Sarah Paulson Regrets Filming This One Season Of American Horror Story

Is there a performance that Sarah Paulson hasn't completely slayed? With a decade's worth of work on "American Horror Story" and a storied résumé beforehand, Paulson has proven her commitment to acting knows no end. With experience in both TV and Broadway, the star has consistently excelled in the art of acting — leading to her becoming a massive fan-favorite on "American Horror Story." With roles such as Cordelia Goode on "Coven" and the iconic Lana Winters from "Asylum," Paulson truly sinks her teeth into every challenging role she's presented with.

However, as with any job, there will be good days and there will be bad days — or in Paulson's case, good seasons and bad ones. And while Paulson has gone on record to note she "really loved the first season [Murder House]" and enjoyed the challenges of the second ("Asylum"), not every season is all sunshines and rainbows for the gifted actor (per the Fan Carpet). In fact, there is one season of the hit FX series in particular that Paulson has disparaged — and was even "underwhelmed" by.

So, which season of "American Horror Story" did Sarah Paulson regret being on? Keep reading to find out!

Why Sarah Paulson hated her time on Roanoke

Over the course of its 10-year run, "American Horror Story" has seen its ups and downs, but has remained a consistently great product throughout. With its dynamic, rotating cast, meticulous cinematography, and jarring trippiness, every season of the series serves to assault the viewers' senses (in the best way possible!). On top of that, you know you're in for a treat when whoever Sarah Paulson is playing in the season walks on screen. Whether she's the bold Lana Winters or medium Billie Dean Howard, Paulson is the one (of few) cast members you can always rely on to deliver under pressure.

Despite always delivering high-quality performances, Paulson is not afraid to critique her own work. Such is the case with "Roanoke," in which the actor described as "underwhelming." In an appearance on The Hollywood Reporter's "Awards Chatter" podcast, Paulson stated, "I just don't care about this season at all" (via Showbiz Cheat Sheet). "I know people will get mad at me for saying it, but for me, this was post-having played Marcia [Clark, her character in 'American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson'] and it was what I went to do right after finishing Marcia," the actor continued.

Though Paulson looks back on "Roanoke" regretfully, it's interesting to note that the season holds a 74% on Rotten Tomatoes — so not the worst season, but definitely not the best either.

Sarah Paulson had a 'contractual obligation' to AHS

Sarah Paulson and "American Horror Story" creator Ryan Murphy go way back — all the way back to the late '90s-slash-early '00s with their work on the WB. Paulson later guest starred on Murphy's first FX series, "Nip/Tuck" in 2004, where they eventually entered a working relationship that would last for nearly two decades. Since then, the powerhouse duo have been responsible for reinventing horror television and putting on some of the most must-see TV in the past decade.

Though they have such a professional relationship, it may have come to Paulson's detriment when time came to film "Roanoke." "I was so underwhelmed by the whole experience because I felt like I had entered into a new place inside of myself in terms of what I thought possible, in terms of what I might be willing to see if I can do," Paulson stated on the Hollywood Reporter's "Awards Chatter" podcast (via Showbiz Cheat Sheet). "I felt really kind of trapped by my responsibility and my contractual obligation to do 'American Horror Story,'" she continued, adding, "As much as it's my home, and I've loved it always, it was the first time I felt like I wish I could have gone to Ryan and said, 'Please let me sit this one out.'"

Thankfully, Paulson's bad experience on "Roanoke" didn't dissuade her from continuing on with the series. She returned for the following season ("Cult") and remains a mainstay on the series today.