Ariana Grande Returns to Television After a Decade — Set to Star in ‘American Horror Story’ Season 13

Ariana Grande is officially returning to the world that first introduced her to millions — scripted television — and she’s doing it in one of the most talked-about franchises of modern TV.

Ryan Murphy Productions confirmed that the Grammy-winning artist will join the cast of Season 13 of American Horror Story, arriving Halloween season 2026.

A Surprise Announcement That Sent Fans Into a Frenzy

The reveal came via a promotional Instagram video posted Friday — complete with classic AHS dramatic tone. It referenced a famous line once delivered by Emma Roberts’ character Madison Montgomery, ending with the announcement that the next season will debut October 2026.

Within minutes, the comments were flooded with excitement, disbelief, and anticipation.

“ARIANA GRANDE HELLO?!” one user wrote — a sentiment repeated across platforms.

Another joked that fans hope Ariana’s character makes it past the first episode — a light nod to AHS’s unpredictable character fates.

A Star-Packed Ensemble

Grande will be joining some of the most established names within the anthology:

• Emma Roberts

• Sarah Paulson

• Evan Peters

• Angela Bassett

• Kathy Bates

• Billie Lourd

• Gabourey Sidibe

• Leslie Grossman

• Jessica Lange

The reaction to Jessica Lange’s name alone created a second wave of online celebration — since it will mark her first return to the series since Season 8.

Grande’s TV Return — A Decade in the Making

Though Ariana Grande has remained a constant in music, this marks her first scripted television role since 2015, when she appeared as Chanel #2 in Murphy’s Scream Queens.

That followed her earlier Nickelodeon years, where she became a household name playing Cat Valentine on Victorious (2010-2013) and then Sam & Cat (2013-2014).

Building a Film Career While Pausing Music

Over time, Grande shifted from TV to recording studios — but her music career paused again when she signed on to star in 2024’s Wicked: Part I, the long-awaited film adaptation of the Broadway musical.

Her turn as Galinda earned her a 2025 Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

She didn’t win the Oscar — but the nod placed her in serious Hollywood acting conversation.

Grande returns for Wicked: Part II alongside Cynthia Erivo later this year on November 21.

The Significance of This New Chapter

Grande’s American Horror Story casting brings her back into television on the kind of platform built for reinvention.

It pairs her with the same creative force who gave her one of her earliest adult-era TV roles — and places her beside an ensemble of performers who helped shape the show’s identity.

Season 13 has suddenly become one of the most anticipated installments in the franchise’s history — and Ariana Grande’s return to the small screen is a major reason why.