As is the case with most anticipated pieces of content — be it movies, television shows or music — when the time comes for the desired item to make its debut, the social media networks begin to jump with anticipation. Such is the case American Horror Story, the new show that’s starting its run on the FX Network this evening.

The anticipation for the new show, courtesy of the creators of Glee and Nip/Tuck, is indeed high. So much so, in fact, the show itself is a hopping Twitter trend, and while it’s fallen down the list some, while working on this article, there have been over 600 updates as people are gearing themselves up to hopefully be scared later this evening. Granted, much of this content is of the “Yay, American Horror Story starts tonight, but if you worked for FX and/or the creative team behind the show, you couldn’t help but be pumped from the anticipatory reaction.

Based on that, the premiere episode should have a respectable viewer count. It’s up to the creators, however, to ensure their popularity isn’t of the “flash in the pan” variety.

In order to capitalize on their buzz, the site features a social tab, and embedded within that are links to a tweets page, featuring feedback from Twitter users who use the #ahsfx hashtag. Other links include one to the Social Horror Story page, which shows fans how to keep up with the show on, you guessed it, various social networking platforms.

In case you aren’t sure why the buzz is as high as it is, keep in mind the marketing push the show has been enjoying. Couple that with the viral reaction, and bam, you have the makings of a hit — provided the creative team comes through. Here’s one of the trailers just in case you have no clue about what’s going on:

If that’s piqued your interest and you can’t wait until tonight, there’s also an American Horror Story YouTube page, with even more video for you to consume. As for the reaction, there’s a great deal of “can’t wait,” but there’s also some reviews popping up, and some of these are not quite as high as the current buzz level is:

Aside from the editorials, the majority of the reaction is, as indicated, of they “yay, it’s finally starting” variety, with a healthy mix of “hey, look, there’s a Twitter trend I can respond to, even though I don’t know what it’s about” posts thrown in for good measure. Oh, yeah, there’s also a American Horror Story drinking game, too.

One wonders if the guys who made that up actually watched the premiere before they developed the game.

Um, Kaylie, is your Google broken?

I hope you’re right, Michael. I hope you’re right. As for the apparent negative reaction, creator Ryan Murphy doesn’t seem too happy about it:

Hmm. Does something like that take the wind out of your anticipation sails or is this a “critics be damned” type of show? I’ll save my reaction for after I watch it tonight.