Seth Gabel Returns as Jeffrey Dahmer in American Horror Story: 13

Seth Gabel is returning as serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in 'American Horror Story: 13'. The actor received a direct call from series creator Ryan Murphy to reprise the role he first played in the 'Hotel' season.

The sixth episode brings back Devil’s Night with a killer crossover

Episode six, titled 'The Return of Devil’s Night', serves as a major crossover event. It revives the Devil’s Night concept from season five, 'Hotel', where Evan Peters' character James Patrick March summons a group of serial killers. Their target is the returning Coven, which includes witches played by Emma Roberts, Gabourey Sidibe, and Billie Lourd.

The summoned killers include Gabel's Jeffrey Dahmer, Anthony Ruivivar's Richard Ramirez, and the Zodiac Killer. John Carroll Lynch also returns as John Wayne Gacy, while Lily Rabe reprises Aileen Wuornos. The confrontation ends with Sarah Paulson's character, Cordelia Goode, being struck in the skull with an axe by James Patrick March.

How Dahmer’s portrayal connects across Murphy’s universe

Dahmer's portrayal spans Ryan Murphy's horror universe. While Gabel plays him in 'American Horror Story', Evan Peters earned an Emmy nomination for portraying the same killer in Netflix's 'Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story'. Gabel emphasized he did not share research tips with Peters. Jeffrey Dahmer killed 17 men and boys between 1978 and 1991.

Gabel noted that capturing Dahmer's Midwestern dialect was key. He also said the role helped him approach dark parts more comedically in other projects, like his role as serial killer Liam Glasser on 'The Rookie'. Reflecting on the unique dynamic, Seth Gabel said: "I didn’t know how Evan would be approaching this with me coming back with a role he had done before."

Season 13 shifts to half-hour format with a packed premiere schedule

This season marks a structural shift for the anthology. 'American Horror Story: 13' is the first season to consist entirely of half-hour episodes, a departure from the traditional hour-long format. The full season will run for 13 episodes.

The premiere schedule is accelerated. The season launches on September 24 at 9 p.m. ET on FX and Hulu, with the first three episodes airing that night. The next three episodes follow on October 1. The finale is scheduled for Thursday, October 29.

Production wrapped with new showrunners and a star-studded returning cast

Filming for the new season began on April 6, 2026, and wrapped on July 27, 2026. Ryan Murphy confirmed the wrap while on a red carpet that same day. The season introduces new showrunners Ned Martel and Charlie Carver, the latter having previously acted in and written for the series.

A trailer released in August unveiled an extensive cast list, confirming the return of numerous fan-favorite actors and their iconic characters. The lineup includes Sarah Paulson as Cordelia Goode, Evan Peters as the Rubber Man and Kai Anderson, Jessica Lange as Constance Langdon, Angela Bassett as Marie Laveau, Kathy Bates, and John Carroll Lynch as Twisty the Clown.

Gabel described an upcoming episode as 'explosive'. He also recalled Murphy telling him two words about the character: 'Poor Jeffrey'. The finale of 'American Horror Story: 13' airs on Thursday, October 29.