Horror fans gathered in New York City Wednesday night for the premiere of American Horror Story: 13, and the show’s creators pulled out all the stops to mark the occasion. The cast is back in full force, with several fan-favorite characters returning after extended absences. Series star Sarah Paulson told reporters that having everyone back on screen was the biggest statement the show could make.
“Well we’re all back, that’s the biggest flex I can imagine,” Paulson said. “You’ve got people who haven’t been on the show in a while, and it’s very very special.”
Paulson’s character history runs deep across the franchise, and her enthusiasm for the season’s lineup was palpable. The fact that she was talking about other actors returning, rather than her own role, speaks to the collective nature of the project.
Paulson on the Biggest Flex
Sarah Paulson’s line was the highlight of the red carpet interviews. She framed the season as a celebration of the show’s history, with actors who had not appeared in recent seasons making a comeback.
Paulson’s “biggest flex” comment captured the spirit of the evening. The show is celebrating its past while moving forward, and the premiere was the perfect way to signal that intention.
Lange’s Reported Lineup
Jessica Lange described her season’s workload during the red carpet interviews. She said she played her four original characters, plus one additional role.
“This season I did my four original characters, and then threw one in sort of as extra,” Lange said.
The reveal gives viewers a reason to pay closer attention to the casting choices as the season unfolds. Lange’s willingness to play multiple roles is a hallmark of the franchise.
The Premiere Itself
The premiere took place Wednesday night in New York City. The exact location was not specified.
The premiere marked the start of the season’s rollout. The event brought together cast members, fans and reporters for a night dedicated to the franchise’s thirteenth installment.
What the Season Brings
American Horror Story: 13 premieres Thursday at 9 p.m. on FX and Hulu. The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of FX, Hulu and this ABC station, which means the show fits comfortably within the company’s portfolio of streaming and cable properties.
The dual broadcast on FX and Hulu gives audiences multiple ways to tune in, which is standard practice for the franchise. Fans who subscribe to Hulu will have access alongside those who watch through FX.
The Fan-Favorite Returnees
The biggest news from the premiere is the return of fan-favorite characters. The show has built its reputation on reinvention, and this season looks set to continue that pattern.
The fact that Paulson and Lange were both discussing the return of others suggests a season where multiple actors are reprising roles. The exact identities of those characters were not revealed during the premiere event, so the mystery remains intact.
The Walt Disney Connection
The Walt Disney Company’s ownership of FX and Hulu means the show benefits from a powerful distribution network. The company’s involvement ensures the season reaches a wide audience across multiple platforms.
The ABC affiliation adds another layer of visibility. It means the premiere event received coverage from a network with a broad reach, helping to amplify the announcement of the upcoming season.
The Big Names
The premiere also featured big-name stars who made the fan-favorite characters famous. These actors have carried the franchise through its many seasons, and their return is a significant draw for longtime viewers.
The presence of these actors at the premiere was a reminder of the show’s cultural weight. Their involvement signals that the franchise remains a destination for major talent.
A Season of Returns
The season is notable for bringing back characters who have not appeared in recent seasons. That is a deliberate choice by the creative team.
The return of these characters is a signal that the show values its history. It is also a practical matter: fan-favorite characters draw viewers. The premiere’s emphasis on the return of absent favorites suggests the season will honor that history while also moving forward.
The Schedule
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Evening | Premiere event in New York City |
| Thursday | 9 p.m. | Season premiere on FX and Hulu |
The premiere happens Wednesday night, and the season starts Thursday at 9 p.m. The schedule reflects a typical rollout for the franchise, with the premiere event serving as a launch party before the actual first episode airs.
The Bottom Line
The premiere in New York City was a success by any measure. The cast was present, the excitement was real, and the season promises to deliver on the nostalgia front.
Paulson’s “biggest flex” comment captured the spirit of the evening. The show is celebrating its past while moving forward, and the premiere was the perfect way to signal that intention.
The return of fan-favorite characters is the story. Paulson and Lange’s quotes confirm it, and the premiere itself delivered the proof. The season premieres Thursday at 9 p.m., and the wait is almost over.
See the a run of 16 images at ABC7 Los Angeles.
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