‘American Horror Story 1984’: Everything we know so far

Ryan Murphy you go-getter, you – not only did you bring Pose’s sophomore season to the screens this year, y’all just went and dropped a new teaser for AHS. FX just spilled all the tea on the next season of American Horror Story, inviting us to the magical year of 1984. This trailer is giving us some serious Friday the 13th vibes, which is right up Murphy’s alley.

The horror anthropology series has been around the world and back since its debut in 2011. We’ve seen a lot of creepy stuff from a circus full of freaks to a haunted farmhouse, to the literal apocalypse. But a good ol’ slasher film? That’s definitely a thrilling idea that we just can’t wait for AHS to explore. 

Although only two teaser trailers have dropped so far for the newest season, they’ve given us so many clues about what to look forward to in September. Here’s what we’ve deciphered from the info we’ve been given so far about American Horror Story 1984.

Release date

The past three seasons have premiered sometime in September, and the ninth season won’t be different: the show returns to FX on September 18th at 10pm EST. Usually a few weeks later, the show premieres on its respective platform for those outside of the U.S. No official release dates have dropped yet, but we can’t imagine it being much different this go around.

Setting

By the looks of the big hair, bodysuits, and tight booty shorts, we’re going to the 80s. The first teaser trailer felt like a scene out of a slasher film, and that’s exactly what this season is going to be about. The title is not a reference to George Orwell’s novel, but instead a reference to the slasher films of the 1980s like Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th.

We also know at least a portion of this season will be taking place at a summer camp, as the cast reveal trailer has our stars dancing in a cabin in the woods. We don’t know for sure what’s gonna go down or why they’re there, but we’re mostly wondering who’s going to be the Jason this season.

Knowing Murphy, there’s more than meets the eye. Maybe this is a horror movie set at which the actors start getting killed off one by one by a real serial killer – or maybe Murphy just really loves Freddy vs. Jason.

AHS 1984 tie-in to previous seasons

After the mixed reception that was last season’s Apocalypse – which was the crossover event people supposedly wanted – we’re not sure how much tie-in there’ll be. People were disappointed in the previous season, so we can’t imagine Murphy and co. being eager to bring up the past. Never say never – and as mentioned, Murphy does like to keep twists up his sleeve.

Last season also saw more magic and mysticality to it with the return of the Coven witches. Setting this season up with a more realistic evil force – you’re more likely to die of a serial killer than a witch or a ghost – offers a chance to make it even more terrifying.

Cast

We mention the cast last because we know this is going to be disappointing for some people, but there’s still plenty of good news. First, the bad news: our favorites, Evan Peters & Sarah Paulson, will not be returning this season. Although Paulson and Murphy hinted she may be stopping by in a cameo role, neither she nor Peters will be in starring roles. We can mourn together by reviewing their most iconic roles in the show.

The good news? Murphy does have some regulars coming back. Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Cody Fern, Leslie Grossman, and Twisty the Clown himself, John Carroll Lynch, are all returning for 1984.

In addition, some of Murphy’s past collaborators will be joining American Horror Story for the first time, such as Matthew Morrison (Glee) and Angelica Ross (Pose). As you already know, we’re huge fans of Ross, so seeing her take on a new role with Murphy has us very excited.

Also joining the cast are some fresh faces: DeRon Horton (Dear White People), Zach Villa (Shameless), and Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy will be occupying bunks alongside our favorites. Kenworthy was announced on Murphy’s Instagram to be playing Roberts’s character’s boyfriend.

Although we’re sad to see our favorites go, the new cast has us putting on leg warmers – and sharpening our chef knives that just happen to be laying right on the counter late at night under a full moon.