Get ready for the Halloween spirit to begin, because the fifth season of “American Horror Story” is now on Netflix.
“Hotel” invites viewers to a brand new story with an incredibly fright-tastic cast. For those who haven’t seen any previous seasons of “American Horror Story,” don’t be afraid. Each season has its own individual story, so anyone can watch any season at any time. But for those who have been a fan of the show, there are fun little Easter eggs in each season.
The first season, “Murder House,” introduced the world to this raw and edgy series by bringing a whole new meaning to a television ghost story.
The second season, “Asylum” brought audiences into an uneasy mental hospital, “Coven,” the third season gave viewers a wonderful witch story and people’s fears of clowns got reinforced in the fourth season “Freak Show.”
All of these seasons can be viewed on Netflix, but “Hotel” will only be shown this month as a special Halloween treat.
“American Horror Story” is unique and different because of its use of characters and how they change each season. Many fans of “American Horror Story” love this trend and enjoy seeing the same actors play new and exciting roles.
Sara Paulson, one of the shows leads, has become a favorite of the series. Playing the ghost of a drug addict, she delivers a powerful performance.
“She’s really shined this season,” said “American Horror Story” fan Paige Tuttle.
Season five takes place at the Hotel Cortez, which is set in modern day Los Angeles and is home to frightful spirits that have been killed there over the years.
The hotel’s decadence and beauty gives audiences a familiar feeling of films like “The Shining,” “1408” and even Disney’s Tower of Terror elevator attraction
The show follows a detective investigating a string of murders which led him to the hotel built by a psychotic millionaire in the 1920’s played by Evan Peters, another reoccurring actor. He murders his victims and guests in the hotel where they haunt the hotel forever.
“It kind of brings back elements of “Murder House” — the creatures, the ghosts and that when people die they’re stuck there,” Tuttle said. “The detective eventually starts to lose his mind as the Hotel and its guests start to get to him.”
Adding to the mystery and allure of the show, Lady Gaga plays a bloodthirsty countess. When asked if her character added to the series or was just another marketing gimmick, fans were actually impressed with her acting.
“In some ways she took the spotlight,” Tuttle said. “But it’s really cool to have someone that famous to be a part of a show like this that everyone sees. She helped the story and made it very edgy and mysterious.”
Gaga won an Emmy for her performance.
With all the new ghouls and creepy creatures, ghosts and even vampires, “American Horror Story: Hotel” brings a dazzling and murderously fun show that will keep viewers on edge this October.
Justin Johnson can be reached at arg-art[email protected]