American Horror Story

:

Season 5
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 5, 2011
Season #: 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 547 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 362 out of 547
  2. Mixed: 80 out of 547
  3. Negative: 105 out of 547
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User Reviews

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  1. PaulAdams
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    AHS HOTEL back to the roots of the fantastic MURDER HOUSE and makes a great improvement over the most recent Coven and Freak Show editions. With its swank setting and impressively glam cast headlined by Lady Gaga (as the supernaturally femme fatale proprietor-or-whatever) and eye candy including Matt Bomer and Cheyenne Jackson, this is surely the best-looking and terrifying Horror Story yet.
  2. LanceyBarbie
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    From the snippets and online readings, I really enjoyed this season so far, its something new and brings a lot to the table ;] every character throughout the episode has developed a very interesting background despite not showing a lot.
  3. Gabelopez
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    Ryan Murphy is back to his magnificent creation of a show which uses the same formula as previous seasons but is able to reinvent itself in a way that preserves the show and the recurring cast. This time we are treated to the debauchery set in Hotel Cortez. While the plot is thin, the set up of different characters including veterans Sarah Paulson and Kathy Bates, and of course theRyan Murphy is back to his magnificent creation of a show which uses the same formula as previous seasons but is able to reinvent itself in a way that preserves the show and the recurring cast. This time we are treated to the debauchery set in Hotel Cortez. While the plot is thin, the set up of different characters including veterans Sarah Paulson and Kathy Bates, and of course the introduction of Lady Gaga, serves to enthrall the viewers into watching this season. Ryan is no fan of subtlety as many of the scenes are in your face. However, this blatant exhibition of gore is what fans of AHS in general come to expect. I will definitely continue to check in for the rest of the season.… Expand
  4. ezrarawks
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    Lady Gaga truly has shifted global politics, fashion and life as we know it. Her power resonates here in ways that lessor acts such as Katy Perrie just cannot keep up in. An artist, a legend, a musician, an actor and also the best selling female artist to debut since 2004; Lady Gaga really is one of the greatest parts of this show.

    American Horror Story coming together with Gaga can    Lady Gaga truly has shifted global politics, fashion and life as we know it. Her power resonates here in ways that lessor acts such as Katy Perrie just cannot keep up in. An artist, a legend, a musician, an actor and also the best selling female artist to debut since 2004; Lady Gaga really is one of the greatest parts of this show.

    American Horror Story coming together with Gaga can only mean good things. They are a perfect fit and director Ryan Murphy seems more driven than ever to make this season work after the failure of last season. Many of the acting world's biggest and brightest stars populate this season and are going to make it one for the books!

