American Story (franchise)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
American Story
Created byRyan Murphy
Brad Falchuk
Original workAmerican Horror Story
Owner
Years2011–present
Films and television
Television series

American Story[1] is an American anthology media franchise consisting of several television series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk for the cable network FX and FX on Hulu. Each series follows a different genre of fiction, with each individual season conceived as a self-contained miniseries, following a different set of characters and settings, and a story line with its own "beginning, middle, and end." Some plot elements of each season and series are loosely inspired by true events. Many actors appear in more than one season and series, often playing a new character.

Actors who have appeared in two or more instalments of the franchise include: Sarah Paulson; Cuba Gooding Jr.; Connie Britton; Darren Criss; Finn Wittrock; Jon Jon Briones; Cody Fern, who is the only actor to have appeared in all three instalments as of 2021; Max Greenfield; Billy Eichner; Matt Bomer, who directed an episode of American Crime Story; Kaia Gerber; Naomi Grossman; Chad James Buchanan; John Carroll Lynch; Dylan McDermott; Charles Melton; Billie Lourd; Jamie Brewer; Naomi Campbell who appears in the form of archive audio in American Crime Story; Celia Finkelstein; Blake Shields; John Lacy; and Nico Greetham.

The American Story franchise has received widespread critical acclaim, winning several Emmy Awards.

Background[]

Creation[]

What you saw in the finale was the end of the Harmon house. The second season of the show will be a brand-new home or building to haunt. Just like this year, every season of this show will have a beginning, middle and end. [The second season] won't be in L.A. It will obviously be in America, but in a completely different locale.

– Murphy on the series' anthology format[2]

Creators Murphy and Falchuk began working on American Horror Story before their Fox series Glee began production. Murphy wanted to do the opposite of what he had done previously and thus began his work on the series. He stated: "I went from Nip/Tuck to Glee, so it made sense that I wanted to do something challenging and dark. And I always had loved, as Brad had, the horror genre. So it just was a natural for me."[3] Falchuk was intrigued by the idea of putting a different angle on the horror genre, stating that their main goal in creating the series was to scare viewers. "You want people to be a little bit off balance afterwards," he said.[4]

In February 2011, FX officially announced that it had ordered a pilot for a possible series from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, with both Murphy and Falchuk writing and Murphy directing. Dante Di Loreto was announced as executive producer. Production on the series began in April 2011.[5] In July 2011, FX officially announced the project had been picked up to become a full series.[6]

From the beginning, Murphy and Falchuk planned that each season of the series would tell a different story.[2] After the first-season finale aired, Murphy spoke of his plans to change the cast and location for the second season.[7] He did say, however, that some actors who starred in the first season would be returning. "The people that are coming back will be playing completely different characters, creatures, monsters, etc. [The Harmons'] stories are done. People who are coming back will be playing entirely new characters," he announced.[2] In November 2012, FX chief executive, John Landgraf, described the unique format of the series stating: "[T]he notion of doing an anthological series of miniseries with a repertory cast—has proven groundbreaking, wildly successful and will prove to be trendsetting."[8]

On October 7, 2014, it was announced that FX had ordered a 10-episode companion series[9] titled American Crime Story, developed by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski.[10] While each season of American Horror Story focuses on a new horror theme, each season of American Crime Story focuses on a new true crime story.[11][12] On May 11, 2020, Murphy revealed that a spin-off series named American Horror Stories was being developed; it will feature self-contained anthological episodes, instead of a season-long story arc as featured in American Horror Story. It was set to air on FX.[13]

On August 13, 2021, it was announced that FX had ordered a new spin-off series American Love Story. The first installment will depict the whirlwind courtship and marriage of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.[1] On the same day, it was announced that FX had ordered a new spin-off limited series American Sports Story. The first installment, based on the podcast Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc. from The Boston Globe and Wondery, will focus on the rise and fall of former NFL player Aaron Hernandez.[1]

Themes[]

Television series[]

