American Horror Story: Apocalypse
Bgcolour
  1. FF6857
ShowrunnerRyan Murphy
Starring
Num episodes10
NetworkFX
First airedSeptember 12, 2018
Last airedNovember 14, 2018
Prev seasonCult
Next season1984
Episode listList of American Horror Story episodes

The eighth season of the American horror anthology television series American Horror Story, subtitled Apocalypse, features the witches from the New Orleans coven as they battle the Antichrist and attempt to prevent the world from ending. The season is presented as a crossover between Murder House, Coven, and Hotel. The ensemble cast includes Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Adina Porter, Billie Lourd, Leslie Grossman, Cody Fern, Emma Roberts, Cheyenne Jackson, and Kathy Bates, with all returning from previous seasons, except newcomer Fern.

Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk for the cable network FX, the series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television. Apocalypse was broadcast between September 12 and November 14, 2018,[1] consisting of 10 episodes. The season was announced in January 2017[2] and received positive reviews from critics. In April 2019, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which presents the Primetime Emmy Awards, announced that, for the first time in the series' history, a season would not qualify for the Limited Series categories, and would instead be moved to Drama.[3] Apocalypse was ultimately nominated to five categories, including Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for Jessica Lange.

Cast and characters

Main article: List of American Horror Story cast members

Main

Special guest stars

Recurring

Guest stars

Episodes

See also: List of American Horror Story episodes

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Production

Development

On January 12, 2017, the series was renewed for an eighth season, which premiered on September 12, 2018.[2][1] In October 2016, series co-creator Ryan Murphy announced a "crossover" season between previous cycles Murder House and Coven.[4] In January 2018, he stated that the ninth season would most likely feature the crossover;[5] however, in June 2018, he announced that the eighth season was chosen instead.[6] Murphy has also stated that the eighth season would be set 18 months in the future and would feature an Asylum and Coven tone.[5][7] In July 2018, it was announced at San Diego Comic-Con that the title of the season would be Apocalypse.[8]

In April 2018, it was revealed that series veteran Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters would make their directorial debut in an episode.[9] It was later revealed that Paulson would direct the sixth episode.[10] Peters, in the end, did not direct an episode.

As with previous seasons, several teasers were released.[11] On September 4, 2018, a short trailer was released, followed by a longer trailer the next day.[12][13]

Casting

In October 2017, it was announced that series mainstay Sarah Paulson would return for the season. In March 2018, it was announced that Kathy Bates and Evan Peters would also return, leading the season with Paulson.[14] In April 2018, Joan Collins joined the cast as the grandmother of Peters' character.[7] In April and May 2018, Cult actors Adina Porter, Cheyenne Jackson, Billy Eichner, Leslie Grossman, and Billie Lourd were also confirmed to return.[15][16]

In June 2018, Emma Roberts revealed that she would return for Apocalypse, reprising her role as Madison Montgomery from Coven.[17] That same month, Murphy revealed that other witches from Coven had all been invited to return,[17] and also stated that he had asked Anjelica Huston to join the cast,[18] while Paulson confirmed that she would reprise her Coven role, Cordelia Goode.[10] In July 2018, it was reported that Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman and Kyle Allen would guest star in the season.[19] Later that month, Murphy revealed via Twitter that American Crime Story actor Cody Fern joined the cast as a grown-up Michael Langdon, the Antichrist born during the events of Murder House.[20]

In August 2018, Pose actor Billy Porter announced via Instagram that he would appear in the season.[21] Later, during the Television Critics Association press tour, it was announced that Jessica Lange would appear in the season's sixth episode as her Murder House character, Constance Langdon.[10] After FX released the season's first teaser, actress Lesley Fera revealed via Twitter that she would appear in the season premiere.[22] Later, Ryan Murphy confirmed via Twitter that Taissa Farmiga, Gabourey Sidibe, Lily Rabe, Frances Conroy, and Stevie Nicks would all appear during the season,[23] and that they would all reprise the roles they played in Coven.[24][25] In the same month, Angela Bassett, who appeared in four previous seasons, confirmed that she would not appear in the season;[24] however, Bassett appeared in the last episode of the season, playing Marie Laveau, the role she played in Coven. Later, Finn Wittrock, who appeared in three past seasons, confirmed that he would not appear in Apocalypse.[26] The same day, it was announced that original cast members Connie Britton and Dylan McDermott would be returning for the season,[27] and Ryan Murphy later confirmed that they would reprise their Murder House roles, Vivien and Ben Harmon, respectively.[28] Later, Murphy revealed that Evan Peters and Taissa Farmiga would be reprising their Murder House roles, Tate Langdon and Violet Harmon, respectively.[29]

In September 2018, it was revealed that Erika Ervin would be returning for Apocalypse after having a recurring role in Freak Show.[30] It was also reported that actress Ash Santos would appear in the season.[31]

Filming

In April 2018, Murphy revealed that filming for the season would begin in June 2018.[7]

Reception

Critical response

American Horror Story: Apocalypse received positive reviews, with many considering it as an improvement over the recent seasons. The review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gave the season a 79% approval rating, with an average rating of 6.95/10, based on 193 reviews. The critical consensus reads, "Ryan Murphy and his murderers' row of witchy performers literally save the world -- and franchise -- in Apocalypse, the series' most ambitious crossover swing yet."[32] On Metacritic, the season was given a score of 63 out of 100 based on 6 reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[33]

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by American Horror Story

In its eighth season, the series has been nominated for 20 awards. Five of them were won.

