Over a decade after its release, it looks like Ryan Murphy has finally found his perfect American Horror Story replacement. Ryan Murphy’s horror anthology, American Horror Story, has had an incredible 12-season run since its release in 2011 and has also been renewed to return for season 13.
Although Murphy has dabbled with other storytelling avenues in the horror genre with shows like The Watcher and Grotesquerie, none have come close to emulating American Horror Story‘s wide commercial appeal. Like most anthologies, American Horror Story has had its share of ups and downs, highs and lows.
However, the show remains one of the best things Ryan Murphy has worked on. Interestingly, though, another series created by the American television writer, director, and producer seems to be showing immense potential. If it keeps gaining momentum with its upcoming installments, it might become the next American Horror Story.
Ryan Murphy’s Monster Anthology Is Turning Into AHS After Charlie Hunnam Update
Ryan Murphy’s Monster on Netflix is an anthology series that focuses on a different killer or killers in each season. In season 1, Monster revolved around the life of Jeffrey Dahmer (played by Evan Peters). The show’s season 2 centered on the Menendez brothers (Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Lyle Menendez and Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez).
In season 3, Monster will walk through the life and crimes of Ed Gein, who will be portrayed by Charlie Hunnam. Interestingly, even before Monster season 3’s release, the show’s season 4 has already been confirmed. As reports reveal, season 4 will be about murder suspect Lizzie Borden, who will be played by Ella Beatty.
Despite being the lead in season 3, Charlie Hunnam has reportedly (via Variety) been cast to play another role in the show’s season 4. As reports suggest, he is nearing a deal to play Lizzie Borden’s father. Ryan Murphy’s approach to casting the same actors to play different roles in different installments of the anthology is reminiscent of what he did in American Horror Story.
Throughout the FX series, many actors, like Evan Peters, Emma Roberts, Sarah Paulson, and Lily Rabe, play myriad roles, giving the standalone stories in the series a sense of continuity. Murphy seems to be pulling off something similar with Monster by having Charlie Hunnam return for season 4.
What’s Going On With American Horror Story Season 13?
Given how Monster is adopting the same anthology approach as American Horror Story and even repeating its unique casting pattern, it would be fair to say that Monster fills the void American Horror Story season 12 left behind. Fortunately, American Horror Story is far from over, and its season 13 has already been confirmed.
Did You Know: Evan Peters described (via Netflix) his role in Monster season 1 as the most challenging of his career. He revealed that he was disturbed by the part long after the season’s filming concluded.
While most details surrounding the new season of the show remain under wraps, its production has yet to begin. Ryan Murphy, too, offered a brief yet positive update (via Deadline) surrounding it by saying that he and Sarah Paulson were “cooking up something cool.“
Given how the flywheels of American Horror Story season 13 are moving slowly, it will be a while before it releases. Till then, audiences can check out Monster‘s seasons 1 and 2 and look forward to its season 3, titled The Ed Gein Story, which is scheduled to be released on Netflix on October 3, 2025.
