‘American Horror Story’ Producer Confirms Carnival Theme for Season 4

News broke today that FX’s original horror miniseries, American Horror Story, has been confirmed to venture into the world of circus folk. This confirmation comes from AHS co-executive producer and writer Douglas Petrie during an interview Nerdist Writers Panel podcast. Although nothing has been officially confirmed, showrunner Ryan Murphy has spoken previously on this theme.

Since its inception, American Horror Story has told the story of a haunted house, an insane asylum, and most recently a coven of sociopath witches. And with a show that continually introduces new characters and narratives each season, showrunners Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk find it best to head to the big top. With panelists Moira Kirland (Arrow; Castle) and Terry Matalas and Travis Fickett (Syfy’s 12 Monkeys) on the Nerdist podcast, when interviewed, Petrie confirmed rumors of a circus setting stating:

“Very roughly, that’s the idea.”

Quite vague, but a solid enough source to prepare people to get over their fear of clowns if they want to enjoy the next season of American Horror Story. Murphy has also recently confirmed that season four will take place during the 1950s. Jessica Lange has also made mentions of this season being her last. With how bizarre her roles have become, I wouldn’t put it past the writers to entertain the idea of her being the bearded lady. Casting has yet to be announced, but the show regulars – Zachary Quinto, Taissa Farmiga, Sarah Paulson, Frances Conroy, Evan Peters, and Lily Rabe – are more than likely to return.

While some people have proclaimed this season to be “Carnival,” there is currently no working title confirmed. The idea of hosting this season at a carnival is not the worst idea ever – the thought of carnies and Water for Elephants is frightening – but I continually fall back on another series which made its fourth season take place at a carnival as well; and that show’s name is Heroes – which caused the show to be cancelled without a proper finale (luckily they get a second chance). That fourth season of Heroes is incredibly bad.