Why American Horror Stories Fans Are Split Over Episode 3

"American Horror Story" fans are notoriously critical of the anthology series, so it's not surprising that energy carried over to the show's new spin-off, "American Horror Stories." With just three episodes released, the show has already sparked major conversation on the r/AmericanHorrorStories subreddit.

Its third episode, "Drive In," follows a sexually frustrated high school couple, Kelley (Madison Bailey) and Chad (Rhenzy Felix), as they attempt to hook up at a screening of the infamous cursed film, "Rabbit Rabbit." The curse works thusly: Moviegoers become glued to the screen, and their eyes go from bloodshot to blacked out as they transform into violent, veiny monsters.

Fans shared their real-time reactions to the show on a thread started by u/hypodermicsally, where it became quickly apparent just how divisive the episode was. Fans went back and forth over every element: the acting, the references, the inspiration — you name it. The whole shebang was controversial, but one theme seemed present in just about every critique and reciprocal defense.

So, why are "American Horror Stories" fans split over the latest episode?

Some fans are concerned that "American Horror Stories" is steering too far from its predecessor tonally. "It may as well have been a GOOSEBUMPS episode," said u/pfefferd. "I hope this series gets it's [sic] head on right, because that's two weak weeks in a row." Another user called it "an adult goosebumps episode."

While the comparison may not be as biting now considering the recent success of the "Fear Street" trilogy, other "AHS" fans also noted the 'younger' feel of the episode. One Redditor described the casting as being "like someone (threw) a bucket of blood on Glee," in reference to "AHS" producer Ryan Murphy's high-school drama. Others pointed out that teenagers have always been important in the horror genre, but wish that the show would've gone in a different direction with this episode because they found it unrealistic. 

Despite the criticisms, fans seemed to generally agree that "Drive In" was an improvement over last week's two-part premiere, "Rubber (Wo)man." So at least there's some common ground.