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American Horror Story: Freak Show is the fourth season of the FX horror anthology television series American Horror Story. It premiered on October 8, 2014.

The season is set in 1952 Jupiter, Florida, telling the story of one of the last remaining freak shows in America, and their struggle for survival.

Returning cast members from previous installments of the series include: Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Denis O'Hare, Frances Conroy, Lily Rabe, Sarah Paulson, Naomi Grossman, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Angela Bassett, Gabourey Sidibe and Grace Gummer.

Plot

The season is set in Jupiter, Florida in 1952, centered around one of the few remaining freak shows at the time, as its members do anything to keep the business alive. The season focuses on the conflict between the freaks and the "evil forces" who do not understand them.

Cast and characters

Main cast

• Sarah Paulson as Bette and Dot Tattler (4 episodes)
• Evan Peters as Jimmy Darling (4 episodes)
• Michael Chiklis as Dell Toledo (3 episodes)
• Frances Conroy as Gloria Mott (3 episodes)
• Denis O'Hare as Stanley (2 episodes)
• Emma Roberts as Maggie Esmerelda (2 episodes)
• Finn Wittrock as Dandy Mott (4 episodes)
• Angela Bassett as Desiree Dupree (3 episodes)
• Kathy Bates as Ethel Darling (3 episodes)
• Jessica Lange as Elsa Mars (4 episodes)

Special guest cast

• Wes Bentley as Edward Mordrake (2 episodes)
• Celia Weston as Ms. Hennings (1 episode)

Recurring cast

• John Carroll Lynch as Twisty the Clown (4 episodes)
• Skyler Samuels as Bonnie Lipton (4 episodes)
• Naomi Grossman as Template:AHSCharacter (4 episodes)
• Jyoti Amge as Ma Petite (4 episodes)
• Erika Ervin as Amazon Eve (4 episodes)
• Mat Fraser as Paul the Illustrated Seal (4 episodes)
• Major Dodson as Corey Bachman (3 episodes)
• Christopher Neiman as Salty (4 episodes)
• Rose Siggins as Legless Suzi (4 episodes)
• Ben Woolf as Meep (2 episodes)
• Patti LaBelle as Dora (3 episodes)
• Gabourey Sidibe as TBA
• Neil Patrick Harris as TBA

Episodes

Production

Development

"It feels like a Douglas Sirk movie; it's very 1952 presentational and then the horror is an unexpected jab. As opposed to last year, which was crazy camera work and comedy. This year feels different."

On November 6, 2013, FX announced that the show had been renewed for a fourth season. Series co-creator Ryan Murphy hinted at clues about the fourth season would be hidden in the final episodes of the third season. On March 17, 2014, the season was revealed to be set at a carnival, according to co-executive producer/writer Douglas Petrie. It was also revealed that Lange will be playing a role similar to Marlene Dietrich. Murphy revealed that the season will take place in 1950, adding, "If you look historically what happened in the year 1950, there's some more clues in that year. It's a period piece. We try and do the opposite of what we've done before. Jessica Lange has already started practicing her German accent so I'm very excited!" Murphy indicated that this season draws inspiration from Tod Browning's Freaks and Herk Harvey's Carnival of Souls. This season features the largest set ever constructed for American Horror Story, with Murphy stating, "We had to build an entire city. We built an entire huge compound and then we had to build the interior of all those buildings on set. It’s all period. And it's all based on Mark Worthington’s immaculate research."

