American Horror Story Season 13 just made Halloween 2025 a whole lot scarier — and more emotional — than anyone expected. FX confirmed that the long-running horror anthology will return next Halloween, and the announcement broke the internet for one huge reason: Jessica Lange is back.
Yes, the Emmy-winning icon who once swore she was “done with AHS” is stepping back into Ryan Murphy’s twisted universe — and she’s not coming alone. Ariana Grande, of all people, is joining her.
For fans who grew up watching Murder House or Coven, this feels like the past and future colliding in the best, weirdest way possible.
American Horror Story Season 13 brings back the queens of horror — and pop
According to Entertainment Weekly, the upcoming season — set to premiere October 31, 2026 — marks a major reunion for the show’s all-star cast. Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Emma Roberts, and Billie Lourd are all confirmed to return.
But the wildest twist? Ariana Grande.
The pop superstar is making her first scripted TV appearance in over a decade, stepping straight from Wicked into Ryan Murphy’s eerie sandbox. One insider told TV Insider the vibe is “classic AHS — witchy, stylish, and full of callbacks.”
Rumors hint that Season 13 will revisit the witchy world of Coven and Apocalypse. That means we might see old powers rise again… and maybe some old grudges too.
It’s the kind of nostalgia hit that sends chills down your spine — partly because it feels so right, and partly because Murphy’s world always hides a darker secret.
Jessica Lange’s return feels personal — and poetic
Jessica Lange hasn’t appeared on AHS since Apocalypse, and fans long ago accepted her farewell. So when the official teaser dropped on Halloween night — featuring a slow-burn rendition of “I’ll Be Seeing You” — the internet exploded.
Moments later, her name appeared in blood-red text: Jessica Lange returns.
People didn’t just cheer — they cried, they screamed, they screen-recorded. For longtime fans, this wasn’t just casting news; it was closure. Lange helped define the series’ golden age, and her comeback feels like a full-circle moment for both her and the fandom.
It’s as if Ryan Murphy finally whispered, “Let’s go home.”
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And with that, Lange’s eerie charm is back where it belongs — under flickering lights, somewhere between glamour and ghost story.
Ariana Grande steps into her darkest role yet
If Jessica’s return feels nostalgic, Ariana’s casting feels electric.
The Grammy winner has always had a flair for camp and theatrics, but this is her first time diving into true horror. It’s a bold, unexpected move that could easily redefine her on-screen image.
Fans online are already speculating what kind of role she’ll play — witch? victim? villain? Given the show’s history, probably all three.
It’s also a full-circle moment for Ariana. Before she ruled pop, she was the quirky, red-haired Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s Victorious. Now she’s back on TV, but this time drenched in blood instead of glitter.
That duality — innocence turned eerie — fits AHS perfectly.
Old faces, new chaos: Season 13’s cast is stacked
Ryan Murphy seems to be assembling what fans are calling the “Infinity War of Horror.”
The Season 13 lineup reportedly includes:
- Jessica Lange
- Sarah Paulson
- Evan Peters
- Ariana Grande
- Angela Bassett
- Kathy Bates
- Emma Roberts
- Billie Lourd
- Gabourey Sidibe
- Leslie Grossman
That’s basically a who’s-who of the franchise’s best years — and it’s got everyone guessing what the storyline could be big enough to unite them all.
TV Insider hinted at “witchcraft, legacy, and resurrection.” That last word? Yeah, it hits different after seeing Jessica’s name again.
The theme might tie back to Coven and Apocalypse
Murphy and FX haven’t confirmed the title or storyline yet, but eagle-eyed fans caught subtle clues in the teaser. The haunting song choice (“I’ll Be Seeing You”) sparked theories about rebirth, past lives, and returning spirits — all fitting motifs for Coven’s witch mythology.
If true, AHS 13 might blend the elegance of Coven with the apocalyptic chaos of Season 8. Think high fashion meets high stakes — with spells, secrets, and betrayal simmering underneath.
The idea of Jessica Lange’s Fiona Goode crossing paths with new blood (Ariana, anyone?) is enough to make longtime fans light a candle and start chanting.
Why this comeback matters — to fans and to TV
After a few uneven seasons, American Horror Story seemed to lose its edge. But this announcement feels like a love letter — a reminder of what made the show special: fearless storytelling, wild emotion, and iconic performances.
Jessica Lange’s return isn’t just nostalgia bait; it’s a creative reset. Ariana Grande’s casting adds fresh energy, bridging old and new audiences in one hauntingly glamorous move.
It’s the kind of headline that makes you stop scrolling — because somewhere deep down, we’ve all missed being scared by something this good.
If American Horror Story Season 13 really does tie back to Coven and Apocalypse, we’re in for a witchy, full-circle storm of beauty, terror, and redemption.
Jessica Lange is coming home. Ariana Grande stepping into the dark. Ryan Murphy is mixing old magic with new blood.
That’s not just television — that’s resurrection.
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Mohit Wagh is the co-founder and feature writer at The Graval, bringing 10 years of experience in celebrity and pop culture reporting. He crafts engaging, fact-driven stories that capture the pulse of what’s trending across Hollywood and beyond.
