American Horror Story is an anthology, which means each season is designed to stand on its own with a new setting and story. The twist is that Ryan Murphy and the writers also treat the show like a shared universe: some characters cross over, a few locations reappear, and later seasons occasionally “pay off” earlier ones with direct follow-ups—most notably Season 8.
The simplest watch order
If you want the cleanest, least confusing path, watch in release order (Season 1 → Season 12). That’s also the best way to catch the connections in the intended “reveal” order.
There’s only one optional tweak some fans like: if you prefer character backstory in chronological order, you can watch Season 4 (Freak Show) before Season 2 (Asylum) because of how one major crossover character’s timeline plays out. (It’s not required—release order works perfectly well.)
Every season in order, with what it’s about and how it connects
Season 1: Murder House (2011)
A haunted-house story built around a Los Angeles home with a long history and a family trying to start over.
How it connects:
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It becomes a major “return to” setting later, especially in Season 8.
Season 2: Asylum (2012–2013)
A psychological-and-supernatural season centered on a Catholic-run institution and the people trapped inside it.
How it connects:
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Ties into Season 4 through crossover characters (you’ll recognize them when you get there).
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A key character from this season later reappears in Season 6.
Season 3: Coven (2013–2014)
A New Orleans witch-centered season focused on rivalry, legacy, and power struggles within a secretive community.
How it connects:
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It’s one of the two biggest “required” seasons for understanding Season 8.
Season 4: Freak Show (2014–2015)
Set in the 1950s, around a travelling troupe and the threats closing in on them.
How it connects:
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Directly linked to Season 2 via crossover characters and shared backstory.
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Referenced again in Season 7 in a smaller but very deliberate way.
Season 5: Hotel (2015–2016)
A stylish, supernatural season set in a dangerous, infamous hotel.
How it connects:
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One character from Season 3 crosses into this season, and Season 8 later treats Hotel as part of its crossover web.
Season 6: Roanoke (2016)
A format-bending season that plays with “true crime” TV storytelling and escalating consequences.
How it connects:
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Brings back a major character from Season 2 in the finale.
Season 7: Cult (2017)
A grounded season that leans into paranoia, manipulation, and fear as a social force rather than leaning on classic supernatural rules.
How it connects:
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Includes an explicit in-universe reference to Season 4 (a “meta” connection rather than a plot crossover).
Season 8: Apocalypse (2018)
This is the big connective “event” season. It’s designed as a crossover that pulls major threads from earlier seasons into one storyline.
How it connects:
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Officially framed as a crossover between Murder House, Coven, and Hotel.
If you only watch one season for “how the universe fits together,” it’s this one—but it hits much harder if you’ve already seen Seasons 1, 3, and 5 first.
Season 9: 1984 (2019)
A throwback season built around classic slasher-era vibes, with its own cast and story engine.
How it connects:
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Largely stands alone compared with Season 8’s heavy crossover approach.
Season 10: Double Feature (2021)
Two separate stories in one season (often treated like two mini-seasons): one coastal, one conspiracy-leaning.
How it connects:
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More “anthology-first” again—fewer direct ties than Season 8.
Season 11: NYC (2022)
A darker, grounded season set in 1980s New York, with an emphasis on atmosphere and dread rather than “monster-of-the-week” shocks.
How it connects:
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Mostly plays as its own self-contained entry.
Season 12: Delicate (2023–2024)
A Hollywood-centered story is notable because it’s based on a novel (Danielle Valentine’s Delicate Condition) rather than an original AHS concept.
How it connects:
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It’s primarily standalone, and it aired as a split season across 2023–2024.
What about Season 13?
FX renewed American Horror Story through Season 13 back in 2020. In late 2025, reporting indicated Season 13 has been officially announced with a target window around Halloween 2026, though themes/story details are still being kept quiet.