Casting

Ryan Murphy confirmed that Jessica Lange would be returning for a fourth season, although said to be in a reduced capacity. Kathy Bates also returned in a main role. In January 2014, Murphy revealed that Coven cast member Patti LuPone was invited back for the fourth season. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Paulson revealed she will be returning, possibly for a main role. Angela Bassett confirmed in an interview with Access Hollywood that she would be coming back. It was announced at the 2014 PaleyFest that the cast members present at the panel would all be returning for the fourth season in some capacity, adding Denis O'Hare, Emma Roberts, and Gabourey Sidibe to the present roster. Jamie Brewer was also added to the present roster, although, at a later date, Murphy indicated Brewer may not appear during the season. Sidibe's character is described as a "well-off, impeccably tailored Barbizon School grad who comes back to town to deal with a family matter". Additionally, Michael Chiklis was announced to play the father of Peters' character and ex-husband of Bates' character. Wes Bentley is set to appear in two episodes as Eddie, a tormentor of Bates' character. The Normal Heart actor Finn Wittrock joined the cast in late July 2014. Zodiac actor John Carroll Lynch will be portraying a central antagonist during the season. Grammy winner Patti LaBelle is set to play the mother of Sidibe's character, who is described as a "local townsperson who begins to unravel the murderous secrets of Twisty the clown killer". On August 13, 2014, Murphy announced that the world's smallest woman Jyoti Amge has joined the cast as Ma Petite. Murphy had written a role specifically for Coven actor Leslie Jordan, but he was unable to appear on the show due to scheduling conflicts. The Normal Heart's Matt Bomer is set to appear in one episode as a character that is described as "very warped". On September 11, 2014, it was reported that Asylum actor Naomi Grossman will return to portray Pepper, which marks the first time that a character appears in multiple seasons of the series. Lily Rabe will reprise her Asylum role of Sister Mary Eunice McKee in the 10th episode of the season. Neil Patrick Harris will recur as a "chameleon salesman" in the 12th and final episodes of the season, while Harris' husband, David Burtka, will guest star in the season finale, as a man who has dealings with Lange.

Filming

There’s something going on there that is so non-American but totally American, so sexy and dark but there’s hope everywhere.

At Paley Center for Media's 2014 PaleyFest event, Ryan Murphy announced that the season's filming would take place again in New Orleans, Louisiana, although the show's setting is in Jupiter, Florida. Principal photography for the season began on July 15, 2014. The premiere episode was directed by co-creator Murphy, his first effort since the pilot.

Marketing

A video released on July 13, 2014, entitled "Fallen Angel," was reported by many news sources to be an official Freak Show trailer. The video—which featured the American Horror Story title card—was later taken down after FX confirmed it was fan-made. Before the debut of the fan-made video, FX had not released any official trailers concerning the upcoming season. The first official teaser was released August 20, 2014, entitled "Admit One".

As with previous seasons, FX is released a series of teaser trailers on the show's YouTube page. FX is also using the marketing hashtag #WirSindAlleFreaks, which is German for, "We Are All Freaks".

Critical reception

American Horror Story: Freak Show received a Metacritic score of 69 out of 100 based on 19 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported an 84% approval rating with an average rating of 7.7/10 based on 31 reviews. The website's consensus reads, "Though it may turn off new viewers unaccustomed to its unabashed weirdness, Freak Show still brings the thrills, thanks to its reliably stylish presentation and game cast."

