The twelfth season of American Horror Story, titled Delicate, marks a bold shift in the anthology’s trajectory—both narratively and in its creative leadership. Let’s untangle the key elements that make this installment intriguing, imperfect, and vibrantly human.
What Sets Delicate Apart: Novel-Based, Showrunner Switch, and Unique Tone
For the first time in American Horror Story history, the season is adapted from a novel—Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine—rather than an original concept, signaling a deliberate move toward grounded terror. Halley Feiffer took over as showrunner and sole writer, stepping in for creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk (en.wikipedia.org). The result is a more restrained, psychological thriller that leans into body horror and the anxieties of pregnancy, rather than over-the-top spectacle (theguardian.com).
Story and Themes: IVF, Sabotage, and Supernatural Intrusion
The plot centers on actress Anna Victoria Alcott (Emma Roberts), desperate to become a mother while balancing an ascending career and the pressures of IVF treatment (en.wikipedia.org). Strange events—missing medications, swapped appointments, haunting visions—lead her to suspect external interference with her body and her mind (pt.wikipedia.org).
That eerie, slow-burning tone weaves in feminist commentary on how medical systems marginalize women’s embodied experiences, evoking comparisons to Rosemary’s Baby but refracted through a sleek, modern lens (theguardian.com).
Cast Highlights: Returning Faces, New Power, and Surprising Casting Choices
The ensemble blends franchise veterans with fresh faces:
- Returning: Emma Roberts, Denis O’Hare, Billie Lourd, Leslie Grossman among others (en.wikipedia.org).
- Newcomers: Kim Kardashian (as PR manager Siobhan Corbyn), Matt Czuchry (Dex Harding Jr.), Cara Delevingne, Annabelle Dexter-Jones, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Julie White, and Maaz Ali (en.wikipedia.org).
Murphy described Kardashian’s role as “fun, stylish, and ultimately terrifying”—a bold creative choice that unexpectedly paid off (them.us). She admitted to being so anxious about her performance that she couldn’t even watch it back when clips were shown on Jimmy Kimmel Live! (people.com).
Structure and Release: Two Parts, IFC Streaming, and a Slow Burn
Delicate was released in two parts—Part 1 premiered September 20, 2023, and Part 2 followed in early April 2024 (parade.com). The first segment comprised five episodes, and the remaining episodes rounded out the season in late spring (parade.com). New episodes aired weekly on FX and became available on Hulu the next day (hulu.com).
Reception: Mixed Reviews, Accolades, and Strong Streaming
Critical response was divided. On Rotten Tomatoes, Delicate holds a 77% approval rating—praised for its fresh tonal direction but not immune to criticism of pacing (rottentomatoes.com). Some reviewers commended Kardashian’s surprising earnestness and the show’s more accessible thriller style (theguardian.com). Others took issue with slow pacing, thin character development, and clunky exposition (reddit.com).
On streaming platforms, the series performed well. It debuted at No. 1 on Hulu’s “Top 15 Today” list right after release, ranked among the most-streamed shows in the U.S. in late 2023, and earned recognition as the most in-demand horror series of the year (en.wikipedia.org).
The season also earned golden nods—such as a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Contemporary Costumes—and a ReFrame Stamp for gender-balanced hiring in production (en.wikipedia.org).
Creative Highlights: Sex, Ritual, and Spider-Baby Dreamscapes
Part Two plunged deeper into darker territory. An episode titled “Ave Hestia” unveiled a disturbing ritual sex scene, revealing cult ties and a chilling paternal confession—“This is how you were made!” (decider.com). Meanwhile, stylized nightmares featuring a spider-like creature emerging from Anna’s womb evoked visceral body horror, reinforcing the show’s shape-shifting approach to pregnancy nightmares (ew.com).
“This season revives AHS through a more restrained thriller that speaks to #BelieveWomen themes and modern anxieties around pregnancy.”
— AHS: Delicate critic paraphrase
Critics and Fans vs. Creators: Where Delicate Triumphs and Where It Trips
- Strengths: It reinvents the AHS playbook with subtle horror, tight feminist framing, and strong design values. Celebrity casting sparked attention and a moderated pace made it more approachable (theguardian.com).
- Weaknesses: Some fans found it dull or half-baked. Reddit commentary flagged underdeveloped characters, slow plot development, and an unsatisfying, abrupt ending (reddit.com).
Context and Future Prospects: What Delicate Signals for AHS
This experiment—the first novel adaptation with a fresh voice at the helm—suggests the anthology is willing to evolve its formula and tone. The gamble paid off in viewership and discussion, even if not universally embraced.
Notably, the franchise isn’t slowing down. As of October 2025, the upcoming Season 13—and its potential Halloween 2026 premiere—has stirred excitement with returning icons like Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, and new additions like Ariana Grande (elpais.com).
Conclusion: Delicate in Review
American Horror Story: Delicate is a nuanced departure—a thriller cushioned in body horror, celebrity intrigue, and feminist subtext. It dares by retooling the anthology’s DNA: first novel adaptation, new showrunner, slower pace. That means it doesn’t always land perfectly, yet its ambition to rethink AHS in a more intimate, modern key is clear. The mixed reviews and passionate fan reactions reflect that risk—and while not every stitch holds, the experiment invites curiosity about what’s next for this bold anthology.
What’s Next?
- Catch Part Two’s standout moments—cult rituals, psychological fractures, and cinematic nightmares.
- Watch for how Season 13 builds on the legacy of Delicate’s reinvention.
- Notice how AHS grapples with contemporary themes—pregnancy politics, public persona versus private horror, and genre innovation.
Word count: approx. 1,360 words
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