The 2000s saw an incredible boom in TV shows, many of which went on to become timeless classics. However, when it came to horror series, there was a noticeable lack of standout productions – until “American Horror Story” emerged and made waves a few years later. This show left its mark as one of the most successful and popular series during its era. Its innovative format instantly captivated audiences. For quite some time, the series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk ruled the ratings, but eventually, this dominance began to wane. To date, there have been 12 seasons, but somewhere along the line, the stories seemed to lose their impact.
The main question is why this issue has occurred, and by examining it more closely, we can formulate some hypotheses. The crucial matter is whether Murphy has detected this problem and is taking action to resolve it. He recently stated that he doesn’t intend to discontinue the show in the near future, so perhaps he has a strategy up his sleeve. Production for Season 13 is underway and should be released soon, but if it follows the same pattern as the previous seasons, American Horror Story may struggle to continue.
American Horror Story Season 13 Needs to Go Back to Its Roots
In 2011, American Horror Story burst onto the scene with a significant amount of excitement. From its inception, the first season, Murder House, made a substantial impression, and its characters continue to be recognized as series legends – such as Tate Langdon, who remains unforgettable. The horror elements were skillfully executed and seamlessly incorporated into each episode, ensuring that fans of the genre couldn’t help but become captivated. It seemed as though the creators had a keen understanding of what their audience desired at all times, and this knack for delivering the right formula sustained throughout subsequent seasons.
Speaking of American Horror Story, it’s often praised as the greatest season by some fans, while others prefer Coven. Over the years, the series has gained a significant following and climbed high on the best TV series rankings. However, unexpectedly, things began to unravel. The storylines became disorganized, the characters lost their charm, and the plot twists became too complex to comprehend. It became evident that the horror element was no longer present.
It’s fascinating how American Horror Story has evolved since Season 7, particularly after Cult. Prior to Season 7, the show was primarily focused on traditional horror, characterized by its dark, frightening, and suspenseful scenes meant to make viewers jump. The series had no qualms about delving into the grotesque and pushing boundaries to the limit. However, with Apocalypse, there was a shift towards fantasy elements, while still maintaining some horror undertones. This trend continued in Double Feature, NYC, and Delicate , moving further away from the original horror style. The only season that somewhat adhered to the traditional horror format was 1984, which paid homage to ’80s slasher films, but even this felt more like a pleasant surprise for fans rather than a full-fledged return to its roots.
A change or renovation isn’t necessarily negative; quite the contrary, established productions often require updates. However, when a show strays too far from its initial, unsettling horror essence, it risks forfeiting some of the unique qualities that initially captivated audiences.
It appears that Murphy has confirmed the return of the original cast for Season 13, so we can expect stars like Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters to reappear. This news is exciting, but it’s important to remember that having popular actors doesn’t guarantee success – they both appeared in “Double Feature,” which didn’t make a significant impact. To recapture its audience, Season 13 needs to find a balance: introduce new elements while also recapturing the fear that characterized the early seasons and made them unforgettable. That is the real secret to success.
Personally, I found Season 12 to be a bit of a departure from the norm. It wasn’t just about the execution and pace; the fundamental issue was originality. For the first time, the storyline was adapted from “Delicate Condition” by Danielle Valentine, which felt quite different from the usual storylines we’re accustomed to. Additionally, while it did incorporate psychological horror elements, it seemed to lack some of the signature traits that the show is known for – intense violence, serial killers, and the raw intensity that fans have come to expect.
In essence, the title serves as a summary of the show’s essence. It mustn’t deviate excessively from its initial commitment to viewers. One blunder often made in television is breaching an unwritten agreement with audiences – if you market one thing and present something totally contrasting, the negative response is predictable. Even when American Horror Story ventures into risky territory, such as with Apocalypse, it can fail if the presentation is sloppy or the pace is hasty.
For Season 13, we should focus on creating an authentic horror experience – one that sends chills down viewers’ spines. At this point, deviating from the traditional script may not be advisable. Instead, let’s provide scenes that linger in fans’ minds long after the show ends, moments that haunt them. If we aim for a true resurgence, we should revisit our roots by delivering episodes that leave people genuinely unnerved and on edge.
Why Did American Horror Story Lose So Much of Its Audience?
Ryan Murphy has amassed a notable collection of successful productions, including “Glee”, “Pose”, “American Crime Story”, “Scream Queens”, “Monsters”, and “Grotesquerie”. Given his body of work, it’s evident that he frequently delves into the horror genre. However, one might wonder why he allowed his most recognized horror series, “American Horror Story”, to diminish in prominence, with its core theme taking a back seat. It could be that with numerous projects on his hands, he simply devoted less attention to “American Horror Story” – considering it was his signature show, and its success was virtually assured. Alternatively, he may have sought to experiment with alternative techniques, demonstrating that horror isn’t always about gore or sudden frights. Yet, it’s fair to say that viewers weren’t receptive to this new direction. Some even speculate that the show appears to be catering to a different demographic now.
Could it be that one reason for the show’s drop in quality was the change in setting? Remarkably, the success of having a centralized location, which worked so well in previous seasons, might have contributed to the show’s decline when this concept was abandoned. The last time we experienced something similar was with Roanoke (though 1984 did bring it back, albeit differently). It seems possible that the series may have erred by deviating too much from a formula that had struck a chord with viewers.
Initially, the anthology style of “American Horror Story” was innovative and intriguing when it debuted. However, it may no longer have the same impact today, or perhaps the problem lies not with the format but with weak story development. It appears that the show is having difficulty striking a balance. When it ventures into risky territory, it tends to go too far and becomes disorganized; when it opts for safer choices, it loses its impact and fades into insignificance.
The viewership for the show decreased by nearly 60% during the last season, but it’s not doomed quite yet. It won’t be simple, but there’s still a chance for redemption. Essentially, American Horror Story needs to regain its footing, and Season 13 could be its chance to do so. If things don’t improve in this season, it might spell the end for the show. Will Ryan Murphy recognize this predicament before it’s too late? Only time will reveal the answer.
All seasons of American Horror Story are available to stream on Hulu.
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2025-02-10 04:10