American Horror Storycould continue beyond season 13, according to a new update from Disney Television Group president Eric Schrier. Since debuting in 2011,Ryan Murphy’s hit FX anthology series has been a staple of horror television, delivering a new spine-chilling story with each season, from haunted houses and witches to asylums and apocalypses. The franchise’s flexible format and dedicated audience have made it a long-standing success, featuring a roster of talented actors, including Sarah Paulson, Jessica Lange, Emma Roberts, and Evan Peters. WithAHSseason 13 already confirmed, the series continues to be popular.
In a new interview withDeadline, Schrier was asked about the future ofAmerican Horror Storybeyond season 13.The executive stated that while season 13 is confirmed to happen,any future installments are entirely dependent on Murphy’s interest. He also explained the studio’s unique way of working with Murphy and emphasized the unique flexibility of the franchise, which lends itself naturally to reinvention.“It’s a franchise that, by design, can always be rebooted,” Schrier explained. Read his full comments below:
I think yes, as long as Ryan has an idea. The way we work with Ryan is different than with other creators, he’s in a select few group of people that, if he has a great idea for anotherAmerican Horror Story, and that’s something that [FX Networks chairman] John [Landgraf] and the team at FX really want to do, we’re going to figure it out.
We don’t have another incarnation ofAmerican Horror Storyordered, but it’s a franchise that, by design, can always be rebooted. And so when Ryan has an idea that is great and can figure it out with his schedule of all the things that he’s doing, I could very well see us doing another installment.
What This Means For American Horror Story’s Future
Ryan Murphy Will Always Drive The Franchise
The biggest takeaway from Schrier’s comments is that the anthology series doesn’t follow a traditional renewal pipeline. Season 13 was renewed in 2020, when the show was still in season 9 and got greenlit for four more seasons. Althoughno formal plans forAmerican Horror Storyseason 14 are yet in place, viewers can be assured that the door remains wide open. As one of the busiest producers in the industry, behind shows likeNetflix’sMonsteranthology,9-1-1, andAmerican Sports Story,among others, Murphy’s ability to keepAHSalive is impressive.
However, it also means that any breaks or gaps between seasons could grow longer if scheduling conflicts arise or if Murphy doesn’t have a new idea ready to go. Still, the anthology format gives the series an advantage. Season 12 ofAHSwas the first one Murphy did not run, as he passed on the reins to continue working on his other projects. This means thatthe show can still move forward, even if it’s not helmed by Murphy, who has previously explained that his involvement with the show depends on the creative direction of each season.
American Horror Storyseason 12’s cast featured Kim Kardashian and Emma Roberts.
Unlike serialized shows that rely on linear storytelling,eachAmerican Horror Storyseasonis a new concept with new characters. This allows for flexible production, a fresh cast, and the ability to revitalize the franchise as needed. This also means that even if the show takes a temporary hiatus after season 13, it could still return years later, with new, fresh horror stories to tell.
Our Take On American Horror Story’s Longevity
A Flexible Format Keeps The Franchise Fresh
American Horror Storyhas always thrived by reinventing itself. Whether it is the gothic dread ofMurder Houseor the dystopian paranoia ofCult,each season is its own creative playground. As long as Murphy remains passionate about exploring new horror concepts, even if he does not run the season, and FX continues to support the show,there’s no reasonAHScan’t go beyond season 13. In fact, its anthology nature may be the key to its long-term survival.
