American Horror Story has served as Ryan Murphy’s horror magnum opus since it premiered with Murder House in 2011. Although the anthology has delivered some decisive instalments over the years, its most devoted fans have returned for each new chapter – and Season 13 looks set to give them a major reason to tune in. The aptly titled American Horror Story: 13 will bring together some of the franchise’s most recognisable stars, namely the trio at the forefront – Billie Dean Howard is important to the plot of Season 1 – of Murder House, Asylum, Coven, and Freak Show, Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, and Evan Peters.
Here is everything we know about American Horror Story: 13.
When Does American Horror Story: 13 Release?
American Horror Story: 13 premieres on Thursday, September 24 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on FX and Hulu. The season will feature 13 half-hour episodes.
The premiere and second week will each feature three episodes. The series will then release two episodes each Thursday before concluding with a single-episode finale on October 29.
The full US release schedule is:
- September 24: Episodes 1-3
- October 1: Episodes 4-6
- October 8: Episodes 7-8
- October 15: Episodes 9-10
- October 22: Episodes 11-12
- October 29: Episode 13
UK viewers can watch the season on Disney+, with the first three episodes arriving on September 25. The UK release will follow the same pattern, with two episodes arriving each Friday before the final episode on October 30 – right in time for Halloween.
What is American Horror Story: 13 About?
FX has kept the plot largely under wraps – unless you can piece together the story from the many on-set paparazzi photos – but the official logline reads:
“An unrivaled 13th installment that will do justice to everyone’s most feared number. Bringing together an all-star cast, many of whom are reprising fan favorite roles, American Horror Story: 13 continues to build on the anthology’s decades-long legacy that has been streamed more than 700 million hours across the globe and spawned a legion of dedicated fans. American Horror Story has redefined the genre with various installments featuring a creepy murder house, a coven of witches, a traveling freak show, a haunted hotel and the apocalypse itself. Which iconic horrors will return to haunt the hallowed halls of 13 and what new terrors await? Light your candles, draw your pentagrams and prepare for a supreme surprise.”
Who Is Returning?
The returning cast includes:
- Jessica Lange
- Sarah Paulson
- Evan Peters
- Frances Conroy
- Kathy Bates
- Angela Bassett
- Emma Roberts
- Billie Lourd
- Gabourey Sidibe
- Jamie Brewer
- Leslie Grossman
- John Carroll Lynch
- Mat Fraser
- Mena Suvari
- Zach Villa
- Seth Gabel
Murphy and FX have confirmed that the season will bring back several fan favourite characters, including Constance Langdon, Cordelia Goode, Marie Laveau, Madison Montgomery, Addie Langdon, Kai Anderson, Rubber Man, and Twisty the Clown.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight at The Shards premiere in July, Murphy revealed, “Sarah Paulson is playing six or seven roles. Jessica Lange is playing all four of her iconic characters. Evan Peters is playing five characters… It is like the Avengers. They all come together to defeat the ultimate evil.”
Lange’s return makes a particularly significant turn for the anthology. She starred in the show’s first four seasons and briefly appeared in Apocalypse, but in a February 2025 interview, she said she was finished with the franchise.
Who Is Joining the Cast?
The new additions include:
- Avantika
- Alex Consani
- John Waters
- Joey Pollari
- Tig Notaro
- Madelaine Petsch
- Paul Anthony Kelly
Is Ariana Grande in American Horror Story: 13?
No. Ariana Grande was originally announced as part of the Season 13 cast, but she later left the project because of scheduling conflicts with her Eternal Sunshine tour. She did not film any scenes for the season.
Is There a Trailer for American Horror Story: 13?
Yes. FX released the first official teaser for American Horror Story: 13 on August 13, teasing fan favourites Lange as Constance Lange, Peters as Kai, Paulson as Cordelia, Bassett as Marie Laveau, Roberts as Madison Montgomery, and villains such as Carroll Lynch as Twisty the Clown and Rubber Man. On September 10, the full trailer was released.
