"Welcome to Briarcliff" is the first episode of the second season of the anthology television series American Horror Story, which premiered on October 17, 2012, on the cable network FX.

It follows reporter Lana Winters' (Sarah Paulson) plight to expose Sister Jude's (Jessica Lange) sadistic insane asylum and Kit Walker's (Evan Peters) unjust commitment to the institution.

When looking for another way out, she discovers a hidden tunnel and encounters one famous serial killer who resided in the asylum, "Bloody Face", wearing a mask of human skin.

While at home together, a series of explosions, bright lights, loud noises and apparent anti-gravity occur during which Alma disappears and Kit is rendered unconscious.

Lana Winters, an ambitious journalist tired of fluff stories given to her by her paper, goes on her own to Briarcliff Sanitarium to report on the commitment of serial killer "Bloody Face".

Kit later encounters other inmates, including Shelley, a nymphomaniac, and Grace, a seemingly sane patient committed for allegedly killing and cutting up her family.

The critical consensus reads, "American Horror Story ushers in a new season as is to be expected: with a healthy dose of mysterious, gruesome fun.

"[5] Maureen Ryan of The Huffington Post said, "It's to the credit of Asylum's writers, directors and cast that the emotional pain of the characters often feels as real as their uncertainty and terror.