The pickup takes the Ryan Murphy-Brad Falchuk anthology through season nine, likely to 2019.
FX is extending its American Horror Story renewal.
The cable network announced Thursday at the Television Critics Association's winter press tour that it has added two more seasons of the anthology from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. The pickup is in addition to the previously announced seventh season of the 20th Century Fox Television drama and takes the series through a ninth season, likely to 2019. Season seven returns this year. The renewals do not necessarily mean that the interconnected franchise will conclude with season nine.
"American Horror Story launched the modern limited series revolution and — as evidenced by the most recent installment, Roanoke — it remains as vital today as when Murder House stunned audiences six years ago," FX CEO John Landgraf said. "Each new chapter is a cultural event, beloved for every new twist in imagery, style, cast and plot. We are thrilled that Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and the entire creative team will continue to deliver the groundbreaking, celebrated American Horror Story for years to come."
AHS ranks as FX's most watched series. It has collected 15 Emmy wins during its run and has been a top five scripted series among the core adults 18-49 demo in each of its seasons. Its most recent season, Roanoke,was up 5 percent vs. Hotel — an impressive feat considering the premise and cast was shrouded in mystery and was not marketed in any sort of traditional fashion.
"When Ryan and Brad came to us seven years ago with the idea for a horror series structured as an anthology, with a group of actors returning year after year, in different roles, settings and time periods, we were in awe of the sheer originality and ambition of their vision," Fox Television Group co-chairmen and CEOs Dana Walden and Gary Newman said. "They've since delivered six fantastic installments, which have rightfully attracted millions of viewers, critical raves and dozens of awards. Ryan and Brad are to be congratulated on this remarkable multiyear pickup, and we are grateful to John Landgraf and our partners at FX for their extraordinary support."
The series comes as Murphy and company are riding high for FX following the critically acclaimed anthology American Crime Story, with The People v. O.J. Simpson sweeping awards season with wins for star Sarah Paulson, who has also been in every season of AHS. All told, Murphy has three anthologies set up at FX, with the all-star Feud: Bette and Joan set to debut Sunday, March 5 at 10 p.m.
AHS anchors a drama roster at FX that also includes fellow anthology Fargo as well as The Americans, The Strain, Taboo, Legion, Snowfall and Danny Boyle drama Trust. The AHS long-term plan helps solidify the network's longest-running drama as the cable network is poised to say farewell to The Strain this year and critical favorite The Americans in 2018.