SeriesSeasonTitleEpisodesOriginally releasedStatus
First releasedLast releasedNetwork
American Horror Story1Murder House12October 5, 2011 (2011-10-05)December 21, 2011 (2011-12-21)FXReleased
2Asylum13October 17, 2012 (2012-10-17)January 23, 2013 (2013-01-23)
3Coven13October 9, 2013 (2013-10-09)January 29, 2014 (2014-01-29)
4Freak Show13October 8, 2014 (2014-10-08)January 21, 2015 (2015-01-21)
5Hotel12October 7, 2015 (2015-10-07)January 13, 2016 (2016-01-13)
6Roanoke10September 14, 2016 (2016-09-14)November 16, 2016 (2016-11-16)
7Cult11September 5, 2017 (2017-09-05)November 14, 2017 (2017-11-14)
8Apocalypse10September 12, 2018 (2018-09-12)November 14, 2018 (2018-11-14)
919849September 18, 2019 (2019-09-18)November 13, 2019 (2019-11-13)
10Double Feature[a]10August 25, 2021 (2021-08-25)October 20, 2021 (2021-10-20)
11TBATBATBATBAIn development[15]
12TBATBATBATBA
13TBATBATBATBA
American Crime Story1The People v. O. J. Simpson10February 2, 2016 (2016-02-02)April 5, 2016 (2016-04-05)Released
2The Assassination of Gianni Versace9January 17, 2018 (2018-01-17)March 21, 2018 (2018-03-21)
3Impeachment10September 7, 2021 (2021-09-07)November 9, 2021 (2021-11-09)
4Studio 54TBATBATBAIn development[16]
American Horror Stories1–7July 15, 2021 (2021-07-15)August 19, 2021 (2021-08-19)FX on HuluReleased
2TBATBA2022 (2022)[17]TBAIn development[17][1]
American Love Story1TBATBATBATBAFX
American Sports Story1TBATBATBATBA

American Horror Story (2011–present)[]

Main article: American Horror Story

In February 2011, FX officially announced that it had ordered a pilot for a possible series from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, with both Murphy and Falchuk writing and Murphy directing. Dante Di Loreto was announced as executive producer. Production on the series began in April 2011.[18] In July 2011, FX officially announced the project had been picked up to become a full series.[19]

Each season of American Horror Story focuses on a new horror theme.The series premiered on October 5, 2011, and is broadcast on the cable television channel FX in the United States. In November 2011, it premiered internationally on the respective countries' Fox Networks Group.The first season, retroactively subtitled Murder House, takes place in Los Angeles, California in 2011.It premiered on October 5, 2011, and concluded on December 21, 2011. The second season, subtitled Asylum, takes place in Massachusetts in 1964 which premiered on October 17, 2012. The third season, subtitled Coven, takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2013 which premiered on October 9, 2013. The fourth season, subtitled Freak Show, takes place in Jupiter, Florida in 1952 which premiered on October 8, 2014. The fifth season, subtitled Hotel, takes place in Los Angeles, California in 2015 which premiered on October 7, 2015. The sixth season, subtitled Roanoke, takes place in North Carolina during 2014–2016 which premiered on September 14, 2016. The seventh season, subtitled Cult, takes place in the fictional suburb of Brookfield Heights, Michigan, during 2016–2017 which premiered on September 5, 2017. The eighth season, subtitled Apocalypse, features the return of the witches from Coven as they battle the Antichrist from Murder House in an attempt to prevent the apocalypse which premiered on September 12, 2018. The ninth season, subtitled 1984, takes place outside of Los Angeles during the 1980s which premiered on September 18, 2019. The tenth season, subtitled Double Feature, includes two parts, and the first one takes place in 2021, focusing on a family who moves to Provincetown, Massachusetts, where the strange inhabitants begin to make an impact on their lives. In the second part, a group of students on a camping trip finds themselves embroiled in a terrifying and deadly conspiracy that has been preparing for decades which premiered on August 25, 2021. In January 2020, FX renewed the series for an additional three seasons(Season 11,12&13).

American Crime Story (2016–present)[]

Main article: American Crime Story

On October 7, 2014, it was announced that FX had ordered a 10-episode companion series[20] titled American Crime Story, developed by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski.[21] While each season of American Horror Story focuses on a new horror theme, each season of American Crime Story focuses on a new true crime story. The series features American Horror Story cast members Sarah Paulson, Connie Britton, Cuba Gooding Jr., Darren Criss, Finn Wittrock, Max Greenfield, Jon Jon Briones, Cody Fern and Billy Eichner.

