American Horror Story: 1984 Explained

Bgcolour:
  1. 3c230d
Caption:Promotional poster
Showrunner:Ryan Murphy
Num Episodes:9
Network:FX
Prev Season:Apocalypse
Next Season:Double Feature
Episode List:List of American Horror Story episodes

The ninth season of the American horror anthology television series American Horror Story, subtitled 1984, takes place outside Los Angeles during the 1980s and focuses on the staff of a summer camp reopening after a massacre 14 years prior. It has been described as being heavily influenced by classic slasher films, such as Friday the 13th (1980) and Halloween (1978). The ensemble cast includes Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Leslie Grossman, Cody Fern, Matthew Morrison, Gus Kenworthy, John Carroll Lynch, Angelica Ross, and Zach Villa, with all returning from previous seasons, except newcomers Morrison, Kenworthy, Ross, and Villa. The season marks the first to not feature cast mainstays Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters.

Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk for cable network FX, the series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television. 1984 was broadcast from September 18 to November 13, 2019, consisting of nine episodes.

Cast and characters

See main article: List of American Horror Story cast members.

Main

Recurring

Guest stars

Episodes

See also: List of American Horror Story episodes.

Production

Development

On January 12, 2017, American Horror Story was renewed for a ninth season, with a two-season renewal alongside Apocalypse, set to air in 2019.[1] On April 10, 2019, series co-creator Ryan Murphy announced that the title of the season would be 1984.[2] The season has been described as being heavily influenced by classic horror slasher films such as Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Halloween.[3]

On June 24, 2019, FX announced that the season would premiere on September 18, 2019.[4] The official trailer for the season was released on August 26, 2019.[5] On September 12, 2019, Murphy revealed the opening credits for 1984 via his Instagram account. He explained that it was inspired by Corey Vega's fan-made concept, which strongly impressed him. As a result, he invited Vega to work with series veteran collaborator Kyle Cooper on the official sequence.[6] Later that month, FX officially released the promo posters for the season, confirming the main cast's character names.[7]

On October 17, 2019, it was announced that 1984 would conclude with its ninth episode, one less than the 10 episodes that were originally ordered.[8] This makes it the shortest season in the entire series, and the third season after Murder House and Hotel to reduce its original episode count.[9] [10]

Casting

On February 6, 2019, Murphy revealed that Emma Roberts and series newcomer Gus Kenworthy would star in the season.[11] In July 2019, Angelica Ross announced that she would have a series regular role in the season.[12] Later that month, Billie Lourd, Cody Fern, Leslie Grossman, and John Carroll Lynch were confirmed to be returning to the series, with new cast members Matthew Morrison, DeRon Horton, and Zach Villa.[13] In October 2019, filming pictures confirmed that original cast member Dylan McDermott would appear in the season.[14] Later that month, series veteran Lily Rabe confirmed via her Instagram account that she would appear in the seventh episode of the season.[15] In November 2019, it was confirmed that Finn Wittrock would return for the season finale.[16]

On April 2, 2019, series mainstay Evan Peters, who had starred in all eight previous seasons, announced he would not appear in this season.[17] On May 23, 2019, Billy Eichner, who appeared in Cult and Apocalypse, stated that he would not be returning in the season.[18] On July 8, 2019, it was reported by Deadline Hollywood that Sarah Paulson would have a smaller role in 1984 than in previous seasons, due to her commitments to Murphy's Netflix series Ratched.[19] However, in October 2019, Paulson herself confirmed that she would not appear in 1984 as originally planned.[20]

Filming

On July 11, 2019, Murphy confirmed the season had begun filming.[21]

Reception

Critical response

American Horror Story: 1984 received critical acclaim. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the season holds an 88% approval rating, with an average rating of 7.45/10, based on 169 reviews. The site's critical consensus reads: "A near-perfect blend of slasher tropes and American Horror Storys trademark twists, 1984 is a bloody good time."[22]

However, the portrayal of Richard Ramirez received criticism, with many, including the families of Ramirez's victims, accusing the show of glamorising him.[23]

Ratings

Accolades

See main article: List of awards and nominations received by American Horror Story.

