Jessica Lange Returns for Star-Studded American Horror Story Season 13 — Full Cast Revealed

FX and Ryan Murphy have just given fans the ultimate Halloween surprise — the reveal of the American Horror Story Season 13 cast, featuring the long-awaited return of Jessica Lange. Alongside Lange, a powerhouse lineup of AHS veterans and new faces is set to make this season one of the most anticipated in franchise history.

While no official release date has been confirmed, Murphy teased a “Halloween 2026” premiere, ensuring fans will have plenty of time to speculate about what twisted story awaits in the next chapter of his horror anthology.

Jessica Lange’s Triumphant Return

Jessica Lange’s return marks a major full-circle moment for American Horror Story. The acclaimed actress became synonymous with the series after delivering unforgettable performances in early seasons — from Constance Langdon in Murder House to Fiona Goode in Coven, and Sister Jude in Asylum.

Her last major appearance as a regular came in Freak Show (Season 4), though she briefly reprised her Murder House character in Apocalypse (Season 8). Fans long believed she had closed the door on AHS for good after publicly declaring in early 2025, “Christ, no,” when asked if she’d return.

However, in true Ryan Murphy fashion, the unexpected has become reality. Lange’s return not only honors her legacy within the franchise but also strongly hints at the revival of the witches’ storyline — one of the most beloved arcs in AHS history.

“Surprise, b*tch! I bet you thought you’d seen the last of me,” Murphy teased on Instagram, referencing Fiona Goode’s iconic Coven line while revealing the Season 13 cast.

American Horror Story Season 13 Cast: The Lineup

Murphy’s announcement confirmed that Season 13 will reunite several of the show’s most celebrated performers, alongside some new and unexpected additions. The official cast includes:

• Jessica Lange
• Sarah Paulson
• Evan Peters
• Angela Bassett
• Kathy Bates
• Emma Roberts
• Billie Lourd
• Gabourey Sidibe
• Leslie Grossman
• Ariana Grande (making her AHS debut)

This star-studded ensemble brings back the series’ signature mix of familiar faces and fresh energy, promising a season rich with nostalgia, new horror mythology, and Murphy’s signature flair for reinvention.

Ariana Grande Joins the American Horror Story Universe

Pop superstar Ariana Grande is the biggest new addition to the cast. While this marks her first appearance in American Horror Story, she’s no stranger to Ryan Murphy’s dark comedy world — having played Chanel No. 2 in the cult hit Scream Queens.

Fans remember her character’s hilariously over-the-top death scene at the hands of the Red Devil, but her ghostly return in later episodes made her a fan favorite.

Given Grande’s recent portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch in the upcoming Wicked films, her casting in a possible witch-centric season feels both ironic and inspired. Whether she’ll play an ally or a rival to the Coven witches remains a mystery, but her addition guarantees massive fan excitement and a likely surge in viewership.

Are the Coven Witches Returning?

Murphy’s Instagram post heavily implied that Season 13 will revisit the Coven/Apocalypse storyline, blending supernatural chaos with a new generation of witches.

The original Coven (Season 3) and its follow-up Apocalypse (Season 8) remain among the most beloved entries in the AHS franchise, both critically and commercially. With returning stars like Paulson, Bassett, Sidibe, and Roberts, the possibility of revisiting the Salem-descended coven seems stronger than ever.

Thematically, it would also make sense for Season 13 to explore closure — an apt number for a season that could blend legacy, resurrection, and the supernatural forces that have long defined the series.

What Ryan Murphy Has Said About Season 13

Ryan Murphy has been teasing American Horror Story Season 13 for over a year. Responding to a fan’s question in June 2025, he said:

“Sarah Paulson and I are cooking up something cool!”

Earlier, in October 2024, Murphy hinted during a dinner with Paulson and Evan Peters that they were “discussing something special” for the next season. Fans now know that this secret project was the long-awaited reunion of the show’s core ensemble.

When Will American Horror Story Season 13 Premiere?

Though an exact date hasn’t been confirmed, Murphy’s announcement strongly points toward a Halloween 2026 release window. If the show follows its traditional fall premiere schedule, viewers can expect new episodes to begin airing in October 2026 on FX and stream the next day on Hulu.

 

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Given the production timelines of recent seasons like Delicate and Double Feature, filming is likely to begin in early 2026.

Why Jessica Lange’s Return Matters

Jessica Lange’s involvement elevates the show’s 13th season into event television. Her characters — particularly Fiona Goode — helped define American Horror Story as both an anthology and a cultural phenomenon.

Her return signals a renewed focus on character-driven storytelling and supernatural horror — the elements that made the series such a standout in its early years.

With Lange back in the fold, fans are hopeful for a season that honors the show’s roots while reinventing its magic for a new generation of viewers.

FAQs

Q1: When will American Horror Story Season 13 premiere?
The new season is expected to premiere around Halloween 2026 on FX, with streaming available on Hulu the following day.

Q2: Who is returning to the cast?
Returning stars include Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe, and Leslie Grossman.

Q3: Is Ariana Grande joining the show?
Yes, Ariana Grande joins AHS Season 13 in her first-ever appearance in the franchise.

Q4: Will Season 13 revisit Coven and Apocalypse?
Ryan Murphy’s hints and the returning cast strongly suggest a Coven-related storyline will play a central role.

Q5: Where can fans watch American Horror Story?
All past and upcoming seasons are available on FX and stream on Hulu.

Final Takeaway

With Jessica Lange’s return, Ariana Grande’s debut, and a powerhouse ensemble of returning legends, American Horror Story Season 13 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting installments in the franchise’s history.

Ryan Murphy has promised something “cool,” and if this cast is any indication, fans are in for a season that’s both nostalgic and terrifyingly fresh.

Stay tuned to InvestRecords.com for more updates on American Horror Story Season 13, including plot details, premiere dates, and behind-the-scenes news as production unfolds.