
While the current agreement keeps AHS on Hulu, the future is not set in stone. As licensing agreements expire, Disney has the option to renegotiate and potentially shift the show’s streaming home. However, given AHS’s success on Hulu, it’s likely that Disney will seek to renew the agreement, ensuring the show remains a key component of Hulu’s content library. The expiration dates of these agreements remain confidential, adding an element of speculation to the discussion.
FAQs: Unveiling the Mysteries of AHS Streaming Availability
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation surrounding American Horror Story’s availability on streaming platforms:
FAQ 1: Is AHS Available on Disney+?
No, American Horror Story is not available on Disney+ in the United States. Disney+ typically focuses on family-friendly content, and AHS’s mature themes and graphic violence are not a fit for the platform’s brand.
FAQ 2: Can I Buy AHS Episodes or Seasons on Digital Platforms?
Yes, you can purchase individual episodes or entire seasons of American Horror Story on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes (Apple TV), Google Play, and Vudu. This offers an alternative way to watch the show if you don’t have a Hulu subscription.
FAQ 3: Will AHS Ever Come to Netflix?
While theoretically possible, it is highly unlikely that American Horror Story will come to Netflix in the near future, given the current licensing agreement with Hulu and Disney’s strategy to keep popular content within their own ecosystem.
FAQ 4: Are There Any Regional Differences in AHS Streaming Availability?
Yes, streaming availability can vary depending on your region. In some countries outside the United States, AHS might be available on different platforms. It’s always best to check your local streaming services for availability.
FAQ 5: Why Did Hulu Get the Rights to AHS in the First Place?
Hulu secured the streaming rights to AHS due to a pre-existing licensing agreement with 20th Television before Disney acquired the company. These deals are often long-term and legally binding.
FAQ 6: Does the FX App Offer Streaming of AHS?
The FX app, which is associated with the FX network that originally aired AHS, typically requires a cable subscription to access its content, including AHS episodes. You need to authenticate your cable provider to stream via the FX app.
FAQ 7: Are There Any AHS Spin-Offs Available on Netflix?
Currently, no AHS spin-offs are available on Netflix in the United States. “American Horror Stories,” another anthology series in the AHS universe, is also exclusive to Hulu.
FAQ 8: How Can I Watch AHS Without a Hulu Subscription?
Aside from purchasing episodes or seasons on digital platforms, you can also explore other streaming services that offer free trials to watch a limited amount of AHS content during the trial period. You could also sign up to Hulu with a trial period. Be sure to cancel before the trial expires to avoid being charged.
FAQ 9: What Happens When the Current Hulu Licensing Agreement Expires?
When the licensing agreement expires, Disney will have the opportunity to re-evaluate the streaming distribution of AHS. They could renew the agreement with Hulu, move the show to Disney+, or potentially license it to another platform, although the latter is less likely.
FAQ 10: Is it Possible to Use a VPN to Watch AHS on Hulu if I’m Outside the US?
While using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access Hulu from outside the US might seem like a solution, it’s important to note that it violates Hulu’s terms of service and could result in your account being suspended or terminated. Furthermore, Hulu actively blocks many VPN services.
FAQ 11: Does Hulu Offer All Seasons of AHS?
Hulu typically offers all available seasons of American Horror Story shortly after they finish airing on FX. However, it’s always best to confirm the specific seasons available on Hulu’s platform.
FAQ 12: How Does Hulu’s Subscription Model Affect Access to AHS?
Hulu offers various subscription plans. The basic plan, which includes ads, provides access to AHS. An ad-free subscription offers the same content without commercial interruptions, providing a smoother viewing experience.