American Horror Story

Definition

American Horror Story is an anthology television series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, known for its unique blend of horror, drama, and dark comedy. Each season presents a self-contained narrative that explores various horror themes, while also experimenting with character continuity and thematic connections across seasons. This series showcases the evolution of storytelling in television through its serial format and innovative genre elements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. American Horror Story debuted in 2011 and has released multiple seasons, each with a distinct theme such as 'Murder House,' 'Asylum,' and 'Coven.'
2. The series often features a recurring ensemble cast, including actors like Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, and Evan Peters, who portray different characters in each season.
3. It has received critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling, visual style, and exploration of societal issues through the lens of horror.
4. American Horror Story frequently incorporates real historical events and figures into its narratives, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
5. The show has been praised for its genre hybridization, mixing elements of horror with drama, fantasy, and even dark humor to create a unique viewing experience.

Review Questions

• How does American Horror Story exemplify the differences between episodic and serial storytelling in television?
  • American Horror Story exemplifies serial storytelling through its anthology format where each season serves as a self-contained narrative. Unlike episodic storytelling where individual episodes tell separate stories, the interconnected themes and character arcs across seasons create a cohesive experience. This approach allows viewers to engage deeply with recurring motifs while exploring fresh narratives in each season.
• Discuss how American Horror Story employs genre hybridization to redefine traditional horror narratives.
  • American Horror Story employs genre hybridization by blending horror with elements of drama, fantasy, and dark comedy. This combination allows the series to explore complex social issues such as identity, trauma, and morality while still delivering chilling moments typical of horror. By innovatively fusing these genres, the show broadens its appeal and challenges viewers' expectations of what horror can entail.
• Evaluate the impact of American Horror Story's unique storytelling techniques on the broader landscape of television programming.
  • The impact of American Horror Story's unique storytelling techniques is significant in shaping the broader landscape of television programming. By popularizing anthology formats and genre hybridization, it has influenced other series to experiment with similar approaches. This evolution encourages creative risks in narrative structure and thematic exploration, prompting networks to embrace diverse storytelling that resonates with modern audiences seeking fresh perspectives on familiar genres.

Related terms

Anthology Series:

A type of television series where each episode or season tells a different story, often with different characters and settings.

Horror Genre: A genre designed to evoke fear, dread, or shock in the audience, often incorporating supernatural elements and psychological tension.

Character Continuity: The consistent development and presence of characters across different narratives, allowing for deeper exploration of their arcs and relationships.