Terrifying Television – A Huge Hit for Cable TV

The premiere of FX’s ‘American Horror Story: Coven’ was a series-high, with nearly millions of viewers tuned in.  Ranking #2 in adults, only slightly behind ‘Modern Family,’ the show has been an enormous success for FX. 

AMC’s ‘Walking Dead’ was another record-breaker, drawing in a premiere audience of 8.1 million (total viewers - adults 18-49). ‘Walking Dead’ set the record for the most-watched basic cable drama in the history of television. 

So, what is it about these shows that draw-in record numbers?  The success is due, in part, to scheduling.  At a time when US audiences are looking for something spooky to watch, what better than ‘AHS’ or ‘The Walking Dead?’  Plus, both networks leveraged creative marketing strategies alongside their series’ killer content.  ‘AHS’ racked up Emmy nominations, and was the first series since FX’s ‘The Shield’ to win for best actor

'The Walking Dead' premiered October 13.  'American Horror Story' premiered October 17.    

American Horror Story: Coven

The new season of American Horror Story has arrived...Coven!

American Horror Story: Coven tells the secret history of witches and witchcraft in America. Over three hundred years have passed since the turbulent days of Salem and those who managed to escape are now facing extinction. Mysterious attacks have been escalating against their kind and young girls are being sent away to a special school in New Orleans to learn how to protect themselves. Wrapped up in the turmoil is new arrival, Zoe, who is harboring a terrifying secret of her own. Alarmed by the recent aggression, Fiona, the long-absent Supreme, sweeps back into town, determined to protect the Coven and hell-bent on decimating anyone who gets in her way.

Same Actors-Different Characters

One of the more unique aspects of the American Horror Story series is there use of the same actor/actress playing different characters in each of the seasons. For example, Jessica Lange played Constance Langdon in season 1, Sister Jude Martin in season 2, and Fiona Goode is season 3. This also goes for the other four actors who play different characters in each season (Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Lily Rabe, and France Conroy). Since I have seen very little of the American Horror story series, it is hard to critique the effectiveness of this aspect of the show, however, I feel that using the same actors each season has more cons then pros.

First the pros. People who watch the series that have a liking towards a specific actor are more likely to remain watching each season because they enjoy that actor. Also there is much exposure to different acting skills within each actor due to the switching of character roles. I believe this is someone effective towards a dedicated audience and that's it.

There are many cons to this aspect of American horror story, in my opinion. The main one is that the audience may become attuned to a certain emotion or aspect of a character, and when switching roles the next season, I believe this can cause some sort of confusion in the viewers mind. The first season, Evan Peters was a ghost who kills people, however in Season 2, Evan Peters played a gas station attendant with a wife, he is also "kind, loving, and mild-mannered, avoiding confrontation..." (american horrorstory.wikia.com). So the person who watched season one is attuned to Evan Walkers being a killed, but now is season 2, he is a loving man with a family. This seems a little confusing, and this is the same with the other characters in the series. I am no saying that this is a bad thing, it does add a unique element to the series in terms of mysteries, with wondering who is going to play what next season.

-Tyler Tillinghast

Terrifying Promos

American Horror Story: Coven is certainly not all fun and games.  The whole premise of the TV show is related around witches, spirits, and all of the creepy things that go along with it.  It only makes sense that the advertisements and teasers should reflect what the show is about.  The question is if the creators have taken these creepy teasers too far.

From watching some of these promos, I can say I am a little disturbed from some of them.  They are very weird to say the least and can be unsettling.  Especially the one including a snake.  The creators nailed this aspect and sets the show up to be very creepy as well.

With even the name of the show implying what it is like, the advertisements enhance this idea very well.  I think taking the bold strategy for the promos was a smart idea.  They are intriguing and set the show up to be interesting.  Even though I doubt I'll be watching it any time soon, I am interested in the idea because of the these vague and creepy advertisements.

Addition of Lance Reddick to 'AHS'

For the final four seasons of "American Horror Story: Coven," Lance Reddick will be added to the cast.  While having a prominent role in the TV show "Fringe," Reddick "has taken it upon himself to guide the final four episodes of Coven," says Brody Gibson of Boomtron.  He is set to play Papa Legba when the show returns in January.  Papa Legba is a Hatian spirit and gives him a strong connection to the Voodoo practiced by Marie Laveau.  This gives him a prominent role in Marie Laveau's life in the show.

Lance Reddick

The addition of Reddick means another big actor in an already all-star cast.  With the likes of Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett, the casting cannot do much better.  

This brings up an interesting topic of casting in TV shows.  Is it likely that more shows will bring in other well-known actors to have pivotal role in multiple episodes instead of a guest appearance in one?  This occurrence may just be because the story called for it, but it seems like an interesting idea.  The reverse could also be considered too.  A show could work a storyline around when an actor is available to film.  There has not seemed to be much of this throughout the years, at least that I have seen.

Adding Reddick was s smart move for "American Horror Story: Coven," as it will most likely draw in even more viewers.


Article:
http://www.boomtron.com/2013/12/american-horror-story-coven-fringe-cast-lance-reddick/

'American Horror Story' Renewed for Fourth Season

‘American Horror Story’ will return to FX for a fourth season (13 episodes) in 2014.  The show, created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, will once more be reinvented for the new season.  With season four set to air in 2014, which cast members will be involved remains a mystery.  It has not been announced whether co-stars like Jessica Lange will come along for a completely new series. 

Each year and with each new season, ‘AHS’ creators invent an entirely new and original storyline.  Many claim that with each new installment, the show gets better.  So, they say, there should be little doubt about the success of season 4.  If the numbers have proven anything, ‘AHS’ season four may indeed top the charts for FX.    

'AHS' Season 3 Premiere Sets New Ratings Record

The premiere of ‘American Horror Story: Coven’ proved a huge success for FX.  ‘Coven’ has been crowned the most-watch, highest-rated telecast for the ‘AHS’ franchise.  The show pulled an all-time record, with a total of 5.54 million viewers during its debut. Compared to season two’s highest viewership rating, ‘American Horror Story: Coven’ jumped 44 percent.  The premiere averaged a series record of 3.87 million adults 18-49 (3.0 rating), an improvement of 39% compared to last season’s numbers. The show’s 3.5 rating in adults 18-34 (2.34 million) outranked all broadcast networks during primetime except for ABC's 'Modern Family.'  According to data by Nielsen, 'AHS' brings in an average of 4.3 million viewers for each aired episode.

Below: Ratings chart for seasons 1-3 of 'American Horror Story'

The previous season (‘Asylum’) saw an average premiere audience of 3.9 million viewers with a 1.6 rating. 

The first season of ‘American Horror Story’ brought in 3.2 million viewers and had a rating of 2.2.