In the vast landscape of television series, few have achieved the level of impact and longevity that American Horror Story (AHS). Premiered in 2011 under the direction of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, this series has redefined the horror genre by combining bold narratives with dazzling visual design and memorable performances.
Each season offers an independent story, allowing the creators to explore different fears, eras, and styles. All while retaining a recurring cast of stars ranging from Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, and Emma Roberts to Evan Peters and Kathy Bates. This unique approach has established AHS as an evolving work of art, where each chapter offers something new to analyze and admire.
Unlike traditional series that follow a continuous narrative, American Horror Story opted for an anthology approach, with each season telling a complete and standalone story. Although there are small threads that connect the seasons—such as recurring characters or locations—the format allows viewers to dive into any season without needing to follow a strict order.
This has also given the creators the freedom to experiment with different eras, from the 50s in Freak Show to the 80s in 1984, and with genres ranging from psychological horror in Asylum to political thriller in Cult.
Horror and glamour: the fragrances that define American Horror Story
1. Murder House (2011):
The inaugural season introduced the Harmons, a family that moves into a haunted house full of secrets and tragedies. With elements like vengeful ghosts, crimes of passion, and impossible loves, Murder House set the tone of the series: dark, elegant, and deeply human.
Constance Langdon (Jessica Lange): Manipulative and ambitious neighbor who seeks to hide her family's secrets while controlling everything around her.
- DIVAIN-063: Sophisticated and feminine Fragrance that exalts sensuality and elegance. Versatile and balanced, ideal for women who want to stand out with a perfect scent for everyday and special occasions.
Tate Langdon (Evan Peters): A troubled young man with a dark past, caught between love and his sinister side.
- DIVAIN-013: A Fragrance that combines darkness and seduction with an unexpected touch of sweetness. Its scent contrasts between intense and cozy, like an enigmatic figure hiding secrets behind a charming facade.
2. Asylum (2012-2013):
Set in a mental institution in the 60s, Asylum It is considered one of the best seasons thanks to its intense narrative and unforgettable characters like Sister Jude, masterfully played by Jessica Lange. The season explored themes such as faith, sanity, and redemption, while confronting its characters with both human and supernatural horrors.
Sister Jude Martin (Jessica Lange): Strict director of Briarcliff who battles her own demons while trying to maintain order.
- DIVAIN-163: Its scent evokes authority, restrained passion, and an enigmatic past, leaving an unforgettable mark in every moment.
Lana Winters (Sarah Paulson): A determined journalist set on exposing the truth, whose bravery makes her a survivor of the unimaginable.
- DIVAIN-076: An elegant and mysterious Fragrance. Delicate yet firm, with a seductive aura that reflects her resilience, ambition, and complexity. A scent that combines softness and determination in perfect harmony.
3. Coven (2013-2014):
With a turn towards the gothic and glamorous, Coven It followed the story of a coven of witches in New Orleans. Full of drama, rivalries, and iconic moments like the "Supreme Test," this season stood out for its focus on female empowerment and its elegant aesthetic.
Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange): Supreme of the coven, ambitious and glamorous, willing to do anything to maintain her power.
- DIVAIN-124: Reflects her unmatched charisma, overflowing ambition, and the mystery that accompanies a woman who dominates every scene with elegance.
Misty Day (Lily Rabe): Witch lover of nature, deeply connected with life and music, especially Stevie Nicks.
- DIVAIN-766: A Fragrance that celebrates the connection with nature and the free spirit. Fresh, enveloping, and full of contrasts, reflecting its mystical, creative, and deeply authentic essence.
4. Freak Show (2014-2015)
A 1950s freak show explores the struggle for acceptance and individuality. Elsa Mars leads a cast of touching characters facing social rejection. With memorable antagonists like Twisty the Clown and Dandy Mott, this season uniquely combines beauty and horror.
Elsa Mars (Jessica Lange): Charismatic leader of the circus, obsessed with fame and marked by her tragic past.
- DIVAIN-625: Delicate but full of character, it reflects his quest for perfection, his glamorous nostalgia, and his unwavering desire to leave an indelible mark.
Dandy Mott (Finn Wittrock): Rich young man and psychopath whose obsession with perfection leads him to commit horrible acts.
- DIVAIN-420: Extravagant, elegant, and provocative. It reflects its theatrical and hedonistic character, leaving behind an unforgettable trail of luxury and eccentricity.
5. Hotel (2015-2016)
In the decadent Hotel Cortez, The Countess (Lady Gaga) leads a vampiric cast full of romantic tragedies and revenge. With her luxurious and dark style, Hotel revitalized the series, standing out for its sophisticated atmosphere and Lady Gaga's award-winning performance as the glamorous and lethal Countess.
The Countess (Lady Gaga): Glamorous and seductive vampire, obsessed with eternal love and luxury.
- DIVAIN-856: An opulent and seductive Fragrance. Dark, intense, and full of mystery. It evokes decadent luxury, restrained passion, and an immortal aura that fascinates and envelops with irresistible magnetism.
Liz Taylor (Denis O’Hare): Elegant and authentic, she finds her true identity at the Hotel Cortez, becoming a symbol of resilience.
- DIVAIN-611: Bold, magnetic, and full of elegance. Its scent radiates luxury and strength, leaving an unforgettable trail that celebrates the power of authenticity.
6. Roanoke (2016)
With a mockumentary format, Roanoke reconstructs the horrors of the lost colony through interviews and reenactments. An ancestral force stalks the Millers, unraveling dark secrets. Experimental and divisive, this season offers narrative twists that keep the audience intrigued.
Shelby Miller (Lily Rabe): Artist trapped in a nightmare in her rural home, facing ancestral horrors.