YearAssociationCategoryNominee(s)Result
201910th Dorian Awards[34]Campy TV Show of the YearAmerican Horror Story: Apocalypse
23rd Art Directors Guild AwardsTelevision Movie or Mini-SeriesValdar Wilt (for "Fire and Reign")
21st Costume Designers Guild AwardsExcellence in Sci-Fi/Fantasy TelevisionPaula Bradley, Lou Eyrich
2019 Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards[35][36]TV Miniseries or Movie Made for TV: Best Contemporary Make-UpEryn Krueger Mekash, Kim Ayers, Silvina Knight
TV Miniseries or Movie Made for TV: Best Contemporary Hair StylingMichelle Ceglia, Helena Cepeda, Romaine Markus-Meyers
TV Miniseries or Movie Made for TV: Best Period and/or Character Hair StylingMichelle Ceglia, Helena Cepeda, Lydia Fantini
TV Miniseries or Movie Made for TV: Best Special Make-Up EffectsEryn Krueger Mekash, Mike Mekash, David Anderson
Commercials and Music Videos: Best Make-UpKerry Herta, Jason Collins, Cristina Waltz (for "Promo")
Commercials and Music Videos: Best Hair StylingJoe Matke, Fernando Santaella-Navarro (for "Promo")
66th Golden Reel Awards[37][38]Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Episodic Short Form – Music / MusicalDavid Klotz (for "The End")
21st Fangoria Chainsaw AwardsBest SeriesAmerican Horror Story: Apocalypse
30th GLAAD Media Awards[39]Outstanding TV Movie or Limited Series
45th Saturn AwardsBest Horror Television Series
71st Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Guest Actress in a Drama SeriesJessica Lange (for "Return to Murder House")
Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi CostumesLou Eyrich, Paula Bradley, Rebecca Guzzi, Charlene Amateau (for "Forbidden Fruit")
Outstanding Hairstyling for a Single-Camera SeriesMichelle Ceglia, Helena Cepeda, Lydia Fantani, Romaine Markus-Meyers (for "Forbidden Fruit")
Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic)Eryn Krueger Mekash, Kim Ayers, Michael Mekash, Silvina Knight, Jamie Leigh Devilla (for "Forbidden Fruit")
Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or SpecialEryn Krueger Mekash, Michael Mekash, Steve LaPorte, Jake Garber, Vance Hartwell, Silvina Knight, Glen Eisner, David Leroy Anderson (for "Apocalypse Then")
17th Gold Derby AwardsBest Drama Guest ActorDylan McDermott
Best Drama Guest ActressJessica Lange

Home media

American Horror Story: Apocalypse – The Complete Eight Season
Set Details
  • 10 Episodes
  • 3 Disc Set (DVD)
  • 3 Disc Set (BD)
  • English & Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 2.0 Surround
  • Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
  • Runtime: 431 Minutes
Release Dates
Region 1Region 2Region 4
September 24, 2019[40]August 26, 2019[41]August 7, 2019[42]

