Halloween is almost here, so it seemed like a great time to write a review of the new spinoff series from the team behind American Horror Story, called American Horror Stories. Basically, this series delivers a weekly, hour-long anthology series where most episodes are stand-alone stories (although the first two one basically one long story). Think of them as being in the vein of horror shows like Tales from the Crypt, The Twilight Zone, One Step Beyond, and The Outer Limits.
As you might expect, the stories are very similar in tone to American Horror Story, and some episodes fit into the AHS universe, while others exist as total standalone horror stories. The first 2 and then the last episode is based heavily on AHS Season 1: Murder House. Where we get to revisit the same house with a new set of inhabitants. We also get to see numerous AHS stars showing up in various episodes, sometimes playing the same characters.
If you’re thinking of checking out the series or at least some episodes, check out our episode guide below. These are mostly spoiler-free, but they do include some plot information, so continuing reading at your own risk!
Episodes 1 and 2 - Rubber (wo)Man Part 1 and 2
The series kicks off by paying homage to its AHS roots with a 2 part story that takes place in the famous Murder House of AHS season 1. We get a return of the very creepy Rubber Man, with a twist given away by the title. A new family has moved into the house, with plans to capitalize on its murdery reputation. We get a mix of the classic haunted house story, with a bit of slasher flick, and teen angst thrown in. It’s a fun 2-episode ride to open the new series and ground it within the AHS universe.
Episode 3 - Drive-In
Anyone who grew up in the 80s or 90s may remember cult movies that were banned from theaters (in reality, most probably never tried for a theatrical release anyway). These were usually rumored to be terribly disturbing movies that no one should want to watch. Drive-In takes this idea up a notch, with a film that is so bizarre that it drives viewers insane and they eventually kill each other. Of course, the director wants people to see it anyway, leading to the secret screening of the film at a drive-in. Bad things happen, as you might expect.
Episode 4 - Naughty List
This episode takes on the topic of social media influencers who use their YouTube channel to show provocative videos of their lives to gather followers and make money from ads and endorsements. The ‘stars’ are 4 young men who live in Bro House and generally make idiots of themselves on camera (think Jackass mixed with The Real World) while living out their dream lives of partying and making tons of cash. But, they learn what happens when they cross a line that their audience isn’t OK with and then make an enemy of Santa Claus himself. Seems like they are all due for a lump of coal over Christmas.
Episode 5 - BA’AL
This episode follows a young couple trying to have a baby and eventually turning to a fertility god’s statue for help. They are successful, but the young mom begins to notice many disturbing things happening around the baby. Is the baby possessed? Is the fertility god actually a demon, now come to collect payment? Or, is the new mom suffering from postpartum depression and hallucinating the whole thing? You may be surprised by how things turn out.
Episode 6 - Feral
A new spin on the classic ‘a child goes missing in the forest’ storyline. Grieving parents return to the forest 10 years later, in hopes of finding their son still alive somehow, with the help of a local hunter. Things do not go exactly as planned and they are soon in a fight for their lives.
Episode 7 - Game Over
As a wrap-up, we get a super meta take on the Murder House story, with a video game designer working on a new game based on the infamous house. We get to meet characters from not only the first two episodes of the season but also from the original AHS: Murder House cast. This one is definitely a story within a story but wraps up the season nicely.
What’s Next?
American Horror Stories has already been renewed for a second season, so if you enjoyed the first 7 episodes you will be getting a fresh set of new stories
Watch it or Not?
If you like AHS, then it’s a no-brainer. Definitely watch this series. It’s also a nice entry point into the AHS universe if you have wondered if the original series would be something you might want to check out. American Horror Stories provides an easy way to watch an episode or two, get the entire story, and decide if this is the kind of horror story that appeals to you.