The first season, The People v. O. J. Simpson premiered in February 2016, with the second season, The Assassination of Gianni Versace, premiering in January 2018.[11] A third season, Impeachment, will focus on the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal, and is scheduled to air in September 2021.[12] A potential fourth season, tentatively titled Studio 54, focusing on the rise and fall of Studio 54 owners Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, is currently in development.[22]

American Horror Stories (2021–present)[]

Main article: American Horror Stories

On May 11, 2020, Murphy revealed that a spin-off series named American Horror Stories was being developed; it will feature self-contained anthological episodes, instead of a season-long story arc as featured in American Horror Story. On June 22, 2020, it was announced that American Horror Stories would stream on FX on Hulu.[23] American Horror Stories premiered on July 15, 2021, and its first season consists of seven episodes.[24] On August 13, 2021, the series was renewed for a second season.[25]

The first season features actors who have appeared in American Horror Story.[26] Matt Bomer, Gavin Creel, Sierra McCormick, Kaia Gerber, Paris Jackson, Aaron Tveit, Merrin Dungey, Celia Finkelstein, Ashley Martin Carter, Valerie Loo, Selena Sloan and Belissa Escobedo will star in the first two episodes.[27] Other American Horror Story alums that will appear in the series include Naomi Grossman, Cody Fern, Chad James Buchanan, John Carroll Lynch, Charles Melton, Billie Lourd, Dylan McDermott and Jamie Brewer along with newcomers Danny Trejo, Kevin McHale, Dyllón Burnside, Madison Bailey, Rhenzy Feliz, Amy Grabow, Adrienne Barbeau, Ben J. Pierce, Kyle Red Silverstein, Leonardo Cecchi, Nico Greetham, Taneka Johnson, Virginia Gardner, Ronen Rubinstein, Vanessa Estelle Williams, Michael B. Silver, Jake Choi, Tiffany Dupont, Noah Cyrus, Adam Hagenbuch, Mercedes Mason and Nicolas Bechtel among others.[28]

American Love Story[]

On August 13, 2021, it was announced that FX had ordered a new spin-off series American Love Story. The first installment will depict the whirlwind courtship and marriage of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.[1]

American Sports Story[]

On August 13, 2021, it was announced that FX had ordered a new spin-off limited series American Sports Story. The first installment, based on the podcast Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc. from The Boston Globe and Wondery, will focus on the rise and fall of former NFL player Aaron Hernandez.[1]

Merchandise[]

As part of the promotion for American Horror Story, FX launched a "House Call" campaign, in which viewers at home could sign up and come face-to-face with a character from the series.[29] Prior to the series premiere, FX released several clues to shine light on the series. They were offered on the show's official YouTube channel. Ten clues were released.[30] In September 2011, FX launched a website which allows visitors to tour the Murder House throughout the decades and look for clues.[31]

In August 2012, the first promo for the second season was released on the American Horror Story Facebook page entitled "Special Delivery", in which a nun carries a couple of buckets filled with body parts through a field. As a church bell rings, the nun empties one bucket's bloody contents, leaving the empty bucket behind, and resumes her trek.[32] Over 20 subsequent teasers were released.[33] Four photos were also released on EW.com.[34] Two televised teasers, titled "Meet the Residents", were released on August 31, 2012. They feature the patients and some staff (such as Dr. Thredson, played by Zachary Quinto, and Sister Mary Eunice, played by Lily Rabe) lying in twin beds and dealing with their individual issues as the heads of the asylum (Jessica Lange, Joseph Fiennes and James Cromwell) look on. The song "Que Sera, Sera", mixed with the show's theme music, plays.[35] To promote Cult, a competition was set up where fans who donated to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles could get a chance to get a walk-on role in an episode, and lunch with Evan Peters.[36]

Overall, premises and characters for each season are typically kept under wraps until soon before premiers and are alluded to with brief and vague teaser trailers.

In October 2020, the owners of the historic Alfred Rosenheim Mansion "The Murder House" hosted a virtual paranormal investigation. The house had been featured in several films, TV shows, and music videos including the first season of American Horror Story. A production crew set up 15 cameras throughout the home and featured Hollywood psychic Patti Negri, exorcist Bishop James Long, Michelle Belanger, and other notable guests.

Universal's Halloween Horror Nights[]

On August 16, 2016, FX announced a deal had been struck to feature an American Horror Story maze at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando for their Halloween Horror Nights events. The maze featured sets and themes from Murder House, Freak Show, and Hotel. Universal Parks & Resorts said of the experience, "Twisted scenes from Murder House will unleash the evil spirits that possess the Harmon estate, spiraling guests through decades of the tortured dead who previously resided there. In Freak Show, guests joined a troupe of biological misfits in a sinister sideshow where they were stalked by the murderous and deformed Twisty the Clown. Finally, guests succumbed to the warped desires of the Countess after checking into the haunted Hotel Cortez, conceived from the beginning as a torture chamber for its customers."[37] In 2017, the show returned as haunted attractions to both parks, with Universal Orlando having an attraction based on Asylum, Coven, and Roanoke, and Universal Studios Hollywood basing their attraction solely on Roanoke.

