American Horror Story: Murder House

American Horror Story Season 1

American Horror Story: Murder House is the first season of the American Horror Story anthology television series, created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. It originally aired on FX in the United States from October 5, 2011, to December 21, 2011. The season was produced by 20th Century Fox Television, and the executive producers were Dante Di Loreto, Brad Falchuk, and Ryan Murphy.

Plot

The season revolves around the Harmon family: Ben, Vivien, and their daughter Violet, who move from Boston to Los Angeles after Vivien has a miscarriage and Ben has an affair. They move into a restored mansion, unaware that the house is haunted by the ghosts of its former residents and their victims.

Cast and characters

The main cast includes Connie Britton as Vivien Harmon, Dylan McDermott as Ben Harmon, Taissa Farmiga as Violet Harmon, Jessica Lange as Constance Langdon, Evan Peters as Tate Langdon, Denis O'Hare as Larry Harvey, and Frances Conroy as Moira O'Hara. Recurring characters include Jamie Brewer as Adelaide "Addie" Langdon, Kate Mara as Hayden McClaine, and Zachary Quinto as Chad Warwick.

Reception

"Murder House" received generally positive reviews from critics and was a ratings success for FX. It was praised for its production values, writing, and the performances of its cast, particularly Jessica Lange. The season received numerous awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Series – Drama.

Themes

The season explores themes of infidelity, sanity, oppression, discrimination, and the concept of home. It also delves into the American cultural norms and societal issues, such as the American Dream and the nuclear family.

Episodes

The season consists of 12 episodes. Each episode focuses on a different aspect of the house's history and its myriad of occupants, both living and dead.

Production

"Murder House" was filmed on location in Los Angeles, California. The house used for exterior shots is the Rosenheim Mansion, a historic building in the city. The season's story was conceived by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, and it marks a departure from the procedural format typical of most horror series, opting instead for a season-long anthology format.

Legacy

"American Horror Story: Murder House" set the tone for the series' future seasons, each of which explores a different horror theme and setting while maintaining a core cast of actors who play different characters in each season. The season has been credited with revitalizing the horror genre on television and has developed a dedicated fan base.