Despite a tidal wave of social media speculation, FX Networks has firmly denied any involvement of Ariana Grande in American Horror Story Season 13, calling reports of her casting "categorically false." The rumor, which exploded across TikTok and Twitter in June 2024, stemmed from a satirical account with fewer than 1,300 followers — not a single credible outlet, not even The Hollywood Reporter or Variety, has verified a single word of it. Meanwhile, Ryan Murphy, the show’s creator and executive producer, has been clear: no actors have been approached for Season 13. Not even the legends.
Why the Rumor Took Off
The fake news began on June 18, 2024, when a Twitter account called @AHSInsider — created just three months earlier — posted: "EXCLUSIVE: Ariana Grande to join Lange, Bassett, Paulson, Peters in AHS13 - sources confirm." The post, written in the tone of a breaking entertainment scoop, was instantly shared by fan pages, meme accounts, and even a few unverified entertainment blogs like TrendingEntertainmentNews.com. Within 48 hours, the phrase "Ariana Grande AHS" was trending globally. But here’s the twist: that account’s entire following consists mostly of bots and AHS superfans who don’t know the difference between satire and news. And yet, the story stuck.
Why Ariana? Partly because she’s a cultural force — 40 million Instagram followers, Grammy winner, Broadway debutant, and now a rumored horror icon. But mostly because fans crave fresh blood in a franchise that’s run on the same core cast since 2011. Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, and Angela Bassett have become synonymous with AHS. So when rumors surface of a pop superstar joining, it feels like a seismic shift. The truth? It’s just wishful thinking.
Who’s Actually Coming Back — And Who’s Not
Let’s clear up the cast confusion. Jessica Lange, the original queen of AHS, hasn’t been on the show since Season 4 in 2015. She publicly stepped away in 2016, telling Vanity Fair, "I have other creative commitments." At 75, she’s enjoying retirement in the countryside. No comeback is planned.
Angela Bassett, 66, returned for Season 12 as Chief of Police Henrietta Moore, her final scene airing December 20, 2023. She’s been a constant since Season 3. Sarah Paulson, 51, appeared in every single season — including Season 12’s dual roles as Anna Victoria Alcott and Dr. Hannah Wells. She’s the heart of the show. Evan Peters, 38, missed Season 12 Part 1 but came back for Part 2 as Detective John Lowe. His final appearance? Also December 20, 2023.
So if Season 13 happens, it won’t be a reunion of the old guard. It’ll be a reimagining. And Murphy made that clear in January 2024 at the Television Critics Association press tour: "I adore Ariana Grande as an artist, but Season 13 will feature returning alumni in new configurations, not new megastars." That quote? Published verbatim by The Hollywood Reporter. No ambiguity.
Why Season 13 Is Still on Hold
Here’s the real reason you haven’t heard anything: production hasn’t even started. The Writers Guild of America West strike (May 2, 2023–January 23, 2024) and the SAG-AFTRA strike (July 14, 2023–November 9, 2023) froze everything. Ryan Murphy Productions filed a force majeure notice with FX on August 4, 2023, citing "inability to commence casting due to industry-wide labor actions."
Industry standard? Casting announcements happen 8–10 months before filming. Season 12 was announced on January 15, 2023, and premiered September 20, 2023. So if Season 13 is happening, we’d expect news between January and March 2025. But here’s the kicker: FX hasn’t officially renewed it yet. Season 12 ended on December 20, 2023. As of July 2024, no press release, no internal memo, no crew call sheet has been filed in Los Angeles County. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 728 confirms no AHS Season 13 crew has been hired. No sets. No wardrobe. No script.
What’s Next?
Don’t expect a Season 13 announcement before the end of 2024. Ryan Murphy is busy with other FX projects — including the upcoming Feud: Capote vs. The Swans and the revival of 9-1-1. And with streaming metrics for Season 12 showing a modest decline, FX may be taking a breath. AHS isn’t going anywhere — it’s too profitable, too iconic. But it’s not rushing back.
As for Ariana Grande? Her manager, Scooter Braun, confirmed via email to Variety on July 12, 2024: "Ariana has no involvement with American Horror Story and no discussions have occurred with Ryan Murphy Productions." End of story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Ariana Grande ever acted in American Horror Story before?
No. According to the official episode credits archived by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation, Ariana Grande has never appeared in any season of American Horror Story. Her only TV acting credits include guest roles on 30 Rock and Sam & Cat, both in the early 2010s. She’s never pursued horror or scripted TV roles since her music career took off.
Why do fans keep believing rumors about AHS casting?
AHS thrives on mystery and surprise casting — from Lady Gaga to Lena Dunham to Frances Conroy. Fans have learned to expect the unexpected. When a rumor sounds plausible — like a pop star joining a horror anthology — it triggers emotional investment. The show’s history of shocking reveals makes people want to believe, even when the source is a parody account with 1,200 followers.
When will we know if Season 13 is real?
FX typically announces new seasons in late fall or early winter. Given the delays from the 2023 strikes, the earliest we’d see a formal renewal or casting announcement is January 2025. Until then, any claims of confirmed casting are speculative. Industry trackers say crew hiring would begin in March 2025 if production starts in June.
Is Jessica Lange ever coming back to AHS?
Almost certainly not. Lange has been retired from acting since 2017 and has repeatedly declined offers to return to AHS. In a 2022 interview with Rolling Stone, she said, "I’ve said goodbye to that world. I’m not looking back." At 75, she’s focused on painting and family. Even Ryan Murphy has admitted he respects her decision too much to ask again.
Could Ariana Grande join AHS in the future — just not Season 13?
It’s possible, but unlikely. Ryan Murphy has never cast a true pop superstar in a lead role — his casting choices lean toward actors with dramatic range, even if they’re famous. Ariana’s public persona is tightly controlled, and she’s never shown interest in long-form TV. A one-off cameo? Maybe. But a full season? The logistics, the scheduling, the creative fit — it just doesn’t align with her current career path.
What’s the most reliable source for AHS casting news?
FX Networks’ official press releases and verified outlets like The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Deadline are the only trustworthy sources. Fan sites, Twitter accounts with no byline, and blogs registered under privacy services like Domain Privacy Protection in Wyoming should be treated as entertainment gossip — not journalism. Always check the source before sharing.