In December 2017, The Walt Disney Company announced it would purchase 21st Century Fox which included the 20th Century Fox film and TV assets. The deal was completely finalized on March 20, 2019, making 20th Century Fox officially part of The Walt Disney Studios. As Disney and Universal are bitter rivals in the theme park business (especially for their Central Florida properties), this would likely end the franchise's presence in Halloween Horror Nights at Universal parks.[38]

The Night Bites Bakery[]

On July 14, 2021 an American Horror Story themed bakery opened in New York's Meatpacking District in Manhattan until July 24, 2021 to celebrate the release of spin-off American Horror Stories and the tenth season. Guests had to be over the age of 18 to enter the bakery. Guests also had to make reservations for 30 minute visits. It featured sweet treats inspired by the series, as well as unique designs and characters based on past installments of American Horror Story and American Horror Stories. After placing a order, the Rubber Woman ,introduced in the first episode of American Horror Stories, delivered the order through a secret window. It opened in Los Angeles from August 4, 2021 until August 14, 2021 in Beverly Grove. The bakery opened in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where the first part of the tenth season were filmed, at Pat's Happy Park on September 1, 2021 till September 4, 2021. [39][40][41][42][43][44][45]

Notes[]

  1. ^ The tenth season is split into two parts, each of which also has its own subtitle; Red Tide for the first six episodes, and Death Valley for the latter four.[14]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e f Petski, Denise (August 13, 2021). "FX Orders 'American Sports Story' & 'American Love Story' Spinoffs From Ryan Murphy". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Mullins, Jenna (December 22, 2011). "American Horror Story Season Two Scoop: New House and (Mostly) New Faces". E! Online. NBCUniversal. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  3. ^ Stack, Tim (October 5, 2011). "'American Horror Story' co-creator Ryan Murphy talks premiere, his favorite scene, and identity of Rubber Man – EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  4. ^ Juergens, Brian (October 3, 2011). "Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk Talk "American Horror Story": Blood, Infidelity, and Zachary Quinto". NewNowNext. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  5. ^ Fienberg, Daniel (February 17, 2011). "FX orders 'American Horror Story' from 'Glee' pair". HitFix. Archived from the original on July 1, 2015. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
  6. ^ "FX Orders "American Horror Story" to Series". The Futon Critic (Press release). Futon Media. July 18, 2011. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  7. ^ Itzkoff, Dave (December 22, 2011). "'American Horror Story' Will Scare Up a New Cast and New Haunted Home for Season 2". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 10, 2015. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  8. ^ de Moraes, Lisa (November 15, 2012). "FX picks up third season of 'American Horror Story'". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 23, 2013. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  9. ^ Rose, Lacey (22 August 2016). "Ryan Murphy Teases 'American Crime Story' Season 2, More 'American Horror Story' and Retooled 'Scream Queens'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  10. ^ "FX Gives Series Order to AMERICAN HORROR STORY Companion Series AMERICAN CRIME STORY; First Season Will Focus on O.J. Simpson Trial". Collider. 7 October 2014. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  11. ^ a b "American Crime Story: Versace Gets January Premiere Date on FX". November 2017. Archived from the original on March 31, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
  12. ^ a b Goldberg, Lesley (August 6, 2019). "Monica Lewinsky-Produced 'Impeachment' Set as Next 'American Crime Story' at FX". THR. Archived from the original on October 22, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
  13. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 11, 2020). "'AHS': Spinoff Series 'American Horror Stories' In the Works From Ryan Murphy". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  14. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (13 August 2021). "'American Horror Story' Season 10: 'Double Feature' Episode Split Confirmed". Deadline. Retrieved 15 August 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. ^ White, Peter (January 9, 2020). "'American Horror Story': FX Renews Anthology Series For Three More Seasons – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
  16. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2021-08-13). "'Studio 54: American Crime Story' In The Works At FX As Potential Fourth Installment Of 'ACS' Limited Series". Deadline. Retrieved 2021-08-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ^ a b Del Rosario, Alexandra (August 13, 2021). "'American Horror Stories' Anthology Series Renewed For Season 2 By FX". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  18. ^ Fienberg, Daniel (February 17, 2011). "FX orders 'American Horror Story' from 'Glee' pair". HitFix. Archived from the original on July 1, 2015. Retrieved February 17, 2011.
