'American Horror Story' Season 13: Episode-by-Episode Re-cap and Review
By Shauna Bushe - September 26, 2026
TV - Premium TV
American Horror Story is known for its gothic aesthetic, mysterious nature and puzzling chronicles – as season 13 arrives, the returning holy trinity; Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson and Even Peters reprise their iconic roles, blending the DNA of previous seasons into one giant multiverse of horror. Kickstarting the new season with just three episodes, it’s a nostalgic return to form, proving the show hasn’t lost its roots after 15 years on television.
Latest Episode
Episode 1 - "13" 3.5/5
Directed by Ryan Murphy, and co-written with Brad Falchuk American Horror Story returns with Season 13. After surviving a near death plane crash Ben (Joey Pollari) accepts a caregiving job inside a disturbing penthouse, unaware of its ties to evil. Immediately, AHS’s penchant for slow burning mystery fills every scene, accompanied by spikes of claustrophobic paranoia. The pacing builds on atmospheric dread, character placement and the quite promise something wicked is hiding in the hotel walls.
The long-awaited return of Jessica Lange tops the premiere, slipping back into her character Constance Langdon with a sharp, effortless ease. Meanwhile, Madelaine Petsch is our first of many cameos, who breaks the serious atmosphere with an absurd cheerfulness, surrounding her obsession with the number 13: which acts as the seasons main theme. And grounding the seasons chaotic energy is quiet, unassuming Ben played by Joey Pollari.
Murphy and Falchuk use tension, disorientating camera angles, isolating visuals and outline it with an ominous sound design. Choosing to prioritize the seasons overall atmosphere, instead of jumping straight into the deep end. The premiere radiates familiar Murder House and Hotel vibes, dropping subtle cues along the way that hint at broader crossovers to come. Episode One is a solid, atmospheric debut, with a strong introductory performance from Ben and sets up a menacing interconnected web without giving all its secrets way too early.
Episode 2 - "1:13am" 3.5/5
As Ben’s sanity deteriorates inside Hotel Apollyon, a recurring pattern with the number 13 leads him to a chilling discovery: the previous caregiver took their own life. Determined to keep his mind grounded in routine, Ben focuses on Mr Nars, an 87-year-old resident whose condition is warping into something grotesquely supernatural. But as the body horror takes hold, Ben realizes the unthinkable: his routine medical care, down to the sponge bath is actually a dark sealing ritual holding something horrific at bay.
Meanwhile, Twisty the Clown creates an unexpected detour mid-episode in downtown LA, where we meet our second cameo, Tig Notaro teaching a Clown School. This narrative builds towards a shocking news report, later discovered by Ben, resulting in the number 13 tying in directly to the seasons broader numerical curse.
Episode 2 continues to strike a great balance between character-driven tension and the campy, weird style signature to American Horror Story. Mr Nars remains a dark horse, while the ghost of Twisty’s legacy delivered a killer trip down memory lane. As it finds its footing, Season 13 proves to me atmospheric, darkly funny and classic AHS.
Episode 3 - "Rauhnacht" 4/5
Episode 3 shifts from slow-burning supernatural hell, into a full-blown franchise crossover. Operating with ulterior motives Constance hosts a small group, under the guise of festive cheer by leveraging the ancient German holiday tradition “Rauhnacht” to turn the Apollyon building into a supernatural portal between the living and the dead.
The gathering turns in a battle of narcissism with Even Peters stepping into a double role: Cult’s hysterical Kai Anderson and Murder House’s brooding Tate Langdon. Adding to the tension is Kai’s sister, Winter Anderson (Billie Lourd) bringing her cold, sharp mind and Adelaine Langdon (Jamie Brewer) Constances very perceptive daughter. Meanwhile, the narrative main focus is a disoriented Elizabeth Short (Mena Suvari) who is welcomed as one of "13 legendary leading ladies" designated for a mysterious ritual.
During the gathering, Ben tries to investigate his troubles further, only to be incapacitated with a spiked eggnog by Constance. With Ben side lined, the episode descends into “Club Hell”, a realm beneath the building where past franchises collide revealing they’re apart of a grand demonic cult designed to either unleash are create an ancient force.
Episode 1 to 3 of 'American Horror Story' Season 13 is streaming now on Disney Plus.
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Shauna Bushe
Writer
Shauna is always down to talk about movie lore, collector of all things physical media and driven by a life long love for horror cinema.
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