    Buy Applause on iTunes.    … Expand
  5. Chump
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    Nobody is safe from being scared and thrilled this fall as Ryan Murphy returns with his highly anticipated 5th season of American Horror Story – Hotel. Literally everything about this season is great: decorations, costumes, the cast as always. And it's also has got some surprises the Horror Story fans didn't see in previous seasons including the gorgeous Lady Gaga (the Countess herself),Nobody is safe from being scared and thrilled this fall as Ryan Murphy returns with his highly anticipated 5th season of American Horror Story – Hotel. Literally everything about this season is great: decorations, costumes, the cast as always. And it's also has got some surprises the Horror Story fans didn't see in previous seasons including the gorgeous Lady Gaga (the Countess herself), who is definitely a highlight of the Hotel, and her crime partner Matt Bomer who although has already been seen in an episodic role in season 4. Anyway, these two and the rest of the exceptional AHS cast will not leave anyone unintrigued.… Expand
  6. pietro2010
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    A história este ano é épica, é grandiosa. Você não pode assistir sem perceber logo de cara que é uma história grandiosa que se passa em um cenário totalmente diferente do que de qualquer outra série na TV, o que é a razão pela qual Ryan Murphy é tão incrível como diretor e escritor desta série antológica.
  7. SophiaWilliams
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    The AHS: Hotel premiere is probably the best episode in the history of the show. There are really not enough ways to gush about the amazingness of the premiere. All of the actors bring a sense of awareness to their characters that is sexy. The scenes are so brilliantly executed that they are breathtaking. And all of it is led by Gaga. Of course, Kathy Bates and Sarah Paulson really need noThe AHS: Hotel premiere is probably the best episode in the history of the show. There are really not enough ways to gush about the amazingness of the premiere. All of the actors bring a sense of awareness to their characters that is sexy. The scenes are so brilliantly executed that they are breathtaking. And all of it is led by Gaga. Of course, Kathy Bates and Sarah Paulson really need no lead. They are masters in and of themselves and are so honored with striking moments of their own throughout the premiere. But this really is Gaga's coming out in a lot of ways, as a woman we haven't seen before. One that will rival, if not exceed, the Gaga we have seen in the past.… Expand
  8. steveovevo
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    Sure to be a hit with both the AHS fans and Gaga's fans. Gaga is a great addition to the show and it seems as she will fit in perfectly with the cast. Lets hope for another great season!
  9. DarioDarko
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    American Horror Story Returns, With Twists, Thrills And A Chilling Lady Gaga features an unforgettable performance - at turns stunning and creepy, beautiful and grotesque - as a vampire countess who rules over an assortment of monstrous atrocities at a gorgeous art deco hotel in Los Angeles called the Hotel Cortez
  10. castrocapa
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    A very risky idea turned out to be surprisingly affective. Casting Lady GaGa after Jessica Lange's departure could have been tragic, but it was a clever move. The whole cast works perfectly for the story, even GaGa whose acting blends almost seamlessly with the rest of the crew of experienced actors.
  11. SofiaAmtis
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    AHS Hotel Trades Lange for Gaga and It’s Surprisingly Refreshing Gaga, whose theatricality fits in perfectly with American Horror Story‘s precise-yet-chaotic aesthetic, is a breath of fresh air to the Show. Matt Bomber and “The Countess” and (an impressive acting debut for Lady Gaga) they strut their stuff in Haute Couture and Gaga effectively chews the scenery whenever she’s on camera.AHS Hotel Trades Lange for Gaga and It’s Surprisingly Refreshing Gaga, whose theatricality fits in perfectly with American Horror Story‘s precise-yet-chaotic aesthetic, is a breath of fresh air to the Show. Matt Bomber and “The Countess” and (an impressive acting debut for Lady Gaga) they strut their stuff in Haute Couture and Gaga effectively chews the scenery whenever she’s on camera. She does a fair job of stepping in to Jessica Lang’s stilettos… Expand
  12. DavidBrightman
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    Lady Gaga as Tim Minear said, is like if " a reincarnated Veronica Lake meets Barbara Stanwyck"
    The Legendary Kathy Bates also praised Lady Gaga saying: "Was it Norma Desmond, Jean Harlow or Marilyn Monroe descending the staircase towards me in a shimmering silver gown? No, it was Lady Gaga! She is sublime"
  13. lfrith
    Jun 21, 2016
    0
    this completely ruined american horror story, i am so stunned at how far they crossed the line. completely mental and rude and unnecessary. i loved the previous ones but seeing this is horrible, nothing like what american horror story used to be. i say never ever will recommend this show again after this
  14. jesraczak
    Dec 3, 2015
    1
    I used to love all of these TV series but i think this one took it too far. I miss Jessica Lange and her as a character - she was never fully sexualized but sometimes played a "risque" character. Now that Lady Gaga took her role, I feel like they've exposed and sexualized her (maybe because of her age?) I stopped watching these series because I was tired of all the orgies that were inI used to love all of these TV series but i think this one took it too far. I miss Jessica Lange and her as a character - she was never fully sexualized but sometimes played a "risque" character. Now that Lady Gaga took her role, I feel like they've exposed and sexualized her (maybe because of her age?) I stopped watching these series because I was tired of all the orgies that were in every single episode.… Expand
  15. perkjl
    Jan 5, 2016
    2
    I can't believe I made more than halfway through this season. I finally had to stop due to the convoluted plots, dull characters, clichés, horrible acting, and repetitive orgy scenes w/ Lady Gaga. They were more annoying than shocking. I swear...if I have to see Lady Gaga's ass one more time! The series is nothing without Jessica Lange and if she doesn't return to the show neither will I.
  16. cocopunk1486
    Oct 28, 2015
    6
    So far the show has been predictable, void of any original thoughts, and overall a big letdown from previous seasons. The acting gets 10/10, but the writing is what kills it. The story line is so cut and dry. And the "horror" in American Horror Story seems to have been lost in the wake of Gaga's entrance. And on that note, she really is doing a great job as the leading lady. Okay so herSo far the show has been predictable, void of any original thoughts, and overall a big letdown from previous seasons. The acting gets 10/10, but the writing is what kills it. The story line is so cut and dry. And the "horror" in American Horror Story seems to have been lost in the wake of Gaga's entrance. And on that note, she really is doing a great job as the leading lady. Okay so her character is a stereotype for the plot, but she gives it a little something extra.