YearAssociationCategoryNominee(s)ResultRef.
202011th Dorian AwardsCampy TV Show of the YearAmerican Horror Story: 1984[24]
Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards 2020Television and New Media Series: Best Period and/or Character Make-UpCarleigh Herbert, Michael Mekash, Abby Clawson[25]
Television and New Media Series: Best Special Make-Up EffectsMichael Mekash, Vincent Van Dyke, Carleigh Herbert
Television and New Media Series: Best Period and/or Character Hair StylingMichelle Ceglia, Analyn Cruz, Taschi Lynell
72nd Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)Carleigh Herbert, Abby Clawson, Melissa "Mo" Meinhart, Lawrence Mercado [26]
Outstanding Prosthetic MakeupMichael Mekash, Vincent Van Dyke
Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie, or SpecialGary Megregian, Timothy A. Cleveland, Naaman Haynes, Patrick Hogan, Sam Munoz, David Klotz, Noel Vought
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or MovieAlex Altman, Doug Andham, Joe Earle, Judah Getz
2021ATAA AwardsFrench Dubbing Adaptation of a seriesNicolas Mourguye, Xavier Varaillon, Libra Films [27] [28]
Clio AwardsTelevision/Streaming: Special Shoot Spot/Promo: HorrorAmerican Horror Story: 1984[29] [30]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 'American Horror Story' Renewed For Seasons 8 & 9 By FX -TCA . . Nellie . Andreeva . January 12, 2017 . April 3, 2018 . October 18, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191018042625/https://deadline.com/2017/01/american-horror-story-renewed-seasons-8-9-fx-1201883939/amp/ . live .
  2. Web site: American Horror Story Heads to Summer Camp Circa 1984 for Season 9. TVLine. April 10, 2019. April 10, 2019. January 27, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210127194804/https://tvline.com/2019/04/10/american-horror-story-season-9-title-1984-summer-camp/. live.
  3. Web site: American Horror Story season 9 will pay tribute to 1980s slasher films. Polygon. April 11, 2019. July 9, 2019. September 23, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190923231328/https://www.polygon.com/tv/2019/4/11/18306163/american-horror-story-season-9-theme-1984-slasher. live.
  4. Web site: Petski . Denise . June 24, 2019 . FX Sets Fall Premiere Dates: 'American Horror Story', 'Mayans M.C.', 'It's Always Sunny', More . June 24, 2019 . Deadline Hollywood . June 24, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190624190156/https://deadline.com/2019/06/fx-fall-premiere-dates-american-horror-story-mayans-mc-its-always-sunny-more-1202637121/ . live .
  5. AHSFX. American Horror Story. 1166033553416568832. You're all gonna die. Watch the OFFICIAL TRAILER for #AHS1984. Premieres 9/18 on @FXNetworks. August 26, 2019. August 27, 2019.
  6. Web site: "American Horror Story: 1984" Opening Credits – Full 80's VHS Glory! [VIDEO]]. Bleeding Cool. Ray. Flook. September 12, 2019. September 12, 2019. October 3, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191003123950/https://www.bleedingcool.com/2019/09/12/american-horror-story-1984-opening-credits-full-80s-vhs-glory-video/. live.
  7. Web site: Meet the American Horror Story: 1984 Characters: Who's Who Among the Star-Studded Cast. Chris. Harnick. E! News. September 18, 2019. September 18, 2019. September 24, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190924025400/https://www.eonline.com/news/1074394/meet-the-american-horror-story-1984-characters-who-s-who-among-the-star-studded-cast. live.
  8. Web site: American Horror Story: 1984 Will Be the Show's Shortest Season Yet. Sadie. Gennis. TV Guide. October 17, 2019. October 17, 2019. October 20, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191020044345/https://www.tvguide.com/news/american-horror-story-1984-nine-episodes/. live.
  9. Web site: 'American Horror Story' Two-Hour Finale Will Be Trimmed To 90 Minutes. Nellie. Andreeva. Deadline. November 18, 2011. October 22, 2019. October 22, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191022170829/https://deadline.com/2011/11/american-horror-story-two-hour-finale-will-be-trimmed-to-90-minutes-196838/. live.
  10. Web site: "American Horror Story: Freak Show" Premiere Sets Record as the Most-Watched Telecast in FX History. The Futon Critic. October 13, 2014. October 22, 2019. September 22, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230922011319/http://thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2014/10/13/american-horror-story-freak-show-premiere-sets-record-as-the-most-watched-telecast-in-fx-history-339215/20141013fx01/. live.
  11. Web site: Gus Kenworthy Joining American Horror Story Season 9 With Emma Roberts. Chris. Harnick. E! News. February 6, 2019. February 6, 2019. November 20, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201120070616/https://www.eonline.com/news/1012173/gus-kenworthy-joining-american-horror-story-season-9-with-emma-roberts. live.
  12. Web site: 'Pose' Star Joins 'American Horror Story: 1984' Cast. Hollywood Reporter. Jackie. Strause. July 10, 2019. July 10, 2019. April 22, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210422112238/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-horror-story-1984-poses-angelica-ross-cast-season-9-1223621. live.
