Ryan Murphy Declares Roanoke His Favorite AHS Season—Fans Shocked

At the premiere of *American Horror Story: 13* earlier this week, creator Ryan Murphy surprised fans by announcing that his favorite season is the one most often criticized—*Roanoke*. The interview was conducted exclusively for Page Six as guests took to the red carpet.

Murphy’s statement comes amid a renewed buzz over the sixth season, which many viewers now rank higher than some of its predecessors. The show’s survival into a thirteenth season has left critics and audiences alike eager to hear the creator’s perspective on its evolution.

The revelation was brief but striking: “My favorite season is the season which everybody hates, which is ‘Roanoke,’” Murphy told Page Six. “That is my favorite season; it’s my favorite form,” he added, emphasizing his enjoyment of its experimental structure.

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## Background & Context

*Roanoke*, the sixth installment of *American Horror Story*, debuted in 2016 as a faux‑documentary titled *My Roanoke Nightmare*. It follows a couple who relocate from Los Angeles to a secluded farmhouse in North Carolina, only to encounter a series of supernatural events.

The season’s format and tone diverged sharply from earlier entries, focusing on ambiguous horror rather than overt gore.

Since its original broadcast, the season received mixed reviews. Viewers and critics debated its pacing, narrative coherence, and thematic depth. Over time, however, discussions on social media have shifted.

Murphy noted that “*Roanoke* started off being everyone’s most hated season, but now it’s kind of getting up there,” referencing the growing appreciation among a segment of the fandom.

The show’s enduring popularity has spurred speculation about its longevity. Murphy admitted he had never anticipated *American Horror Story* would reach its thirteenth season.

He reflected that the series began as “a show about outsiders,” a recurring motif in his body of work, and suggested that this focus on marginalized characters helped sustain audience interest.

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## What People Are Saying

Not everyone shares Murphy’s fondness for *Roanoke*. Sarah Paulson—who appeared in several seasons—told *Entertainment Tonight* that she can’t stand the episode. When asked about the season on the red carpet, she replied, “I don’t care,” and added, “Bite me!

Bite me hard! I don’t give a s–t, sorry!” The comment was met with a flurry of reactions online, underscoring the polarizing nature of the season.

Other cast members attended the premiere alongside Murphy, including Jessica Lange, Angela Bassett, Billie Lourd, Paul Anthony Kelly, and Gabourey Sidibe. While no further comments were recorded at the event, their presence highlighted the collaborative spirit that continues to drive the franchise.

Murphy also offered insight into the show’s thematic core. He described it as “very othered,” noting its consistent exploration of outsiders and queer sensibilities. “But also not just queer people; I think it’s a very feminine show,” he said, pointing to the strong female characters that recur throughout the series.

His remarks suggest that the show’s appeal may lie in its representation of diverse experiences.

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## What Happens Next

*American Horror Story: 13* premiered its first episode on Thursday, 9 p.m. Eastern Time, with new installments scheduled to air every subsequent Thursday at the same time on FX. Episodes are also available for streaming on Hulu the following day.

The franchise’s latest season continues to attract attention as it expands the *American Horror Story* universe. Fans and critics alike will watch to see whether Murphy’s declaration of *Roanoke* as his favorite season will influence future creative choices and how the series will evolve in its ongoing quest for new horror territory.

The conversation around *Roanoke*—from its initial criticism to current reappraisal—illustrates the shifting dynamics of audience engagement with serialized television. As the series moves forward, its creators and performers remain poised to redefine what makes horror resonate with contemporary viewers.