  19. ^ "FX Orders "American Horror Story" to Series". The Futon Critic (Press release). Futon Media. July 18, 2011. Archived from the original on July 15, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  20. ^ Rose, Lacey (22 August 2016). "Ryan Murphy Teases 'American Crime Story' Season 2, More 'American Horror Story' and Retooled 'Scream Queens'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  21. ^ "FX Gives Series Order to AMERICAN HORROR STORY Companion Series AMERICAN CRIME STORY; First Season Will Focus on O.J. Simpson Trial". Collider. 7 October 2014. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  22. ^ Turchiano, Danielle (2021-08-13). "FX Orders 'American Love Story' and 'American Sports Story' Anthologies, Has 'Studio 54: American Crime Story' Officially in Development". Variety. Retrieved 2021-08-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. ^ Swift, Andy (June 22, 2020). "American Horror Story Spinoff and Y: The Last Man Are Moving to FX on Hulu". TVLine. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2020.
  24. ^ Del Rosario, Alexandra (May 18, 2021). "'AHS10', 'American Horror Stories,' 'Impeachment: ACS' & 'Atlanta' Season 3: FX Chairman John Landgraf Teases Approximate Premiere Dates". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  25. ^ Del Rosario, Alexandra (August 13, 2021). "'American Horror Stories' Anthology Series Renewed For Season 2 By FX". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  26. ^ @mrrpmurphy (November 12, 2020). "It's the AHS spin off. We are doing 16 one hour stand alone episodes delving into horror myths, legends and lore...many of these episodes will feature AHS stars you know and love. More to follow..." Retrieved November 12, 2020 – via Instagram.
  27. ^ "'AHS' Season 10 and Spinoff 'American Horror Stories' to Premiere This Summer". 18 May 2021.
  28. ^ "American Horror Story Confirms 21 Stars & Their Characters for Spinoff". Screen Rant. 8 July 2021.
  29. ^ Carp, Jesse (August 10, 2011). "American Horror Story Continues Creepy Promos Plus A Horror House Call Campaign". Cinema Blend. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  30. ^ Carp, Jesse (August 5, 2011). "American Horror Story Promos Are Creepy Clues". Cinema Blend. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 5, 2011.
  31. ^ Stanley, T.L. (September 15, 2011). "FX's 'American Horror Story' Just as Upsetting Online". Adweek. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  32. ^ Richenthal, Matt (August 17, 2012). "American Horror Story Season 2 Promo: Buckets of Body Parts". TV Fanatic. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  33. ^ "'American Horror Story' Season 2 Spoilers: 'Asylum's' Premiere Date, New Photos And Haunting 8th Teaser, 'White Rave', Released [VIDEO]". International Business Times. August 28, 2012. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
  34. ^ Stack, Tim (August 28, 2012). "'American Horror Story': See 4 terrifying images from season 2 'Asylum' – EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  35. ^ "Meet the Residents". YouTube. August 31, 2012. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
  36. ^ "Be in American Horror Story* & Get Lunch with Evan Peters". Omaze. Archived from the original on October 3, 2017. Retrieved August 5, 2017.
  37. ^ Woerner, Meredith (August 16, 2016). "'American Horror Story' will come alive at Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  38. ^ Gregory, John (March 25, 2019). "Why the Disney-Fox deal doesn't mean much for Disney World". Orlando Rising. Archived from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 13, 2019.
  39. ^ Chesin, Michaela (31 August 2021). "Does it look like Provincetown? 'American Horror Story' Season 10 rings true to locals". Cape Cod Times. Retrieved 1 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  40. ^ Stueven, Michele (2 August 2021). "American Horror Story 'Night Bites Bakery' Opens August 4 in L.A." LA Weekly. Retrieved 3 August 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  41. ^ Leiber, Sarah Jae. "FX Celebrates American Horror Story Premieres With 'Night Bites Bakery' Pop-Ups in NY, LA & More". Broadway World. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  42. ^ "Official Website". AHS Night Bites. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  43. ^ Amick, Brian. ""American Horror Story"-themed pop-up bakery opens in New York City". Bake. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  44. ^ Navarro, Meagan (19 July 2021). "FX Celebrates "American Horror Stories" Premiere with Themed Bakery Pop-Up". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  45. ^ McGrew, Shannon (23 July 2021). "[News] AHS "Night Bites Bakery" Coming to LA". Nightmarish Conjurings. Retrieved 27 July 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

External links[]

Retrieved from ""