American Horror Story season 13

It’s been two years since Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk gave viewers an entry in their American Horror Story anthology. The 13^th series, simply titled 13, boasts an intriguing premise that sees the veteran cast reprise iconic roles from the show’s history, similar to what Apocalypse did in 2018. While the more recent instalments have been a mixed bag, the first three episodes of the latest outing suggest the creators are leaning into what AHS does best. It’s strange, a little campy, and hints at a compelling mystery that has the potential to be the show’s strongest chapter in some time.

The plot centres around Ben (series newcomer Joey Pollari), a hospice worker who’s terrified of the number 13. After miraculously surviving a plane crash, he becomes the new nighttime carer for the Nosferatu-like Mr Nas (Fedor Steer). Even stranger is that his colleague is Constance Langdon (Jessica Lange), whose tragic fate was revealed in Apocalypse. She’s not the only familiar face to come back from the dead either. Evan Peters reprises his roles as Tate Langdon and psychotic cult leader Kai, while Billie Lourd returns as his devout sister Winter. John Carroll Lynch also reappears as the murderous Twisty the Clown, last seen in Freak Show. These resurrections have something to do with both Nas and the number 13, though these connections remain unclear.

This series is a who’s who of American Horror Story. Reuniting with so many memorable characters is a delightful treat for longtime fans. Each actor effortlessly slips back into their roles, with Lange once again being a magnetic presence. Her performances in the earlier seasons helped define the anthology’s identity, and viewers can look forward to seeing her bring back more of her classic characters. By including so much nostalgia, this show faces the real possibility of relying solely on its fanservice. A winking line from Emma Roberts in the first episode is enough to raise concerns. However, these initial chapters do the legwork to establish a solid foundation to support its tantalising premise and ease those worries for now.

There’s no doubt that 13 was made with superfans in mind. Not only is it thrilling to see Lange take centre stage, but this season shows signs of being a return to form for the horror anthology.

Andrew Murray

American Horror Story season 13 is released on Disney+ on 25^th September 2026.

Watch the trailer for American Horror Story season 13 here: