Ryan Murphy has made it clear that the star-studded approach of American Horror Story Season 13 is a one-time deal. The creator recently confirmed that the show won't revisit its all-star format, even as the franchise barrels ahead with a 14th season already in the works.
Season 13, which wrapped on October 29, was a love letter to the series' past, bringing back a slew of familiar faces from earlier installments. The season followed a hospice caretaker in New York City who crosses paths with characters from previous AHS chapters, creating a nostalgic mashup that delighted longtime fans. But Murphy, in his own words, sees it as a unique moment—not a template for the future.
Why the All-Star Approach Won't Return
In an interview before the season premiere, Murphy explained that Season 13 was meant to be a tribute to the entire series, and he has no plans to repeat that formula. "This season is a tribute to all of the seasons, which we'll never do again," he said. "But it was fun. It was like getting the band back together and once they got on the set with me, it was like we never stopped making this. Most of them had accents and they instantly fell back into their characters. It was fascinating and thrilling."
That sentiment signals a deliberate pivot for the anthology, which has thrived on reinvention since its 2011 debut. From a haunted hotel to a witch coven, the show has never shied away from bold shifts in tone and setting. Season 14, already renewed, will likely chart a fresh path, leaving fans to speculate what new nightmare Murphy and his team will conjure.
Mixed Reception for Season 13
The latest season has drawn a lukewarm response from critics, currently holding a 60% score on Rotten Tomatoes. That's a far cry from the series' peak with Season 9, 1984, which earned a "Certified Fresh" 88% thanks to its slasher-movie homage. Season 3, Coven, remains a fan favorite with an 85% score, and its cast—including Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Kathy Bates, Gabourey Sidibe, Emma Roberts, and Jessica Lange—all returned for the 13th season, adding to the nostalgia factor.
While the critical reception has been mixed, the season's ambition hasn't gone unnoticed. The decision to weave together characters from across the series was a bold narrative gamble, even if it didn't fully land with every reviewer.
What's Next for the Franchise
With Season 14 confirmed, the big question is where Murphy will take the story next. The creator has been juggling multiple anthology projects, including American Crime Story, American Sports Story, and the recent Love Story. Actor Paul Anthony Kelly, who broke out in Love Story, also appeared in Season 13, hinting at the interconnected nature of Murphy's universe.
For fans eager for more AHS, the wait for Season 14 is already underway. While the all-star format is off the table, the show's ability to surprise remains its greatest strength. As Murphy and his team plot the next chapter, one thing is certain: American Horror Story will keep evolving, even if it never again assembles such a sprawling cast.
Stay tuned for more updates on American Horror Story Season 14 and other upcoming releases, like Black Doves' November return or Rings of Power's 2026 comeback.