  13. Web site: 'American Horror Story: 1984': Matthew Morrison Joins Cast, Billie Lourd and Cody Fern Among Returning Stars. Hollywood Reporter. Jackie. Strause. July 11, 2019. July 11, 2019. November 14, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201114224907/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/american-horror-story-1984-teaser-billie-lourd-cody-fern-star-1223850. live.
  14. Web site: Original American Horror Story star to return, according to AHS 1984 filming photos. Digital Spy. Dan. Seddon. October 23, 2019. October 23, 2019. November 30, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201130053539/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a29559423/american-horror-story-ahs-1984-dylan-mcdermott-return-set-photos/. live.
  15. Web site: Lily Rabe (@pillypie22) via Instagram. https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B4QEQU4HXVh . 2021-12-26 . registration. Instagram. October 30, 2019.
  16. Web site: AHS: 1984 Recap: Who Found Peace? And Who Is Finn Wittrock Playing?. Andy. Swift. TV Line. November 7, 2019. November 7, 2019. October 21, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201021194450/https://tvline.com/2019/11/06/ahs-1984-recap-season-9-episode-8-finn-wittrock-finale/. live.
  17. Web site: Evan Peters says he will not be returning for American Horror Story season 9. PopBuzz. April 2, 2019. April 2, 2019. January 18, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210118045331/https://www.popbuzz.com/tv-film/american-horror-story/season-9-evan-peters-leaving/. live.
  18. billyeichner. billy eichner. 1131748295859089408. Thank you! I can't do AHS this year but boy oh boy I had a blast and I love all those crazy kids a lot. ❤️. May 23, 2019. May 24, 2019.
  19. Web site: Sarah Paulson Scales Back On 'American Horror Story: 1984' As She Ratchets Up On 'Ratched'. Deadline Hollywood. Anthony. D'Alessandro. July 8, 2019. July 9, 2019. September 27, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190927004643/https://deadline.com/2019/07/american-horror-story-sarah-paulson-reduced-role-1202643122/. live.
  20. Web site: Sarah Paulson Teases Netflix's 'Ratched' and How She Plans to Transform to Play Linda Tripp. The Hollywood Reporter. Jackie. Strause. October 13, 2019. October 23, 2019. October 13, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191013234528/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/sarah-paulson-teases-netflixs-ratched-linda-tripp-role-fxs-impeachment-1247277. live.
  21. Web site: Murphy . Ryan . Ryan Murphy (writer) . To celebrate the first day of filming the NINTH Season of AMERICAN HORROR STORY, here's the official 1984 cast announcement along with some amazing 80s lewks. Enjoy! . Instagram . July 15, 2019 . July 11, 2019 . November 14, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201114224830/https://www.instagram.com/p/BzyHgu7JL4t/ . live .
  22. Web site: American Horror Story: 1984 . November 9, 2019 . . . November 14, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201114224922/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/american_horror_story/s09 . live .
  23. Web site: A. Kendra. 2021-05-11. Why Fans Have A Big Problem With Richard Ramirez In AHS: 1984. 2021-12-14. Looper.com. en-US. December 14, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211214040058/https://www.looper.com/406969/why-fans-have-a-big-problem-with-richard-ramirez-in-ahs-1984/. live.
  24. Web site: January 3, 2020 . 'Parasite,' 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire,' 'Pain and Glory' Lead Dorian Award Nominations . January 9, 2020 . . January 18, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210118131319/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2020-gay-lesbian-entertainment-critics-dorian-awards-noms-full-list-1265575/item/wilde-wit-year-1265606 . live .
  25. Web site: Hipes . Patrick . November 11, 2019 . Make-Up Artists And Hair Stylists Guild Awards Nominees Set . January 17, 2020 . . November 11, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191111164847/https://deadline.com/2019/11/make-up-artists-and-hair-stylists-guild-awards-nominees-full-list-1202782758/ . live .
  26. Web site: Merrett . Robyn . September 19, 2020 . Creative Arts Emmys 2020: Full List of Winners . 2022-07-11 . . en . July 11, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220711090552/https://people.com/tv/2020-creative-arts-emmys-full-list-of-winners/ . live .
  27. Web site: Prix Adaptation en doublage d'une série télévisée - ATAA . 2022-07-11 . beta.ataa.fr . July 11, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220711091033/https://beta.ataa.fr/prix/2021/adaptation-en-doublage-dune-serie-televisee . live .
  28. Web site: Prix et nominations : Prix du doublage / Prix du sous-titrage de l'Ataa - Cinéma & Séries 2021 . . July 28, 2023 . September 22, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230922011322/https://www.allocine.fr/festivals/festival-2893/edition-18356298/palmares/ . live .
  29. Web site: FX Networks - American Horror Story 1984 - Under The Bed . 2023-07-28 . . en . July 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230728142934/https://clios.com/entertainment/winner/television-streaming-special-shoot-spot-promo/fx-networks/american-horror-story-1984-under-the-bed-103401 . live .
  30. Web site: Clio Entertainment Winners . 2023-07-28 . . en.