Ryan Murphy's Secret Inspiration Behind ‘American Horror Story’ Is Quite Wholesome
American Horror Story exists because of someone very special in Murphy’s life. Here’s what we know.
There's a lot of anticipation for Season 13 of American Horror Story, especially after 2024's hiatus. But for now let's take a look back at how this iconic anthology came to be.
The main inspiration behind ‘AHS’: Ryan Murphy's grandma Myrtle.
“She turned me on to all the tropes of horror I came to love. In a way, American Horror Story is a tribute to her. She would hate Glee. She hated musicals,” Murphy said during his talk with Out Magazine.
‘American Horror Story’ Was Inspired By Soap Opera ‘Dark Shadows’ & Macabre
Murphy found his horror groove thanks to the '60s soap opera Dark Shadows and a touch of the macabre. His grandma would sit him in front of the TV to watch the show “just to toughen me up,” as he shared in the same interview.
It wasn't his only time crediting his grandmother, however. Later, during his talk with The Hollywood Reporter, he said:
“I was a strange kid in that I was, sort of, raised by my grandmother. I basically saw everything when I was growing up. I really loved movies, and I loved television. I guess for American Horror Story, my big influence was Dark Shadows.”
What is ‘Dark Shadows’ About & How it Influenced ‘American Horror Story’?
Dark Shadows was a gothic soap opera that aired from 1966 to 1971. It blended supernatural elements with classic soap drama. The show featured vampires, witches, werewolves, and time travel. Some of these elements would later become staples in Murphy's anthology series.
The series followed the Collins family in the fictional town of Collinsport, Maine. The main protagonist Barnabas Collins is a complex character, both villain and hero.
“I went as Barnabas Collins, like, three Halloweens in a row, and my dad was thrilled because it was the first time I wanted to be a boy; I usually wanted to be a witch or something like that,” Murphy revealed to Out Magazine.
Murphy's fascination with Barnabas Collins goes beyond just a Halloween costume. It is evident in how he creates his AHS protagonists. From Murder House to Delicate, you'll find that same blend of sympathy and horror.
You can watch Dark Shadows on Amazon Prime Video or for free with ads on Pluto TV.
Where To Watch ‘American Horror Story’?
American Horror Story is available on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu.
