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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
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84% Tomatometer 220 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
"American Horror Story" was created by the co-creators of "Glee," but the shows have little in common besides that. The show revolves around the Harmons, a family of three, who move from Boston to Los Angeles in order to reconcile past anguish. What the Harmons don't know is that the house they've moved into is haunted. But it's not haunted by Casperesque friendly ghosts -- it's haunted by demonic creatures. The creatures have a history of not only spooking the house's residents but also devouring them. After living in this house, family patriarch and psychiatrist, Ben, may need a shrink of his own.
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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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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 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 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 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 Holly @Hollydalziel Feb 28 So smart, so brilliant! The acting and story were top notch! Jessica Lange is the best actress to ever be on screen! Loved every minute 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

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