AHS 13 Reunites Stars for a Supernatural Crossover, but Critics Debate Its Clarity

Key points

• Season 13 launched with three episodes on September 24, followed by a weekly rollout concluding with a finale on October 29.
• The plot centers on Ben, a hospice nurse with a fear of the number 13, who survives a plane crash and enters the Apollyon building.
• Jessica Lange returns as Constance Langdon, who is caring for a mysterious, ailing man named Mr. Nas.
• The season features flesh-and-blood resurrections of characters previously killed in earlier seasons, including Adelaide, Tate, and Kai.
• A portal to hell is revealed beneath the Apollyon, with characters preparing a ritual involving Elizabeth Short, the Black Dahlia.
• Critics are divided: Slate sees a return to form, while Vulture calls the debut incoherent and uninspired.

Background

American Horror Story has run for 12 seasons since 2011, with its 'golden age' generally considered to be the first five seasons. Recent seasons, particularly since 2021, have been met with mixed reviews. Season 13 is technically not the series finale, but it marks the final appearances for several key stars, including Jessica Lange, and the retirement of the Coven witches. The season is produced by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, who have emphasized that it is a new story rather than a sequel, despite the heavy reliance on past characters.

How outlets are covering it

Slate Magazine's J. Bryan Lowder argues that Season 13 might finally deliver the closure fans deserve, praising the return to the show's campy tone and the heft provided by the all-star ensemble. In contrast, Vulture's Jen Chaney criticizes the season as the most incoherent debut in the show's history, noting that the plot remains unclear and the writing feels uninspired. The Hollywood Reporter provides a neutral breakdown of the plot connections, highlighting the mystery surrounding Mr. Nas and the portal to hell, while Rolling Stone focuses on the logistical details of watching the season on Hulu and FX.

Why it matters

Season 13 is significant as it attempts to unify the show's sprawling universe into a single narrative, potentially serving as a definitive conclusion for many of its most iconic characters. The mixed critical reception highlights the ongoing debate over whether the show can successfully balance fan service with coherent storytelling after a decade of uneven quality.

What to watch

New episodes of American Horror Story Season 13 will continue to air weekly on FX and Hulu, with the next batch of episodes scheduled for October 1. The season will conclude with its 13th and final episode on October 29, 2026.