Introduction
American Horror Story, the popular anthology series created by Ryan Murphy, has become a cult classic over its nine-season run. Each season brings new themes and storylines that range from psychological horror to social commentary. With darkness being an inherent quality of the show, it's no surprise that fans have debated which season is the darkest since its debut in 2011. In this blog post, we will explore each season and rank them based on how dark they are in tone and plot – from Murder House to Roanoke.
Murder House
The first season of American Horror Story, Murder House, stands as the most successful and darkest. Its haunting setting and unique blend of horror tropes make it an ideal starting point for those looking to explore AHS. This season focuses on a family who moves into their dream home only to find out it's haunted by numerous ghosts and monsters, making each episode more intense than the last.
Asylum
Asylum is considered darker than Murder House in terms of plot and tone due to its themes of insanity, torture and cruelty. Set in an insane asylum during 1964, this season follows various inmates dealing with psychological issues such as paranoia, delusions and identity crises. With each episode comes more psychological terror from humans and supernatural entities alike, making Asylum one of the most memorable seasons ever created.
Coven
Coven takes us back to 2013 when witches were all the rage again – but don't be fooled; this season is just as dark, if not darker, than its predecessors in content alone! Featuring some genuinely shocking moments such as twist endings and macabre scenes involving voodoo dolls, Coven tells the story of a powerful witch coven in New Orleans led by Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange), who attempts to balance her agenda while protecting her daughters from evil forces at every turn.
Conclusion
Other seasons such as Freak Show and Roanoke, have also been considered dark due to their sinister scenes. However, they are not quite as dark as Murder House, Asylum or Coven in terms of plot and tone. For example, Freak Show deals with societal issues such as disability prejudice but has a lighter atmosphere than the other three mentioned above. Similarly, Roanoke focuses on isolated characters fighting for survival while being hunted by supernatural entities – yet it still feels softer than its predecessors due to the lack of violence and gore present throughout.
American Horror Story has become increasingly dark over the years, yet it has remained popular among viewers due to its unique blend of horror tropes and psychological themes. Choosing which season is the darkest is challenging as it largely depends on personal preference. However, Murder House, Asylum and Coven are all worthy contenders for this title. Ultimately, each season offers something different in tone and plot, making them equally enjoyable experiences for horror fans everywhere.