American Horror Story has delivered plenty of disturbing moments over the years, but its latest attempt at horror has left some fans questioning its quality.
A particularly bizarre scene has sparked ridicule online, leading viewers to voice their frustration with the creative decisions behind the anthology series’ latest installment.
Highlights
- American Horror Story season 13 faces backlash after a bizarre childbirth scene featuring Emma Roberts.
- One viewer called it "the worst show ever made," while others slammed the season's writing.
- Fans have questioned Ryan Murphy's creative direction, with some even calling for the show's cancellation.
The backlash erupted on social media after the American Horror Story season 13 finale, which aired on October 29, 2026. In one particularly bizarre sequence, Emma Roberts' character, Madison, becomes pregnant and gives birth in less than a minute.
For a series known for its unconventional approach to horror, the sequence seems to have pushed longtime viewers over their limits.
American Horror Story season 13 faces backlash over bizarre childbirth scene
The childbirth scene resurfaced on X on November 2 and attracted more than 700,000 views, bringing renewed attention to the show's controversial finale.
Viewers quickly questioned the show's decision to compress an entire pregnancy into such a brief sequence.
Reactions on X ranged from criticism of the scene's writing to broader complaints about the franchise's overall creative direction.
One viewer was particularly blunt, writing, "This may just be the worst show ever made."
Another X user criticized the writing and questioned the creative choices behind the storyline.
"Like, how LAZY is this writing? They could’ve had Ben and Madison as the couple, instead of the lame Madelaine Petsch cameo. Like, eughhhh, this show sucks," they commented.
The complaints extended beyond the childbirth sequence, with several viewers arguing that the season lacked the storytelling depth that once made American Horror Story a hit.
One Reddit user described season 13 as "possibly the worst season of any TV show I’ve ever watched."
"I watch a lot of series, and I cannot think of a worse season of anything," another disappointed viewer wrote.
A third reaction suggested that the season had struggled to take itself seriously.
"There was no substance; it felt like a joke," they added.
Showrunner Ryan Murphy faces criticism as fans question the series’ declining quality
The backlash has also brought renewed scrutiny to showrunner Ryan Murphy, with some viewers directing their frustration at his handling of the latest installment.
One viewer was particularly critical of Murphy's recent work, declaring, "Absolute slop. I’m done with Ryan Murphy productions. They used to be great, but not for many years."
The comments reflect a growing perception among viewers that the franchise has strayed from the storytelling that originally made it popular.
The season 13 finale has also reportedly become the lowest-rated episode in American Horror Story history on IMDb, with a 2.4/10 score.
The latest installment also hasn’t fared well critically. On Rotten Tomatoes, it currently holds a critics’ score of 60%, down from season 12’s 77%.
Despite the negative reception, the show was renewed for season 14 on October 20, 2026.
However, given the disappointing season 13 finale, many fans have begun questioning whether the anthology series should continue at all.
One viewer made their feelings clear on X, writing, "Atp cancel AHS 14 please. This is just a shame for the fans."
American Horror Story isn't Ryan Murphy's only recent show facing backlash
The criticism of American Horror Story season 13 comes weeks after another Ryan Murphy production, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, faced a similar wave of negative reactions.
Starring Ella Beatty in the lead, it explored the infamous 1892 double homicide case in Fall River, Massachusetts.
The series faced criticism over its portrayal of the case, with viewers questioning its historical accuracy and creative liberties. It also drew backlash after an extremely graphic dinner-table scene left viewers disgusted.
A separate controversy erupted over a dance sequence, which featured homicidal offender Aileen Wuornos (Sarah Paulson) alongside Borden (Beatty).
Since Wuornos was born in 1956, decades after Borden’s infamous case, the scene left many viewers baffled, with some viewers accusing Murphy of mishandling and misrepresenting the true story.
With both productions facing criticism, questions are emerging about whether Murphy can recapture the storytelling appeal that once made his projects audience favorites.
American Horror Story is currently streaming on Hulu.
"Was this season written by ChatGPT": Fans voiced their disappointment with AHS season 13
