Although each season of American Horror Story, created by Ryan Murphy, brings its kind of fear, there’s something unique about the first season titled Murder House. These 12 episodes, led by strong performances from Connie Britton and Taissa Farmiga, help show why fans keep coming back to the series every year.
Every season takes a fresh angle—from a haunted hotel to a circus or even the streets of New York—and one thing the show gets right is how it reuses the same group of actors while letting them take on different twisted and terrifying roles that could compete with the darkest horror movie villains.
Murder House proved horror can feel like home (Photo: American Horror Story Season 1/20th Century Fox Television)Even though American Horror Story, the spinoff, has its frightening appeal, it’s still the original American Horror Story season 1 that people remember and praise the most. The haunted house setting works perfectly, and the appearance of Rubber Man adds a disturbing mystery to the story.
So, what exactly happens in American Horror Story season 1, and why does it remain one of the most talked-about chapters in the series?
What is American Horror Story Season 1 About?
The story begins with the Harmons moving into a new home that turns out to be haunted. Dr. Ben Harmon (Dylan McDermott) and his wife Vivien (Connie Britton), are struggling in their marriage due to past issues with infertility.
Their teenage daughter, Violet (Taissa Farmiga), is also going through a difficult period as she faces the challenges of growing up. One thing that makes American Horror Story season 1 so memorable is the cast of disturbing characters. Jessica Lange’s Constance Langdon stands out immediately.
She lives next door and has sinister plans involving Vivien’s unborn children. Then there’s Larry Harvey (Denis O’Hare), who once lived in the same house and is now known as The Burned Man because of his disfigured face.
Tate Langdon (Evan Peters), another key character, is a ghost and secretly the one hiding behind the Rubber Man costume. No matter which season someone watches first, season 1 always leaves a lasting impression. Vivien and Violet are both given deep and emotional storylines.
The show tackles the sensitive subject of infertility in Vivien’s case, and her wish to have another baby is portrayed with a lot of care. Violet finds herself drawn to Tate, and this turns out to be a problem because he’s one of the most terrifying characters the series has introduced.
How Does American Horror Story Season 1 End?
When it comes to the final episode of American Horror Story season 1, titled “Afterbirth,” things take a very dark and tragic turn. The Harmons are now dealing with a situation that has turned their lives upside down.
The Murder House setting fits right in with the kind of haunted houses seen in classic horror films—creepy, unpredictable, and disturbing. The idea that there could be something evil hiding within the walls keeps the tension high from start to finish.
Twisted roles and familiar faces fuel the fear (Photo: American Horror Story Season 1/20th Century Fox Television)Vivien and Violet have both lost their lives and now exist as ghosts trapped inside the house. Vivien gives birth to twins, but heartbreak follows as one of the babies dies. Ben tries to follow Vivien’s suggestion and leave the house with the surviving child, but Hayden McClaine (Kate Mara) kills him before he can escape.
Taissa Farmiga, who later returns to horror as Sister Irene in The Nun 2, is very convincing as a troubled teen whose life is turned upside down by her family’s situation. Her connection to Tate, though dangerous, feels believable because of how emotionally vulnerable she is.
Tate, who shows his dark nature right from the beginning, pulls her deeper into trouble. After their deaths, the Harmon family settles into a new, ghostly existence and even prepares for Christmas together. Meanwhile, Tate makes it clear that he will wait for Violet in the afterlife, hoping they’ll be together again.
Even though his obsession with Violet comes off as unsettling, the series takes time to explain why she feels connected to him. Tate isn’t just the typical bad boy love interest—he’s a ghost with a disturbing past.
Evan Peters, also known for his role as Quicksilver in WandaVision, plays this role with just the right amount of creepiness in every moment. The final scene of season 1 delivers a chilling finish. Three years have passed, and the baby Vivien gave birth to is now a toddler.
When Constance sees the child, she notices how much he looks like Tate. Things become even more disturbing when she learns that the boy has killed his nanny. Jessica Lange gives a powerful performance as Constance, a character who is both frightening and strong-willed.
Even with her tough personality, the house still scares her, showing that no one, no matter how hardened, can truly survive its evil grip. This unforgettable movie experience is currently streaming on Amazon Prime for all subscribers.
