American Horror Story season 13's episode length is the shortest so far

13 August 2026, 16:00 | Updated: 14 August 2026, 15:59

[Sam Prance]

By Sam Prance

[Facebook share]

American Horror Story season 13 will consist of thirteen 30-minute episodes.

The first trailer for American Horror Story season 13 has been released and new episode details have been revealed.

Surprise b----! Ever since Ryan Murphy revealed that fan favourite AHS stars including Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett and Emma Roberts would be returning American Horror Story for season 13, fans have been desperate to see the new instalment of the show. Now, we're just weeks away from the series returning.

American Horror Story season 13 will debut on September 24th, 2026 but we now have a first look at the episodes.

• Read more: American Horror Story season 13: Release date, cast, theme, plot and more
• Read more: Ariana Grande drops out of American Horror Story season 13

[image.jpg]

Watch the American Horror Story Installment 13 trailer

What is the American Horror Story season 13 theme?

Today (August 13th), FX released and official teaser trailer for AHS 13. In the video, fans can see the return of multiple iconic characters. The one minute and 19 seconds long video includes glimpses of Twisty the clown from Freak Show, Kai Anderson from Cult, Constance Langdon from Murder House, Marie Leaveau from Coven and many more.

Speaking to Variety, Ryan Murphy confirmed that the new season will be an Avengers-style mashup of past seasons. He said: I know which [seasons] the fans liked the most. They love Murder House, Asylum, Coven, Freak Show, and they loved Cult'."

He added: "Some of the actors will be playing two characters from two different seasons in the same scene. Evan was, at one point, playing two different characters and talking to himself."

The official title for the season is American Horror Story: 13.

How long will American Horror Story season 13 episodes be?

Variety also confirmed that American Horror Story season 13 episodes will be shorter than previous seasons. In the past, episodes have usually ranged between 43 and 45 minutes with some one-offs even lasting up to 73 minutes.

In comparison, American Horror Story season 13 episodes will be just 30 minutes long. This is the shortest AHS episodes have been. However, for the first time since Freak Show, there will be thirteen episodes of AHS 13.

When does American Horror Story season 13 come out?

The first three episodes of American Horror Story season 13 will debut on FX in the US on Thursday, September 24th at 9PM (ET) and 6PM (PT). Three episodes will air the following week on October 1st and then two episodes will air each week until the finale on October 29th.

Who is in the American Horror Story season 13 cast?

As well as Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett and Emma Roberts. Fans will see the return of actors like Kathy Bates, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe, Leslie Grossman and Frances Conroy.

Read more about American Horror Story here:

• American Horror Story season 13: Release date, cast, theme, plot and more
• Evan Peters' return to American Horror Story teased by Ryan Muphy
• Evan Peters wants to do a rom-com and play a "normal person"
• Evan Peters almost quit acting after filming drunk bar scene in Mare of Easttown

Listen live to Capital, and catch up on any shows you missed, onGlobal Player.

Latest TV & Film News

[Love Island's Shakira Khan 2025 promo image and pictured posing.]

Love Island's Shakira Khan: Her age, job, Instagram and more

Love Island

[What time does Outer Banks season 5 come out on Netflix? Release time revealed]

Here's exactly what time Outer Banks season 5 comes out

[MAFS UK promo image.]

When does MAFS UK 2026 start? Delay explained

[Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo reunited on stage for a special performance]

Cynthia Erivo hints she'll join Ariana Grande on tour again after surprise performance

[Love Island's Angelista Gunda in the villa and picture with Simba Kudyiwa.]

Love Island's Angelista reveals she flew to Majorca to be on the show in 2025

Love Island

[Anne Hathway explains how Princess Diaries 3 will work without Julie Andrews]

Anne Hathaway explains how Princess Diaries 3 will work without Julie Andrews

[MAFS Australia's expert John Aiken, Mel Schilling, and Alessandra Rampolla promo image and Alessandra and John on red carpet.]

MAFS Australia experts John and Alessandra address filming new season without Mel Schilling

[Love Island STARS Martha Rothwell looking shocked and pictured Priya Jaswal and Ethan Ellis in the villa.]

Love Island series 13 stars reportedly lined up for All Stars

Love Island

[Percy Jackson season 3: Release date, cast, book plot, trailers and news about the Disney+ show]

Percy Jackson season 3: Release date, cast, book plot, trailers and news about the Disney+ show

[Camp Rock 3 reveals if Mitchie and Shane are still together]

Camp Rock 3 reveals what happened to Mitchie and Shane