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Asylum – American Horror Story

Play trailer Poster for Asylum – American Horror Story Oct 2012 Horror Drama Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
84% Tomatometer 220 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Danger lurks around every corner for the patients, doctors and nuns who occupy the locked-down facility that is Briarcliff Mental Institution.
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American Horror Story — Asylum

American Horror Story — Asylum

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Critics Consensus

American Horror Story: Asylum crosses boundaries to shock and scare with sexy subplots and some innovative takes on current social issues.

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Critics Reviews

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Amy Amatangelo Paste Magazine 01/24/2013
In general, I'm not buying what the show is selling. American Horror Story: Asylum is about shock value, gore, depravity and the occasional singing number. The show doesn't have a larger message, and you can't convince me that it does. Go to Full Review
Rob Salem Toronto Star 10/18/2012
We are all too well-educated now in horror-movie tropes to really be surprised by any of this stuff. It's all in the execution, and to his great credit, Murphy executes this horror story with aplomb. And a lot of screaming. Go to Full Review
Eric L. Hinton New York Daily News 10/18/2012
It's a solid setup. And given the writers were tasked with coming up with a completely new storyline for an established hit, the foundation seems well laid and primed with numerous avenues to explore. Go to Full Review
Cameron Ferguson Black Girl Nerds 06/26/2018
The season as a whole was so smooth and so terrifying that it's probably the only one I will continue to go back to and watch. Go to Full Review
Matt Donato We Got This Covered 11/04/2013
6/10
American Horror Story: Asylum is filled with plenty of dark secrets, sinister twists, and unexpected turns - but unfortunately the one thing this psychologically invading season lacks is thoughtful explanation. Go to Full Review
Paul Chambers Movie Chambers 10/10/2013
B+
The show grabs you, shocks you and keeps you guessing. The only question left unanswered at season's end is "Will Season 3 be half as good?" Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Joe L @Hoagie1013 Apr 8 Every episode kept you coming back for more. See more Dani C. @Danirock Jan 20 American horror story asylum is by far my favorite season still to this day! It literally had everything you could possibly imagine and ask for in a horror story from the beginning to the heart of it , right down to the end it keeps you on edge . With possession, murderers, crazy people in a mental asylum, crazy doctor doing all kind of experiments!! Unfortunately ahs has not lived up to season 2 asylum! See more Vagner S @RT98188681 Nov 26 The best season of the show so far, with a well-crafted plot and engaging, charismatic characters. Rabe, Lange, Paulson, and Peters deliver outstanding performances alongside Cromwell and Quinto. See more Nicky A @RT02542971 Nov 24 I really loved this season as well. Story is nice and the overall message is great. I rewatch this season a lot as well. See more Jonathon J @RT54007015 Sep 24 More interesting than the first season. See more Berni P @BerniPx Jul 11 The peak of American Horror Story before it went all downhill. The tension is always high, and the trio of the asylum inmates is very likeable. It's a rollercoaster ride between excitement and heartbreak to see them almost escape several times, but failing and ending up worse than before. See more Read all reviews
American Horror Story — Asylum

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Oct 17, 2012 Welcome to Briarcliff Terrifying evils blur the boundaries between reality and insanity at the notorious insane asylum, Briarcliff Manor. Details Episode 2 Aired Oct 24, 2012 Tricks and Treats An exorcist is called to Briarcliff to help save a troubled farm boy; Sister Jude's darkest secret is revealed. Details Episode 3 Aired Oct 31, 2012 Nor'easter A violent storm allows a group of patients to plan a daring escape; Sister Jude is haunted by her past. Details Episode 4 Aired Nov 7, 2012 I Am Anne Frank A new patient claiming to be Anne Frank exposes Arden's past; Kit learns why Grace was admitted to Briarcliff. Details Episode 5 Aired Nov 14, 2012 I Am Anne Frank Sister Jude employs a renowned Nazi hunter to gather evidence against Arden; Kit makes a surprising confession; Bloody Face is unmasked. Details Episode 6 Aired Nov 21, 2012 The Origins of Monstrosity A mysterious little girl is abandoned at Briarcliff; the Monsignor makes a Faustian pact with Dr. Arden; the origin of Bloody Face is revealed. Details Episode 7 Aired Nov 28, 2012 Dark Cousin Sister Mary Eunice is terrified to discover a dark angel at Briarcliff; Kit makes a bold move to be reunited with Grace. Details Episode 8 Aired Dec 5, 2012 Unholy Night A murderous Santa wreaks havoc on Briarcliff; Sister Jude faces off with the devil; Arden has a shocking encounter in the death chute. Details Episode 9 Aired Dec 12, 2012 The Coat Hanger The Monsignor takes an unlikely convert under his wing; Lana secures a new piece of evidence that can exonerate Kit; Dr. Arden witnesses a miraculous return. Details Episode 10 Aired Jan 2, 2013 The Name Game The Monsignor confronts the Devil; Dr. Arden's experiments reach a shocking conclusion; Dr. Thredson facilitates a reunion for Kit. Details Episode 11 Aired Jan 9, 2013 Spilt Milk Grace tells Kit devastating news about the aliens' experiments on Alma; Dr. Thredson receives an unexpected visitor; the Monsignor goes to extreme lengths to silence Jude. Details Episode 12 Aired Jan 16, 2013 Continuum A deadly new inmate threatens Sister Jude's chance of release; Grace's obsession with the aliens turns violent. Details Episode 13 Aired Jan 23, 2013 Madness Ends Johnny sets out to complete his father's work; Lana leads the charge to finally shut down Briarcliff. Details
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Season Info

Synopsis Danger lurks around every corner for the patients, doctors and nuns who occupy the locked-down facility that is Briarcliff Mental Institution.
Executive Producer
Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Dante Di Loreto, Tim Minear
Network
FX
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Horror, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date
Oct 17, 2012