    Gaga's performance alone can't save the show. There are more sex scenes than scare scenes. Rename this season AHS: Sex, Drugs, and Vampires. Hopefully the show will improve as the season continues. The plot has just started getting interesting, so here's to hoping all the cliches and lack luster corner jumps are over.    … Expand
  17. cinavenom
    Jan 6, 2016
    5
    This season was disappointing to me. The acting is okay and stylistically it is good but the story line is extremely boring and nearly puts me to sleep every week. I will finish the season just because I am such an AHS fan but it is hard to do, almost a chore watching it.
  18. barkyl
    Jan 18, 2016
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Last week, the latest installment of American Horror Story (AHS) ended with its twelfth episode. Each season uses an ensemble cast that tell a different story that are, apparently, all interwoven. The latest installment was set in the Hotel Cortez, an opulent residence in downtown Los Angeles.

    There are a few shining moments and a few gripes related to this season. Overall, I feel the season was good – even great by AHS standards. Lady Gaga’s addition to the cast was welcomed and exceeded my expectations. She portrayed her character – The Countess – exceptionally well and gave an excellent performance of the blood-thirsty, power-hungry, sex-driven vixen.

    Now, having said that, let me go ahead and address something that is likely controversial in the AHS community: I did not miss Jessica Lange. And I don’t say that with a heavy heart, either. Lady Gaga has been a great replacement and, quite frankly, a far better complement to the cast. I don’t say that in a competitive way, merely as a subjective opinion.

    The premise of this season centered around The Countess who resides permanently in the Hotel Cortez along with other residents such as Iris, Liz, Donovan, and a plethora of ghosts – some fairly harmless and some diabolical. Amongst those in particular is James Patrick March (JPM), played by Evan Peters. This is by far my favorite performance of his in all of the variations of AHS. He nails the eccentric 1920s businessman in all of its stereotypical glory; his performance of JPM takes further shape in the fact that he is a brutal and sociopathic serial killer, giving homage to the real-life serial killer, H.H. Holmes.

    Truly, one of the greatest assets of this season is the casting of characters. Liz – a transgendered woman played by Denis O’Hare – is probably the most fascinating character this season. Mysterious in her own right, she had a typical backstory coupled with an amazing arch. The fact that the finale prominently featured her was a treat.

    Another central character, who started out less than positive, was Iris, the mother of the vampiric Donovan who also started out as The Countess’ lover. By the end, she was sympathetic and made a great duo with Liz, ridding the hotel of its nemeses and taking the reins of it themselves.

    Unfortunately, this season seemed to me to be plagued by lesser effective characters than effective ones. Ramona – the scorned former lover vampire of The Countess – fell flat with grandiose notions of revenge that never materialized. Sally – the drug-addled and ghostly junkie with a penchant for sadism – never seemed to connect fully, being interwoven into the John storyline where it seemed contrived. She did, however, have some narrative redemption in the finale, finding a place and following in the realm of social media, which was new for her. Speaking of John – the Ten Commandments killer – he never really surprised anyone. Most of whom I spoke with or read had predicted that revelation very early on. His wife’s storyline was pointless to me; however, the story of his reunification with his lost son, now vampire, Holden was a good token. Mrs. Evers seemed to be the best of the lot in regards to the ghosts, pining for one she could not have, while spending an eternity cleaning the blood and other things from the linens of the hotel’s many murders. Her backstory, too, provided a wonderful investigation into her heartbreak and her present circumstance.

