Was there ever any doubt that FX would want American Horror Story to stick around for a fifth season? No, and definitely not after the show’s fourth season premiere numbers set new records for the horror anthology series. The first episode of American Horror Story: Freak Show is now the most watched single program in the network’s history.
10+ million viewers tuned in to check out the carnival characters and a psycho clown, overtaking the 9.25 million record set by this season’s premiere of Sons of Anarchy. Adding in the encore episodes, AHS: Freak Show episode one raked in 13.36 million total viewers.
The network will be bringing AHS back for a 13 episode fifth season. FX says season five will premiere in October 2015.
“The American Horror Story anthology has had the highest growth trajectory of any show in FX history, not to mention an unprecedented track record of success in awards recognition,” said John Landgraf, CEO, FX Networks and FX Productions. “With Ryan Murphy and his partners, Brad Falchuk, Dante Di Loreto and Tim Minear at the helm, the show’s success is not surprising. AHS continues to deliver amazing stories, a brilliant troupe of actors led by Jessica Lange, and a visual style unlike any other on TV. With Nip/Tuck, Glee, The Normal Heart, and American Horror Story, Ryan Murphy has established himself as one of the most successful and prolific producers of this generation. We expect AHS: Freak Show and the next incarnation of AHS to further his legacy.”
The Plot of American Horror Story: Freak Show:
American Horror Story: Freak Show begins its tale in the quiet, sleepy hamlet of Jupiter, Fla. The year is 1952. A troupe of curiosities has just arrived to town, coinciding with the strange emergence of a dark entity that savagely threatens the lives of townsfolk and freaks alike. This is the story of the performers and their desperate journey of survival amidst the dying world of the American carny experience.
In episode two airing October 15th, “Massacres and Matinees”, a citywide curfew threatens to shut down the Freak Show. Dell Toledo (Michael Chiklis), a strongman from Ethel’s (Kathy Bates) troubled past arrives at camp. Gloria (Frances Conroy) arranges a terrifying play date for Dandy (Finn Wittrock). The Tattler Twins (Sarah Paulson) reveal a talent that could knock Elsa (Jessica Lange) from the spotlight.
