(Note: This post contains spoilers for the premiere episode of “American Horror Story: Cult.”)
Judging by fan reactions, the first episode of “American Horror Story: Cult” kicked off some serious coulrophobia (that’s fear of clowns, by the way).
Set in the real world of post-election America, but in a fictional Michigan town, “American Horror Story: Cult” set up a story that’s full of killer clowns and political anxiety. Though it’s not expressly about either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, the election looms large for all the characters, creating plenty of conflict and anxiety for all.
Also Read: “American Horror Story: Cult”: Important 2016 Election Facts You Need to Remember
“American Horror Story: Cult” spent its first episode largely focused on the experiences of Ally (Sarah Paulson), a woman with some serious phobias whose anxieties are coming back full force after Nov. 8, 2016.
Fans freaked out during the show’s creepiest scene, in which Ally finds herself in an empty grocery store that’s suddenly filled with scary clowns.
This grocery store got me like #AHSCult pic.twitter.com/znLBL7FFEp
— Jon🥀 (@officialjstax) September 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/dmvrebuild/status/905256068313468928
Yes Sarah. You don't need milk. Go home. #ahscult
— kyle. (@_BiggRanger) September 6, 2017
Why are you food shopping at night….?!?!?! This might be how you die. #AHSCult
— Maria Judith 🐙 (@marijuxoxo) September 6, 2017
When Sarah gets home #AHSCult pic.twitter.com/7YKVNQyqH6
— Niya 🍉🇵🇸 (@ratedpforpetty) September 6, 2017
I'll now be checking my backseat for clowns when I get in my car. THANKS #AHSCULT 😭 @AHSFX
— Ashley ☘️ (@ashleywarhol) September 6, 2017
Also Read: “15 Movies Every ‘American Horror Story” Fan Should Watch (Photos)
https://twitter.com/alyssawags31/status/905257143238053889
really? right in front of my watermelons? #AHSCult pic.twitter.com/FdxlJHojEH
— 𝚖𝚞𝚏𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘𝚙 🇱🇧 (@markthegemini) September 6, 2017
“AHS” really was all about the clowns in its premiere, with the return of the murderous Twisty from “American Horror Story: Freak Show.” His reappearance had fans spooked as well.
Twisty: *kills couple*
Me: There he goes! Doin his thing!!! YES!
Twisty: *takes off his mask*
Me:#AHSCult pic.twitter.com/aC5uDTigXV— Savannah (@savannahbelleXO) September 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/LewisGfellow/status/905253592474451968
But the creepiest character on the show so far might not be a clown, but Evan Peters’ unhinged Trump supporter, Kai. Fans couldn’t decide to love or loathe Kai as he threw lattes, and grosser liquids, on people.
https://twitter.com/TotalHeelZee/status/905254041478991872
Evan Peters face right now… #AHSCult pic.twitter.com/6qtc2hVzqB
— Briana Maddalena (@BrianaMaddalena) September 6, 2017
When you excited for #AHSCult and then you see Evan pic.twitter.com/s3FH6ff6oP
— Anthony (@00Fuzz) September 6, 2017
did he just pee in a condom? and throw it? #AHSCult pic.twitter.com/K4gYxZ7mHl
— comfy bear-face 🐻 (@Blvck_Picvsso) September 6, 2017
Also Read: “Why “American Horror Story: Cult” Is the Show’s Best Season Since “Murder House”
And then there was Kai’s sister, Winter, played by new “AHS” addition Billie Lourd. She is maybe not someone in whose care to leave your child, but that doesn’t stop Ally and her wife, Ivy (Alison Pill).
Why would people not have a camera setup in home for a new babysitter?!?! She showing lil Billy how to kill people lol #AHSCult
— Keem (@keem773) September 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/milliereacts/status/905263372299534336
The episode, dubbed “Election Night,” also stirred up some fan conspiracy theories related to the season’s subtitle, “Cult.” While much of the episode presented the clowns as possibly figments of Ally’s imagination, toward its end, it was revealed that Ally son, Oz, saw the fiends as well.
That had fans thinking that Ivy might be in on the carnage as a member of the titular cult.
#AHSCult YALL I AM TELLING YOU- Her. Wife. Is. A. Clown. Leader. pic.twitter.com/zdehDFcooe
— Karina Michelle 🍂☕ (@LoveKarinaM) September 6, 2017
But for just about everyone watching “American Horror Story: Cult,” the reactions were a mixture of politics and tension.
Half way into the show and I'm having anxiety. #AHSCult
— atp just call me Kash💚 (@Ppleatcookies) September 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/hannahdrew__/status/905260396491177984
https://twitter.com/prtcrz/status/905263809610137600
https://twitter.com/18januarysummer/status/905261256361353218
https://twitter.com/mrballew/status/905263272273829889
https://twitter.com/glsays/status/905260187552030720
https://twitter.com/TayMichelle16/status/905263234382475265