Soundtrack

Digital singles

References

1. "Shows A-Z - american horror story on fx". The Futon Critic. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
2. "'American Horror Story: Freak Show': Who's in? Where is it set? New season 4 details". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
3. ^ Pedersen, Erik (August 20, 2014). "Step Right Up For 'American Horror Story: Freak Show' Premiere Date". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
4. ^ Stack, Tim (May 9, 2014). "'American Horror Story: Freak Show': A bearded lady? A scary clown? Details on the new season -- EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
5. ^ Stack, Tim (September 15, 2014). "Ryan Murphy on 'AHS: Freak Show': 'This season, once you die, you're dead'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
6. ^ Stack, Tim (October 29, 2014). "Lily Rabe to appear on 'American Horror Story: Freak Show,' reprise 'Asylum' role". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
7. "FX's Acclaimed Anthology Series "American Horror Story: Freak Show" Premieres October 8". The Futon Critic. August 20, 2014. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
8. Aguilera, Leanne (March 24, 2014). "NEWS/ The American Horror Story Season 4 Title Revealed! Plus, New Details on the Setting, Cast and Jessica Lange's Character". E! Online. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
9. Ross, Dalton (May 15, 2014). "InsideTV Podcast: Trish from 'Survivor' unloads on 'unbearable... cruel... vicious... no class' Kass". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
10. ^ Ausiello, Michael (October 29, 2014). . TV Line. Retrieved October 29, 2014. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
11. Kondolojy, Amanda (October 9, 2014). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'American Horror Story' Tops Night + 'South Park' 'Teen Mom II', 'The Daily Show, 'Key & Peele' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
12. Bibel, Sara (October 16, 2014). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'American Horror Story' Wins Night, 'South Park', 'Teen Mom 2', Baseball, 'Impact Wrestling' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
13. Kondolojy, Amanda (October 23, 2014). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'American Horror Story' Tops Night + 'Key & Peele', 'Melissa & Joey' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
14. "Episode Title: (#404) "Edward Mordrake, Pt 2"". The Futon Critic. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
15. "Episode Title: (#405) "Pink Cupcakes"". The Futon Critic. Retrieved October 11, 2014.
16. "(#406) "Bullseye"". The Futon Critic. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
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22. Wagmeister, Elizabeth (August 26, 2014). "Jessica Lange: Why New 'American Horror' Season Will Be 'Extraordinary'". Hollywood Life. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
23. Stack, Tim (November 22, 2013). "'American Horror Story': Jessica Lange on why next season will be her last -- EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
24. Stack, Tim (November 7, 2013). "'American Horror Story': Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett approached to return for season 4 -- EXCLUSIVE". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
25. Cerasaro, Pat (January 11, 2014). "Ryan Murphy Invites Patti LuPone Back For AMERICAN HORROR STORY Season Four". Broadwayworld. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
26. Goldberg, Lesley (January 29, 2014). "'American Horror Story: Coven's' New Supreme Speaks -- Plus Who's Returning for Season 4?". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
27. "Angela Bassett: 'I'm Coming Back' To 'American Horror Story'". Access Hollywood. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
28. Stack, Tim (October 9, 2014). "'American Horror Story: Freak Show' premiere: Ryan Murphy talks sex, scary clowns, and season 5 clues". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
29. Ausiello, Michael (August 12, 2014). "Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on Parenthood, Chicago Fire, True Blood, Glee, S.H.I.E.L.D., The Killing and More". TV Line. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
30. Ausiello, Michael (July 8, 2014). "Wes Bentley Joins AHS: Freak Show as [Spoiler]'s Tormentor". TV Line. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
31. Murphy, Ryan (July 24, 2014). "Thrilled to announce the very talented FINN WITTROCK has joined the cast of Freak Show!". Twitter. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
32. Franich, Darren (July 26, 2014). "'American Horror Story' at Comic-Con: 'Freak Show' cast announced". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
33. Ausiello, Michael (August 11, 2014). "Patti LaBelle Hits Mother Lode, Joins AHS: Freak Show as [Spoiler]". TV Line. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
34. Murphy, Ryan (August 13, 2014). "Jessica and our newest cast member Jyoti Amge...the world's smallest woman". Twitter. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
35. Klompus, Jack (August 18, 2014). "Leslie Jordan missing American Horror Story for Celebrity Big Brother". Digital Spy. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
36. Perlman, Jake (August 24, 2014). "Matt Bomer to guest star on 'American Horror Story: Freak Show'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
37. Stack, Tim (September 11, 2014). "Yes, fan favorite Pepper will return to 'American Horror Story'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
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• Official website
• American Horror Story at IMDb
• List of American Horror Story episodes at TV.com

• 1952 in fiction
• 2014 television seasons
• 2015 television seasons
• American drama television series
• American historical fiction
• American Horror Story
• Bearded women
• Circus television programs
• Fictional clowns
• Fictional conjoined twins
• Jupiter, Florida
• Strength athletics
• Supernumerary body parts
• Television series set in the 1950s
• Television shows set in Florida