    In ranking, I would have to put Hotel in the upper echelon of the series thus far, with the first season still holding the top spot, for me. I truly hope that Lady Gaga will return for next season, though I’m afraid her acting star may be rising so much after her Golden Globes win that she might be otherwise booked. Hopefully the show’s creators can find a suitable replacement if that is the case.    … Expand
  19. aaa2302
    Oct 9, 2016
    0
    Couldn't finish it.
    Lady Gaga ruined it for me.
    Her acting skills were horrible and I can't believe she's in next season too.
    Such a shame Jessica Lange is out.
  20. azothsolar
    Sep 26, 2019
    5
    Season 5 is a mixed bag to me. There's some good characters and interesting arcs, but it slogs through a lot of stupid **** and dialogue. The characters lose their intrigue, the writing is very bland in spots, and it doesn't finish as strongly as some other seasons. It's fitting that this is season 5 because it's very middle of the road in terms of quality and i'm giving it a 5 rating.
  21. HJ3300
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    Very entertaining and horrific, the entire cast was amazing and Ryan Murphy succeeds in capturing the essence of previous seasons but yet breathe a new life into it. Lady Gaga's shocking and brilliant performance shocked the world, Matt Bomer another new actor deserved more attention as he was terrifyingly amazing as well. The entire production was well organised and planned and episodeVery entertaining and horrific, the entire cast was amazing and Ryan Murphy succeeds in capturing the essence of previous seasons but yet breathe a new life into it. Lady Gaga's shocking and brilliant performance shocked the world, Matt Bomer another new actor deserved more attention as he was terrifyingly amazing as well. The entire production was well organised and planned and episode one already told us that Hotel is an award worthy season.… Expand
  22. Webern
    Apr 10, 2016
    1
    Definitely the worst AHS ever. Last episode is something between ridiculous and embarassing. A good cast can't keep up a terrible screenplay. We'd like to have some quality in here too, instead we're treated like trash audience.
  23. vektor1979
    Oct 9, 2015
    5
    it's no surprise that this season is the lowest professionally reviewed one. the cast is incredible as usual, but lange is really missed. lady gaga has nothing to do in here. a good thing was that she only appeared for about 5 minutes in the first episode. the story is a little bit poor but the photography and tehcnical aspecs are ok, will give it a change, but really hope gaga's characterit's no surprise that this season is the lowest professionally reviewed one. the cast is incredible as usual, but lange is really missed. lady gaga has nothing to do in here. a good thing was that she only appeared for about 5 minutes in the first episode. the story is a little bit poor but the photography and tehcnical aspecs are ok, will give it a change, but really hope gaga's character appears a max of that 5 mins per episode.. if not i will stop watching. she CAN´T ak. get over it.… Expand
  24. AgusTravis
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    AHS is back and better than ever. With a terrific cast (Lady Gaga - who brings to mind Catherine Deneuve in The Hunger- Kathy Bates, Sarah Paulson, Angela Bassett , Evan Peters , Wes Bentley, Matt Bomer,Denis O'Hare, Cheyenne Jackson) it’s a sexier season, it’s a bloodier season. I think it’s the scariest season of all. I’m not just saying that. Honestly, there are a lot of elementsAHS is back and better than ever. With a terrific cast (Lady Gaga - who brings to mind Catherine Deneuve in The Hunger- Kathy Bates, Sarah Paulson, Angela Bassett , Evan Peters , Wes Bentley, Matt Bomer,Denis O'Hare, Cheyenne Jackson) it’s a sexier season, it’s a bloodier season. I think it’s the scariest season of all. I’m not just saying that. Honestly, there are a lot of elements that are very scary. I think because it’s present day, so that’s really cool, and the hotel. I mean, what’s scarier than a hotel? Welcome Back AHS!!!… Expand
  25. SmithM12323
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    Wow, this was a great episode! What a wonderful time to be an American Horror Story fan!
    All of the cast and crew did a phenomenal job, both past and new members!
  26. RobertFromTN
    Oct 18, 2015
    1
