What is the correct order to watch AHS?

Untangling the Twisted Threads: A Guide to Watching American Horror Story

American Horror Story (AHS) is a unique beast. An anthology series that reinvents itself with each season, it presents a fresh nightmare every year, filled with disturbing imagery, compelling characters, and often, a healthy dose of social commentary. But with interwoven themes, recurring actors playing different roles, and occasional crossovers, figuring out the best order to watch AHS can be a bit of a horror story in itself.

The beauty of AHS lies in its anthology format. Each season stands alone, telling a complete story with a definitive beginning, middle, and end. This means there’s no strict, chronological order you need to follow to understand the core narrative of each season. However, understanding the nuances, catching the easter eggs, and appreciating the character connections that do exist often enhances the viewing experience.

So, where do you begin?

While personal preference always reigns supreme, a good starting point, and the one most often recommended, is to simply watch the seasons in their original release order. This provides a natural progression of the show’s style, tone, and overall ambition.

Let’s break down the first few seasons, a great place to launch your descent into AHS madness:

• Murder House (2011): This is ground zero. You’re introduced to the Harmon family, a troubled couple and their teenage daughter, as they move into a seemingly charming but deeply sinister Los Angeles house with a horrifying past. “Murder House” establishes many of the core themes of the series: dysfunctional families, the weight of secrets, and the enduring power of the supernatural. It’s a fantastic starting point because it lays the foundation for later seasons and introduces recurring actors in some of their most iconic roles.

• Asylum (2012): Brace yourself for a descent into the horrors of Briarcliff Manor, a mental institution in 1964. “Asylum” is often considered one of the strongest seasons, tackling themes of sanity, religion, medical experimentation, and government conspiracies. While completely separate from “Murder House” in plot, it showcases the series’ willingness to explore disturbing subjects with unflinching honesty.

• Coven (2013): Trade ghosts and institutions for witches and magic in “Coven.” Set in New Orleans, this season follows a coven of young witches grappling with their powers, ancient rivalries, and the threat of outside forces. “Coven” offers a more flamboyant and often darkly comedic tone compared to the previous seasons, exploring themes of power, immortality, and social justice.

Why Watch in Release Order (At Least Initially)?

• Character Introductions: Seeing actors like Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, and Jessica Lange in their initial AHS roles allows you to appreciate their evolution throughout the series. You’ll recognize them in later seasons, but with different personalities and stories.
• Evolving Themes: While each season is standalone, certain themes and motifs recur throughout the series. Watching in order allows you to recognize these patterns and appreciate the subtle connections between different narratives.
• Gradual Increase in Complexity: The seasons tend to become more interconnected as the show progresses. Starting with the early seasons allows you to build a foundation for understanding the more intricate storylines in later seasons.

Beyond the First Few Seasons:

While starting with “Murder House,” “Asylum,” and “Coven” in order is highly recommended, once you’ve established a familiarity with the AHS universe, you can become more flexible. You can jump around based on themes or settings that interest you, but keep in mind that some seasons, like “Hotel,” “Roanoke,” and “Apocalypse,” have stronger ties to previous narratives.

Ultimately, the “correct” order to watch American Horror Story is the order that brings you the most enjoyment. Just be prepared for scares, shocking twists, and a healthy dose of the macabre. Happy watching!