References

  1. ^ American Horror Story (June 28, 2018). "Not long now. #AHSFX". No. 1012391122176360448. Retrieved June 28, 2018.
  2. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (January 12, 2017). "'American Horror Story' Renewed For Seasons 8 & 9 By FX -TCA". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  3. ^ Ausiello, Michael (2019-04-09). "Emmy Shake-Up: American Horror Story Booted From 2019 Limited Series Race". TVLine. Archived from the original on 2020-06-26. Retrieved 2019-04-10.
  4. ^ Snetiker, Marc (October 30, 2016). "American Horror Story: Ryan Murphy announces Murder House, Coven season". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  5. ^ Hibberd, James (January 5, 2018). "American Horror Story shock: Season 8 is set in the future". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  6. ^ Nilles, Billy (June 14, 2018). "American Horror Story Season 8 Will Officially Be the Long-Awaited Murder House/Coven Crossover". E! Online. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  7. ^ Blyth, Antonia (April 6, 2018). "Ryan Murphy Confirms 'American Horror Story' Season 8 Is Set "18 Months From Today"; Joan Collins To Play Evan Peters' Grandmother". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  8. ^ Wiseman, Andreas (July 20, 2018). "'American Horror Story' Season 8 Title Revealed: Apocalypse". Deadline. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  9. ^ Bentley, Jean (April 7, 2018). "'American Horror Story' Season 8: Evan Peters, Billy Eichner, Cheyenne Jackson, More Returning". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  10. ^ O'Connell, Michael (August 3, 2018). "'American Horror Story': Jessica Lange Returning for 'Apocalypse'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  11. ^ Flook, Ray (September 2, 2018). "'American Horror Story: Apocalypse': Ryan Murphy Posts on Lack of Trailer; Two New Teasers Released". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  12. ^ Alex, Stedman (September 4, 2018). "'American Horror Story: Apocalypse' Unveils First Teaser Trailer". Variety. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  13. ^ Nickolai, Nate (September 5, 2018). "'American Horror Story: Apocalypse': The Anti-Christ Arrives in Full Trailer". Variety. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  14. ^ Stack, Tim (March 20, 2018). "American Horror Story: Kathy Bates to return for season 8". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  15. ^ Bentley, Jean (April 7, 2018). "'American Horror Story' Season 8: Evan Peters, Billy Eichner, Cheyenne Jackson, More Returning". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  16. ^ Bentley, Jean (May 18, 2018). "Billie Lourd To Return To 'American Horror Story' For Season 8, Joins 'Booksmart' Movie". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
  17. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (June 17, 2018). "Emma Roberts Teases Return of 'American Horror Story's Madison Montgomery". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
  18. ^ Munzenrieder, Kyle (4 April 2018). "Joan Collins Is Joining American Horror Story Because, Well, of Course She Is". W Magazine. Retrieved 2018-06-19.
  19. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (July 14, 2018). "'American Horror Story' Adds 'UnReal's Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman & 'The Path's Kyle Allen As Guest Stars". Deadline. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  20. ^ Otterson, Joe (July 26, 2018). "'American Horror Story' Season 8 Casts Cody Fern as Michael Langdon". Variety. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  21. ^ Shoemaker, Allison (August 2, 2018). "Pose's Billy Porter joins the cast of American Horror Story: Apocalypse". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved August 2, 2018.
  22. ^ Lesley Fera (August 6, 2018). "Happy to announce that I will be on the first episode of this new creepy season 😱". No. 1026560382830239744. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  23. ^ Chris Harnick (August 7, 2018). "American Horror Story: Apocalypse Returning Cast Revealed: Stevie Nicks, Taissa Farmiga, Lily Rabe and More". E! Online. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
  24. ^ "One major American Horror Story: Coven star won't return for Apocalypse". Digital Spy. August 9, 2018. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  25. ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (August 19, 2018). "'American Horror Story: Apocalypse': Ryan Murphy Posts First Look At 'Coven' Reunion With Stevie Nicks". Deadline. Retrieved August 19, 2018.
  26. ^ Seddon, Dan (August 23, 2018). "American Horror Story star rules out a return for season 8 Apocalypse". Digital Spy. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
  27. ^ Birnbaum, Debra (August 23, 2018). "Connie Britton and Dylan McDermott Join 'American Horror Story: Apocalypse'". Variety. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
  28. ^ Dino-Ray, Ramos (August 25, 2018). "'American Horror Story: Apocalypse': Ryan Murphy Gives First Look At 'Murder House' Reunion". Deadline. Retrieved August 25, 2018.
  29. ^ ""American Horror Story: Apocalypse" Set Photo Reunites Tate and Violet… Together Forever?". Bloody Disgusting. August 30, 2018. Retrieved August 30, 2018.
  30. ^ Amazon Eve (September 5, 2018). "I'm very excited about this upcoming season gang! @AHSFX #AHSApocalypse". No. 1037453118714200064. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  31. ^ "23 HUGE Details In The 'AHS: Apocalypse' Trailer You Definitely Missed". PopBuzz. September 6, 2018. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
  32. ^ "American Horror Story: Apocalypse Reviews". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
  33. ^ "American Horror Story: Season 8". Metacritic. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  34. ^ "'The Favourite,' 'Pose,' 'Killing Eve' Lead Dorian Award Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. January 3, 2019. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  35. ^ Tapley, Kristopher (January 10, 2019). "'Black Panther,' 'Vice,' 'American Horror Story' Nominated by Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild". Variety. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  36. ^ Lewis, Hilary (February 16, 2019). "Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards: 'Vice' Tops Film Categories". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  37. ^ "MPSE Golden Reel Awards: 'First Man,' 'A Quiet Place' Among Sound Editors Nominees". The Hollywood Reporter. January 18, 2019. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
  38. ^ "'Bohemian Rhapsody' Leads MPSE Golden Reel Awards for Sound Editing". Variety. February 17, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  39. ^ "'GLAAD Media Awards: The Complete List of Nominees". The Hollywood Reporter. January 25, 2019. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
  40. ^ "American Horror Story: Apocalypse". Amazon.com. July 12, 2021.
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  42. ^ "AMERICAN HORROR STORY: APOCALYPSE SEASON 8". Amazon.co.au. 7 August 2019. Retrieved July 12, 2021.