What American Horror Story Season Should You Watch First?

Choosing the right season of American Horror Story can be overwhelming, as each one offers a unique and distinctive storyline. However, many fans recommend starting with Season 1: Murder House.

Why Start with Season 1: Murder House?

Murder House sets the tone for the entire series, introducing themes that will reappear in later seasons. The storytelling is straightforward and engaging, making it a great way to dip your toes into the show's mix of horror drama and complex plotlines. This season lays a solid foundation for understanding the show's narrative and characters, enriching your overall experience.

Season 3: Coven - A Different Take on Horror

While Murder House is a strong choice for its clarity and comprehensiveness, Season 3: Coven offers a different experience. This season is popular for its blend of horror and dark humor, focusing on witchcraft and female empowerment, which might appeal to a broader audience.

Each Season Has Its Own unique Style

Each season of American Horror Story is a self-contained story and independent of the others. While there are some recurring characters after Coven Season 3, it doesn't impact the overall story if you haven't watched the previous seasons. The show takes on a different style in every season, leading to a diverse and polarizing set of reviews.

High-Quality TV Shows with Varied Themes

Despite the varied styles, the show is renowned for its high-quality performances and storytelling. However, it's worth noting that the show often peaks early and can decline towards the end of seasons. This is one of the reasons, as Murder House, is considered one of the best due to its cohesive storyline and engaging plot that doesn't fall apart in the final episodes.

Classic Storylines Across Seasons

The seasons offer classic storylines, such as a haunted house (Murder House), a haunted asylum with aliens (Asylum), witchcraft (Coven), and a vampire scare (Hotel), among others. This variety can make it easier to find a season that matches your interests.

My Personal Recommendations

Based on personal preferences and reviews, the following seasons stand out:

Murder House – A classic haunted house story with a solid narrative flow, making it an excellent choice for newcomers. RoaNoke – A mix of reality TV horror and Southern-style horror, offering a fresh and unique experience. Apocalypse – Startlingly good in the first half with an intriguing villain, although it deteriorates towards the end.

Ultimately, the best season to start with depends on your personal taste. If you prefer the thrill of a haunted house, go with Murder House or Hotel. For those interested in witchcraft, seasons like Coven and Apocalypse might be more appealing.

Conclusion

No matter which season you choose to start with, American Horror Story is a show that offers a wealth of memorable experiences and distinct storytelling. Whether you opt for a classic haunted house storyline, a mix of horror and witchcraft, or something more grounded and psychological, there's a season for everyone. Happy watching!