Every Halloween season I rewatch American Horror Story. It’s become my own little tradition: celebrating at home, settling in front of the TV, embracing the transition away from the warmth of summer to a much colder darker atmosphere. Few TV shows capture the spirit of Halloween like AHS. I tend to revisit my favorites, namely, Freak Show each year but this time around, I had a more ambitious goal in mind. My 2023 binge consisted of all 11 (!) seasons, and with them fresh in my mind, I'm well prepared to update my AHS Ranking.
One of the most exciting aspects of AHS is that with every season of the anthology series, we get another take on horror storytelling with some familiar threads throughout each new iteration but also major departures from previous years. Ever-evolving over its decade+ long run, it has brought to the screen: ghosts, serial killers, serial killer ghosts, demons, witches, zombies, clowns, vampires, cults and a healthy dose of political and social commentary. AHS has been known for its hyper-stylized cinematic flair, tongue-in-cheek tone, graphic depictions of visceral horror and a propensity for originality while also paying tribute to horror classics— in other words: there’s something here for mostly everyone!
It's fair to say AHS has its high highs and low lows and a pattern of finding a sweet spot briefly before taking a sudden left turn into a ditch, leaving us with only a few satisfying conclusions in 11 seasons. This could be a turn off for some but others might look past certain flaws depending on the level of appeal of each season's concept and themes. It’s not difficult to imagine why every individual has a uniquely varied ranking. There is so much diversity in personal taste preferences, especially when it comes to genre media that garners a passionate fan base. Comparing notes is a tried and true way to provoke fiery debates celebrate the series. My opinions haven't changed too drastically over the years but I still put much consideration into the order of my list. Some minor adjustments were made and the addition of a first-time watch, AHS: NYC (a welcome surprise). Introducing something new into the mix was exactly the change of pace I needed to reach the finish line on what was a lengthy and at times excruciatingly tedious TV marathon.
DF: Red Tide -> 1984 -> Murder House -> Hotel -> DF: Death Valley -> Apocalypse
My instinct was to keep Double Feature as one season but given how vastly different the quality is between those two stories, I decided I could more accurately place them where they belong by separating them.
My prediction for Delicate (S12) is that it might land somewhere around Red Tide but only time will tell. It’s off to a not so promising start.
Final thoughts:
Thinking back to the 2000s there was very little horror on television and come the 2010s AHS would be one of a few TV shows to begin to fill that void. AHS has contributed its vivid nightmares to the zeitgeist for 12 years now and that alone is something worth celebrating. Happy Halloween 🖤
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