Mckenna Chapman Shows AHS’s Freedom vs The Madison’s Strict Vision

Chapman, 27, spoke exclusively with Page Six at the New York premiere of *American Horror Story*’s upcoming season, comparing the atmosphere on set of her new project to that of Taylor Sheridan’s *The Madison*.

She explained that while *The Madison* feels collaborative, the direction of *AHS* is more relaxed, allowing actors to explore their characters. Chapman’s comments come as she transitions from playing Paige McIntosh in *The Madison* to portraying Ashley in season 13 of *American Horror Story*.

Chapman said, “I really got to lean into humor,” pointing out that the comedic tone on *AHS* allowed her to explore levity more fully.

She added, “I tap into [humor] a little bit on ‘The Madison,’ but on this one I really got to play, and the writers were on set, and they let me bring my own direction, and it’s very collaborative.” She further remarked that *The Madison* felt collaborative as well but noted a difference in strictness from the creator.

“But I think Taylor is a little more strict on … he knows what he wants,” she explained, highlighting a more controlled environment on her previous series. Despite the differences, Chapman observed that both shows prioritize crew stability and audience engagement.

The actresses noted how this consistency fosters a supportive atmosphere, regardless of genre or tone. The result is a production environment where actors can trust their colleagues across seasons.

## Background & Context

Chapman’s character on *The Madison*, Paige McIntosh, is a spoiled Park Avenue socialite forced to adapt to life in Montana with her family, including her mother portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer. The show situates its narrative in the stark contrasts between urban luxury and rural isolation.

As she transitions to the supernatural realm of *AHS*, Chapman will play Ashley, a role she describes as new and fun.

During her interview, Chapman noted that both *The Madison* and *American Horror Story* share a core crew that remains consistent each season, yet the audience for each series is distinct. She observed that this shared personnel creates a sense of familial continuity across different storytelling worlds.

However, she highlighted that the creative visions of Taylor Sheridan and Ryan Murphy diverge, offering her varied learning opportunities.

Chapman emphasized that working with Ryan Murphy was a dream come true, . She expressed gratitude for the chance to embody a character that would not have been possible otherwise. The actress underscored the honor of joining a show revered by many.

## On the Set of Two Worlds

Chapman said, “I really got to lean into humor,” pointing out that the comedic tone on *AHS* allowed her to explore levity more fully. She added, “I tap into [humor] a little bit on ‘The Madison,’ but on this one I really got to play, and the writers were on set, and they let me bring my own direction, and it’s very collaborative.”

She further remarked that *The Madison* felt collaborative as well but noted a difference in strictness from the creator. “But I think Taylor is a little more strict on … he knows what he wants,” she explained, highlighting a more controlled environment on her previous series.

Despite the differences, Chapman observed that both shows prioritize crew stability and audience engagement. The actresses noted how this consistency fosters a supportive atmosphere, regardless of genre or tone. The result is a production environment where actors can trust their colleagues across seasons.

## Future Directions

Chapman described her experience on *AHS* as “a dream come true” and expressed appreciation for Ryan Murphy’s openness to new character possibilities. She said the show means so much to many people, and she feels honored to contribute. The actress thanked Murphy for allowing her to play a fun, fresh role.

The premiere in New York featured prominent figures such as Jessica Lange, Angela Bassett, Paul Anthony Kelly, Billie Lourd and Leslie Grossman, underscoring the high profile of the event. Their presence added to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the launch of the new season.

The gathering highlighted the series’ continued relevance in contemporary television.

Looking ahead, Chapman indicated that she will continue to collaborate with both Ryan Murphy and Taylor Sheridan, drawing from the diverse experiences each show offers. She expects to bring her own creative input into future projects while respecting each creator’s vision.

The actress remains poised to explore new roles within the evolving landscape of television.

With her dual roles in two iconic series, Chapman navigates contrasting production styles while maintaining a collaborative spirit, promising fresh performances for audiences in both the supernatural and social drama arenas.