Today on television, producers with high expectations of success introduce countless new shows to viewers. After months of preproduction and planning, creators only hope that viewers give their show a chance in the ever so competitive realm of television. Yet, avid television viewers want more than just cookie-cutter storylines and dull character development. They want to be pulled in and left on the edge of their seats waiting for next week’s episode. As more and more developments in the television business are being made, directors are aiming for a creative edge that will take their show to the top.
Entering it’s fourth season, FX’s “American Horror Story” aims to lock in old and new viewers alike with its premiere on October 8th at 10:00 pm. With its twisted approach on captivating the audience for the past three years, the show holds a top spot with popular shows on television today. Created by Ryan Murphy and Brian Falchuck, “American Horror Story” is an anthology series in which each season has a different storyline with new characters and settings. The Emmy winning program is praised by both critics and viewers alike for its originality, and the anthology format of the show prevents storylines from getting too stale. Additionally, the 13-episode seasons allow the writers to effectively complete a story arc without dragging on a premise for too long.
The title of the upcoming season, “American Horror Story: Freak Show,” was announced back in March, and since the reveal, FX has released short teaser trailers to give viewers a taste of what they can expect in the fourth season. “Freak Show” focuses on one of the few remaining freak show circuses based in 1952 Jupiter, Florida. After a decline in business, the freaks must go to extreme measures to keep the circus alive after a steady decline in the business. With the group in town, characters are threatened by an unspecified evil entity, and viewers can also expectan encounter with a killer clown sometime this season.
As far as the cast goes, viewers will see a good mix of old and new stars. Fan favorite Jessica Lange will return for her last season, while other veterans (including Kathy Bates, Evan Peters, and Sarah Paulson) return in prominent roles. Adding to the “freak show” aspect of the show, AHS has casted Jyoti Amge, the world’s smallest woman. At only two feet six inches tall, the 20 year old woman had once said she wished to pursue a career in acting, and she certainly will learn a lot from her experienced co-cast members. In addition, other newcomers include Finn Wittrock, Wes Bentley, and Emmy winner Michael Chicklis.
In addition, exciting new graphics are going to be incorporated in season four, and almost every teaser includes strange creatures which are sure to grasp the audience’s attention. The most anticipated reveal is Sarah Paulson, who will play conjoined twins “Bette” and “Dot”. After all the hype brought about by the teasers, viewers can expect to see a fair share of special effects.
Although AHS has a collection of diehard fans that have been fans of the show from the beginning, their continuous success locks in new viewers just starting the fourth season. After fans have waited nine months for the new season, the producers and cast have high hopes to be as impressive as previous seasons.
