The backlash to the new season of American Horror Story appears to come from a growing feeling that the series is relying more on nostalgia than genuinely frightening or original storytelling. Season 13 was heavily promoted around the return of major characters and performers from previous seasons, including Jessica Lange, Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson. While this has excited longtime fans, some critics argue that the constant callbacks make the season feel more like a greatest-hits compilation than a new American Horror Story. TheWrap, for example, describes the season as being designed primarily for “superfans,” warning that casual viewers may struggle to understand or appreciate the extensive references to earlier seasons.
Another major criticism is the writing. Early reviews have described the story as confusing, overloaded and occasionally boring. Slant’s review is particularly harsh, calling the season “borderline incoherent” and arguing that its short episodes and constant recycling of familiar characters prevent the story from developing properly. The review also criticizes the way returning characters are presented almost like celebrity cameos, with familiar lines and imagery seemingly included for audience applause rather than because they serve the plot.
The pacing has also become a source of frustration. Slant points out that some episodes are barely 22 minutes long, considerably shorter than episodes from earlier seasons. For viewers accustomed to AHS building elaborate worlds and complicated storylines, the reduced runtime can make the new season feel rushed or incomplete.
There is also a broader sense of fatigue among some fans. Criticism of Season 13 follows dissatisfaction with previous installments, particularly Season 12, Delicate. Although Delicate received a 77% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, its audience score was lower at 64%. Critics praised its more restrained approach but also questioned its ability to create genuine suspense.
Fan discussions show similar complaints about weak writing, disappointing payoffs and excessive reliance on familiar ideas. Some viewers have described Delicate as building suspense without delivering a satisfying conclusion, while others argue that the newer seasons lack the atmosphere and character development associated with earlier installments.
Ultimately, the negative reaction seems to reflect a clash between what made AHS popular originally and what Season 13 is currently offering. The show is giving longtime fans recognizable faces, characters and references, but some critics and viewers feel that nostalgia cannot replace strong writing, coherent plotting and genuine horror.