American Horror Story: Hotel

American Horror Story: Hotel is the fifth season of the FX horror anthology television series American Horror Story, created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. It premiered on October 7, 2015, and concluded January 13, 2016. The series was renewed in October 2014, with the subtitle Hotel being announced in February 2015. Returning cast from previous seasons of the series include: Kathy Bates, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Wes Bentley, Matt Bomer, Chloë Sevigny, Denis O'Hare, Angela Bassett, Mare Winningham, Christine Estabrook, Finn Wittrock, Lily Rabe, Anthony Ruivivar, John Carroll Lynch, Matt Ross, and Gabourey Sidibe, along with new cast members Lady Gaga and Cheyenne Jackson. Breaking from the anthological format, like Freak Show, the season is interconnected to the first and third seasons. Hotel marks the first season to not feature series mainstays Jessica Lange and Frances Conroy.

The plot centers around the mysterious Hotel Cortez in Los Angeles, California that catches the eye of an intrepid homicide detective (Bentley). The Cortez is host to many disturbing scenarios and paranormal events and is overseen by its enigmatic matron, The Countess (Gaga), a bloodsucking fashionista. The hotel is loosely based on the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles, home to various deaths and tragedies. This season features multiple murderous threats, including the Ten Commandments Killer, a serial offender who selects his victims following biblical teachings; a vampiric, self-styled Countess, played by Lady Gaga; and the serial killer mastermind responsible for the hotel's construction who is now a ghost residing there.

According to Falchuk and Murphy, thematically, Hotel is much darker than the previous seasons. Inspiration came from old hotel horror films and actual hotels situated in downtown Los Angeles with a reputation for sinister events, including the Cecil. The cycle also marks a return to filming in Los Angeles, where the first two seasons were shot. Hotel features one of the most expansive sets in American Horror Story history, with production designer Mark Worthington building two stories on a soundstage, along with a working elevator and stairway. In July 2015, FX launched a marketing campaign for the series, with most trailers and teasers touting Gaga's involvement.

Although Hotel was initially reported to consist of thirteen episodes, that number was later revised to twelve. The season garnered eight Emmy Award nominations, including two acting nominations for Paulson and Bates. However, it was the first time that a season of American Horror Story was not nominated for Outstanding Limited Series. In addition, Gaga won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Mini-Series or Television Film, while Hotel received a nomination for Best Mini-Series or Television Film.

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