In 2011, Ryan Murphy changed the game -- and freaked out TV audiences in a big way -- by launching FX Network's "American Horror Story." Since then, the horror anthology series has become appointment TV each fall, with seasons tackling demons, witches, aliens, vampires, political cults, serial killers, and anything else that might terrify and disturb. Along the way, the series has featured an impressive rotating cast of bonafide stars and notable character actors, many of whom have portrayed multiple iconic characters. Now, for our 2024 Halloween special, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to determine the best "American Horror Story" character of all time.

Characters discussed: Sister Mary Eunice (“Asylum”), Liz Taylor (“Hotel”), Lana Winters (“Asylum”), Montana Duke (“1984”), Misty Day (“Coven”), Cordelia Goode (“Coven”), Tate Langdon (“Murder House”), Constance Langdon (“Murder House”), Fiona Goode (“Coven”), Madison Montgomery (“Coven”/“Apocalypse”), James Patrick March (“Hotel”), The Countess (“Hotel”), Elsa Mars (“Freak Show”), Marie Laveau (“Coven”/“Apocalypse”), Sister Jude (“Asylum”), Myrtle Snow (“Coven”/“Apocalypse”).

Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Karissa Kloss and Zack Derby, and special guest panelist Erin Marlow from It’s a Fandom Thing podcast as they discuss and debate 16 of TV’s most shocking characters.

Great Pop Culture Debate is brought to you by Factor Meals. Visit factormeals.com/greatpop50 and use the code greatpop50 for 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next month.

For more exclusive content, including warm-up in which we discuss the “AHS” characters we were bummed didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

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Episode Credits

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panel: Karissa Kloss, Zack Derby

Special Guest Panelist: Erin Marlow, It’s a Fandom Thing Podcast

Producer: Bob Erlenback

Editor: Eric Rezsnyak

Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch

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