- DIVAIN-180: CCombines vulnerability and strength with a touch of mystery. Its essence reflects a powerful femininity, making a presence with a sophisticated and irresistible charm.
The Butcher (Kathy Bates): Ghostly leader of the lost Roanoke colony, ruthless and obsessed with protecting her territory.
- DIVAIN-165: Mysterious, imposing, and full of character. Its scent evokes ancient power, unwavering authority, and a dark elegance that leaves an unforgettable mark.
7. Cult (2017)
After the 2016 elections, Cult explores political fear and psychological manipulation. Kai Anderson leads a cult that feeds on chaos, while Ally Mayfair-Richards faces her inner fears. A provocative and relevant season that addresses collective hysteria and ideological divisions.
Kai Anderson (Evan Peters): Charismatic and manipulative leader of a cult that feeds on chaos and political divisions.
- DIVAIN-224: IIntense, dominant, and charismatic. It reflects his persuasive leadership, challenging energy, and ability to conquer and fascinate with an unforgettable overwhelming presence.
Winter Anderson (Billie Lourd): Kai's sister, mysterious and with a somber air, trapped in the cult's machinations.
- DIVAIN-090: SSoft, ethereal, and full of sensitivity. Its scent reflects a melancholic purity, combining fragility and strength in perfect harmony, leaving a captivating trail.
8. Apocalypse (2018)
A crossover between Murder House and Coven, where Michael Langdon, the Antichrist, seeks to bring about the end of the world. The witches try to stop him, facing chaos with hope. Apocalypse is a tribute to the fans and closes several narrative arcs from previous seasons.
Michael Langdon (Cody Fern): Charismatic and powerful Antichrist, destined to bring about the end of the world.
- DIVAIN-386: PPowerful, complex, and seductive. Its essence reflects contained chaos, boundless ambition, and a mystical aura that dominates and hypnotizes those who perceive it.
Madison Montgomery (Emma Roberts): Sarcastic and glamorous witch who rediscovers her purpose facing the apocalypse.
- DIVAIN-564: Ccombines rebellion and elegance with a provocative touch. Its essence reflects magnetic charisma, unwavering confidence, and a modern femininity that does not go unnoticed.
9. 1984 (2019)
Inspired by the slasher films of the 80s, 1984 follows a group of young people stalked by a killer at a summer camp. With a nostalgic style and archetypal characters, this season pays tribute to classic horror films, mixing fun and blood.
Brooke Thompson (Emma Roberts): Survivor of a serial killer, sweet but with a fighting spirit.
- DIVAIN-186: JYouthful, optimistic, and full of life. Its essence reflects innocence and joy, with a touch of sweetness that radiates light in every moment.
Mr. Jingles (John Carroll Lynch): A man with a dark past seeking redemption while being pursued by his demons.
- DIVAIN-036: PPowerful, mysterious, and full of contrasts. Its essence reflects raw strength, a dark past, and relentless determination that leaves a mark.
10. Double Feature (2021):
Divided into two parts, this season combines coastal horror and science fiction. In "Red Tide," a writer consumes a drug that amplifies his talent with horrible consequences. In "Death Valley," a group faces alien abductions. The duality between human horror and the alien creates an intriguing narrative.
Harry Gardner (Finn Wittrock): Ambitious writer willing to sacrifice everything for success, trapped in a dark spiral.
- DIVAIN-039: SOpen, introspective, and sophisticated. Its essence connects with nature and creativity, reflecting a balance between artistic sensitivity and emotional strength.
Ursula Canaan (Leslie Grossman): Ruthless literary agent with a calculating and manipulative air.
- DIVAIN-683: EElegant, ethereal, and full of grace. Its essence evokes purity and transcendence, reflecting a sublime femininity and a deep connection with natural beauty.
11. NYC (2022):
Set in 1980s New York, this season follows a journalist investigating a series of murders connected to a latent threat. Exploring themes of identity, LGBTQ+ community, and social fears, NYC It mixes thriller and horror in an oppressive and striking setting.
Gino Barelli (Joe Mantello): Journalist committed to exposing the dark secrets of a city besieged by fear.
- DIVAIN-296: ABold, mysterious, and seductive. Its essence reflects intense passion, refined rebellion, and an unforgettable presence that envelops and captivates with a touch of danger.
Adam Carpenter (Charlie Carver): Sensitive and empathetic artist facing the darkness of New York while fighting for his ideals.
- DIVAIN-593: EElegant, introspective, and balanced. Its essence reflects a refined soul, discreet charm, and a quiet strength that leaves a lasting and captivating impression.
12. Delicate (2023):
An up-and-coming actress, Anna Alcott struggles with paranoia while trying to protect her career and pregnancy, surrounded by dark secrets and manipulations. With the glamour of New York as a backdrop, the season explores control, obsession, and vulnerability in a psychological thriller full of intrigue.
Siobhan Walsh (Kim Kardashian): Powerful and enigmatic publicist, obsessed with success and absolute control.
- DIVAIN-852: Fun, provocative, and full of charm. Its essence reflects a bold femininity, with a rebellious touch that challenges norms and leaves a mark.
Anna Alcott (Emma Roberts): Vulnerable actress facing dark secrets while trying to protect her life and career.
- DIVAIN-643: EElegant, curious, and full of life. Its essence reflects a constant quest for authenticity, deep connection, and the freedom to discover new horizons.
AHS It is more than a series; it is a cultural phenomenon that combines the macabre and the sublime, the human and the supernatural. With its blend of horror, drama, and style, it continues to set a standard for the genre and prove that scary stories can also be deeply moving works of art.
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