    All spectacle and no substance. This season of AHS is just dreadful. There is no decent plotline, and there is no character that anyone would care about. It's impossible to tell what is going on. This season aims to ape the style of The Shining without any of the strong acting of Jack Nicholson or the skillful direction of Stanley Kubrick.
    Lady Gaga may be the worst of it all. She's a    All spectacle and no substance. This season of AHS is just dreadful. There is no decent plotline, and there is no character that anyone would care about. It's impossible to tell what is going on. This season aims to ape the style of The Shining without any of the strong acting of Jack Nicholson or the skillful direction of Stanley Kubrick.
    Lady Gaga may be the worst of it all. She's a God-awful "actress" and is so bad as to be distracting when she is on screen.    … Expand
  27. CaptainArmy
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    Absolutely Fantastic, The Art Deco scenography of the Hotel is a Masterpiece!! the Cast is Awesome: Kathy, Sarah , Wes Bentley, Matt Bomer, and Lady Gaga did and amazing job. Congrats!! AHS HOTEL is the evolution of MURDER HOUSE and I love it!
  28. Pawsup
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    AHS is back and better than ever. With a flawless cast like Lady Gaga
    i think Lady Gaga’s American Horror Story Performance Is Her Greatest Reinvention Yet , she is haunting and brilliant in her role as Countess Elizabeth, who is twisted and blood thirsty ..
    Kathy Bates & all tha cast and producers praised Lady Gaga so much and they right tbh ..
  29. KimberlyWilson
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    I must admit, this first episode was absolutely fantastic. I will most definitely stay tuned throughout the entire season. Great performances by all cast, including their newest member - Lady Gaga. She surprised me in her abilities to convince and captivate her audience. I am looking forward to seeing how the plot will unfold.
  30. CandyVaDC
    Nov 6, 2015
    2
    Disappointing bore of a show. Bad acting and uninspired writing. Evan Peters sounds like someone in high school drama doing a bad English accent. Without Jessica Lange, this show is a skeleton of its former self. Stupid vampire tired theme and Lady Gaga's acting can't carry this show the way Jessica Lange did. Gaga just poses and wears fancy outfits -- no emotional compelling actingDisappointing bore of a show. Bad acting and uninspired writing. Evan Peters sounds like someone in high school drama doing a bad English accent. Without Jessica Lange, this show is a skeleton of its former self. Stupid vampire tired theme and Lady Gaga's acting can't carry this show the way Jessica Lange did. Gaga just poses and wears fancy outfits -- no emotional compelling acting ability. Almost laughable that they are throwing every single horror theme into the script without any believability. The lead actors look very similar to one another, as noted in other reviews. Pretty boys with Ken Doll looks with equally plastic lack of acting ability -- perfectly coiffed and blow-dried hair styles. Sad.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
8
#8 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Spencer Kornhaber
    Oct 8, 2015
    70
    If this all sounds immensely convoluted and sadistic, well, welcome to American Horror Story. But there’s reason to hope that this will be among the better messes the show has served up.... Hotel’s premiere returned to the frightening essentials--death, desire, and property deeds.
    Read full review
  2. San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times
    Reviewed by: Chuck Barney
    Oct 8, 2015
    30
    Although the first episode runs for a bloated 90 minutes, it provides only scant hints of a main plot thread.... So once again, I'm confronted with an AHS season that appears to be more gross than engrossing. Alas, I may not be able to check out of the Hotel Cortez, but at least I can change the channel.
    Read full review
  3. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Ben Travers
    Oct 7, 2015
    58
    Aside from the always sterling production design--there is one audacious sign of hope in this otherwise trite Hotel.... I wouldn't go so far as to say Gaga's talent adds much to the proceedings, but her presence--and the manner in which its captured — certainly does.
    Read full review
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