Since its premiere in 2011, American Horror Story has proven itself to be both chilling and encapsulating. Perhaps one of the most appealing characteristics of the show is that it is an anthology, meaning each season tells its own story and can be watched without any prior knowledge of the show. Due to the convenience of streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, subscribers are afforded the luxury of watching a selection of shows at their own leisure. With the upcoming break, one of the things I look forward to the most is catching up on naps and re-watching one of my all-time-favorite TV shows—American Horror Story. Here are some of my favorite seasons of American Horror Story that are perfect to binge-watch over Thanksgiving Break.
Murder House
FX via https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/american-horror-story-tv-review-242166
The first season of AHS is a classic for a number of reasons. Murder House follows the Harmon family as they encounter peculiar experiences in their new home while also face their own inner conflicts. This season is both creepy and dramatic. Ben Harmon is a psychiatrist who runs a practice in an at home office. The inviting yet menacing relationship between Violet Harmon and Tate, her father’s patient, is enamoring enough to keep you engaged, yet the supernatural element of the Harmon’s home keeps you on the edge of your seat. Although Violet and Tate’s relationship is one of the main focuses of this season, it is far from a one-dimensional, melodramatic teen love story. Although this season is not as critically acclaimed as its counterparts, Murder House is the perfect introduction into American Horror Story because it successfully encapsulates the spirit of the show.
Coven
FX via https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/who-is-the-real-supreme-ranking-the-returning-ahs-coven-witches
Coven as a whole is iconic in its own right. Season one of this show may be seen as too theatrical for some, while the second season may be seen as far too sinister for others. In its third season, AHS finds its footing and successfully balances between amusing and eerie. Coven tells the story of a modern-day academy for witches who have all descended from the survivors of the Salem Witch Trials. While the girls at this academy are learning to control their powers, they must also fight off opposing forces around them, all whilst discovering who among them is destined to be the next supreme or queen of all witches. This season tactfully explores with historical figures, witchcraft, voodoo, and even touches on race relations in the paranormal realm. Each member of the cast brings a unique element to the show, but in my personal opinion Jessica Lange is a jewel in this season; she shines in every scene that she is in. The eerie location of New Orleans, Louisiana, as well aesthetically pleasing wardrobe choices perfectly compliment the subject matter and combinate to create a nearly perfect season.
Cult
FX via https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-horror-story-cult-what-expect-season-7-1035734
The seventh season of AHS can be considered the most terrifying simply because it is the most conceivable to happen in real life. The opening scene of cult begins on November 8, 2016; the day that Donald Trump was elected president. The 2016 Presidential Election is one that we all remember, you were either ecstatic or dismayed at the results, very few were apathetic. Cult, capitalizes on these feelings and showcases the disturbing outcomes of radical and polarizing movements on both the left and the right. This seasons offers a bipartisan political commentary and also takes a look at severe mental disorders associated with phobias in a non-demonizing way. This is the only season of American Horror story that steers away from the supernatural and focuses just on what is going on in real life. In fact, one of the episodes in this season had to be edited because the similarities between the fiction and real life were too comparable. In my opinion, the best social commentary can be delivered most effectively through media, and in this instance AHS does not disappoint.