Sarah Paulson Moving On From ‘American Horror Story’ Is the End of an Era, but Not the Show

This fall, American Horror Story is doing something almost unthinkable: It will be airing a new season without Evan Peters or Sarah Paulson in starring roles. If these actors were to have announced their lack of participation just two years ago, it would have raised genuine concerns about the ending of this massively popular franchise. But that’s not what’s happening in 2019. Sure, it’s sad that Peters and Paulson are removing themselves — possibly temporarily, possibly forever — from the American Horror Story family, but with the upcoming 1984 season it doesn’t feel like AHS is dying. Rather, the FX series seems to be broadening its scope.

In the wake of Disney’s acquisition of Fox, FX’s parent company, American Horror Story has been one of those shows that fans like to worry about. Not only is the brutal and overtly sexual AHS a jarring fit with Disney’s brand, but it’s also helmed by Ryan Murphy, a creator who is currently under contract to develop new projects for Netflix. If there was ever a time for this bizarre world of witches, cult leaders, mass murderers, and drama to disappear, it would be now.

But that’s not what’s happening. Early on, Murphy made it clear that his deal with Netflix applied to new projects only. The super producer would still be involved in creating new seasons of his currently running FX and Fox series, which include Pose, FEUD, American Crime Story, 9-1-1, and yes American Horror Story. As if to prove that AHS is safe, FX has already renewed the show through 2020. Also, Murphy has cryptically revealed that the witches from Coven and Apocalypse would return to AHS; but not in 2019. Long story short, Murphy has plans for his pet horror project and FX doesn’t seem keen to cancel one of its longest running and most popular series. Because of this, Paulson forgoing a leading role doesn’t  sound like it’s spelling out AHS‘ end, it’s just another change in a show that has been defined by its willingness and ability to change since Day 1.

It makes sense from Paulson and AHS‘ point of views that the iconic scream queen would take a step back form this upcoming season. Why? Sarah Paulson is busy. Not only is she starring in Netflix’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest prequel series Ratched (another show from Ryan Murphy), but she’s also set to star in FX’s upcoming Mrs. America alongside Cate Blanchett. Those two projects prove that Paulson is on good terms with both Murphy and her cable home. But those are also two major series Paulson has to balance alongside her budding film career, which includes the buzzy adaptation of The Goldfinch and the upcoming horror movie Run. This very talented actress has a lot on her plate, so it would make sense that she would opt to take a break from AHS, or ask for a less intense role, similar to her portrayal of Billie Dean in the Murder House season of the show.

Paulson’s diminished involvement also speaks to one of the best parts of American Horror Story: namely, this is a series that has always evolved. Its anthology format has allowed different actors to shine in different seasons, and the show as a whole has a history of rotating actors in the spotlight. From Murder House to Coven, Paulson was undisputedly a vital part of the horror series, but at that point in time, American Horror Story was Jessica Lange’s show. The Oscar-winning actress was the one with the juiciest roles and the most memorable storylines, not Paulson. It wasn’t until Freak Show‘s conjoined twins Dot and Bette paired with Asylum’s Lana Winters that Paulson started to get the leading lady props she so clearly deserved. Freak Show was around when Lange blessed Paulson with the role of leading lady. Based on Paulson’s relationship with Billie Lourd’s Supreme in Apocalypse, it distinctly feels like that passing of the torch is happening yet again.

All of this is to say that American Horror Story has a history of shifting its protagonists. Sure, Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson have always been in the mix; but these past few seasons have introduced AHS fans to Billy Porter, Cody Fern, and Adina Porter just to name a few of the series’ incredible cast of actors. This is a show that loves to add new performers into its mix.

That’s without mentioning the limitations of this season’s theme: Based on the early marketing around AHS: 1984, this new season seems to be a summer slasher in the same vein as Friday the 13th. You know what that particular homage requires? Young people. This would be the perfect time for AHS‘ younger talent like Cody Fern, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, and Taissa Farmiga —with the exception of Fern, all of these stars are under 30— to get their leading star due. We already know that Roberts and AHS newcomer Gus Kenworthy will be in this new season. Now we just need a few more hot actors who can pass for teens and the 1984 slasher homage will be set.

Of course, fans are always going to miss screaming alongside Sarah Paulson and simultaneously falling in love with and being horrified by Evan Peters. But with the aforementioned ensemble, plus Lily Rabe, Leslie Grossman, and Finn Wittrock, American Horror Story isn’t ending without Peters and Paulson. It’s just making space for its future.

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