American Horror Story season 13 is getting the old gang back together, but one big name is missing from the party. Ryan Murphy has explained Ariana Grande’s exit, teased her possible AHS future, and revealed new details about the all-star cast.
The 13-episode season premieres September 24, 2026, on FX and Hulu. Get ready for a horror-filled reunion with a few surprises in store.
What Did Ryan Murphy Reveal About American Horror Story Season 13?
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Ryan Murphy has shared major American Horror Story season 13 updates, including Ariana Grande’s exit due to a scheduling conflict, the return of several longtime cast members and their past characters, and the season’s tribute to the entire series.
Why Did Ariana Grande Leave American Horror Story Season 13?
Ariana Grande left American Horror Story season 13 because filming conflicted with her Eternal Sunshine Tour. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Murphy called it “really, truly a scheduling conflict” and said Grande had warned him early that she might be touring when production began.
“When it came time to do that episode,” Murphy recalled, Grande told him, “I don’t know how I’m going to juggle the tour with this.” Murphy offered to push their idea to another season, and Grande agreed. He also stressed there was no dispute behind the exit, saying, “Who is busier than Ariana Grande? No one.”
- Early Warning: Grande told Murphy she thought she would be going on tour.
- Tour Conflict: Her Eternal Sunshine Tour eventually made filming the episode impossible.
- Exit Confirmed: Grande’s departure from Season 13 was confirmed in July 2026.
- Role Kept Secret: Murphy has not revealed the character he created for Grande.
- Past Collaboration: Grande previously worked with Murphy on Scream Queens.
How Will Season 13 Reunite Characters From Across American Horror Story?
Ryan Murphy revealed that American Horror Story Season 13 is a tribute to the entire series, with returning actors playing several of their past characters. “This season is a tribute to all of the seasons, which we’ll never do again,” Murphy told The Hollywood Reporter.
Jessica Lange was especially important to the reunion. Murphy admitted the season likely wouldn’t have happened without her agreeing to return. Lange came back alongside Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Emma Roberts, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Billie Lourd, Frances Conroy, Gabourey Sidibe, and Leslie Grossman.
Murphy said the returning cast members were quick to agree when he asked them to come back, barely letting him finish the question before saying yes. Once filming began, he said it felt like “getting the band back together,” with actors slipping right back into familiar characters and accents.
Season 13 will also use original costumes kept in storage, with Easter eggs placed throughout the sets for longtime fans. Murphy also confirmed that American Horror Story will continue beyond Season 13, with development for Season 14 already underway.
- Jessica Lange: Lange will play all four of her American Horror Story characters.
- Sarah Paulson: Paulson will play six characters in Season 13.
- Evan Peters: Peters will return as five different characters.
- Ultimate Evil: Murphy compared the reunion to the Avengers battling an “ultimate evil.”
- Season 14: Murphy is already considering the next story and cast.
How Will Season 13 Reunite Characters From Across American Horror Story?
Yes, Ariana Grande could still appear in American Horror Story, although no future season has been confirmed for her. Murphy has chosen to keep the unrevealed character idea available, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “I might bring that back for another season, per Ariana’s availability.”
Murphy described the planned role as a big swing but did not reveal who Grande would have played. He also made clear that he wants to collaborate with her again, calling her a “big fan of horror” and pointing to their previous work together on Scream Queens.
Murphy said he’ll always work with her again, adding that he loves and supports her, leaving the possibility of an eventual AHS appearance open if their schedules align.
- Role Still Possible: Murphy may use the original idea in another season.
- No Season Confirmed: Grande has not been announced for Season 14.
- Character Still Secret: Murphy has not identified the role he planned for her.
- Availability Matters: A future appearance depends on Grande’s schedule.
- Future Collaboration: Murphy said he will “always work with her.”
Final Thoughts
American Horror Story Season 13 is bringing longtime cast members and familiar characters back for a one-time tribute to the series. Ariana Grande may no longer be part of the season, but Ryan Murphy has left the door open for a future collaboration.
With 13 episodes, returning AHS favorites, hidden Easter eggs, and an “ultimate evil” bringing the characters together, the September 24, 2026 premiere is set to be a major AHS reunion.
FAQs
AHS Season 13 is a tribute to the entire series, with returning characters coming together to battle an “ultimate evil.”
No, Ryan Murphy confirmed that Season 13 is not a direct Coven sequel. Instead, it brings together characters and elements from past seasons to face an ultimate evil.
No, Cher has not been confirmed as a cast member for American Horror Story Season 13.
You can watch American Horror Story Season 13 on FX or Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ internationally when it premieres September 24, 2026.
Season 13 brings back Coven witches, but it is a larger crossover featuring characters from past AHS seasons.