Series creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk managed to rake in a record-breaking amount of viewers for their latest installment of the wildly popular anthology series. “American Horror Story: Freak Show” debuted with a record-breaking 6.127 million total viewers and a 3.11 rating among adults 18-49 on October 8, 2014. “Freak Show” outperformed last season’s “Coven” by 10% from the 5.54 million total viewers who watched the launch of the wicked witches. “American Horror Story” is gaining popularity with each season, while the production value of the show has been receiving critical acclaim as well. “Murder House” (season 1) raked in a 1.59 rating in the coveted adult demo and 3.184 million total viewers in 2011, while “Asylum” (season 2) surpassed it with a 2.20 rating in the demo and 3.848 million total viewers. Comparing debut episodes with “Murder House”, “Freak Show” marks a 148% total growth in total viewers (4.03 million), 119% in the demo (2.98 million) and 127% in adults 18-34 (1.79 million).
‘American Horror Story: Freak Show’ Debut Breaks Records, Season 5 Announced
Deadline says “American Horror Story: Freak Show” is officially the most-watched single program in FX’s 20-year history:
“With Live+3 viewing factored in, the season premiere debut (10 million viewers, 6.54 million demo viewers, 4.08 million adults 18-34) and encore runs clocked 13.36 million viewers – 8.6 million demo viewers and 5.25 million in the younger age bracket. That makes it the most-watched single program in FX’s 20-year history — and that includes all programs with Live+7 deliveries. The network’s previous record holder had been the recent seventh and final season premiere telecast of Sons Of Anarchy on September 9 (9.25 million total viewers and 6.1 million demo viewers). American Horror Story: Coven held all previous records in delivery of adults 18-34.”
John Landgraf, CEO of FX Networks and FX Productions, said
“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,”
He praised Murphy for his contribution calling him “one of the most successful and prolific producers of this generation”:
“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.”
“American Horror Story: Freak Show” Poster (via FX)
It comes as no surprise that FX has already given the go-ahead for “American Horror Story” season 5. Viewers will have the privilege of enjoying another 13-episode run next year October.
Landgraf said in a statement:
“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.“
Murphy says he structured the fifth season with the hope that Jessica Lange will decide to stay on for one more season even though she already revealed that “Freak Show” will be her last.
He said:
“I’m never accepting [that she will leave],” “Before I was met with a really quick no and now I’m hearing, ‘Let’s keep talking.’ So that’s a promising sign. I think if I presented her with the right character, it could work. That’s my hope. I’m sending bribes every day!”
“American Horror Story: Freak Show” is set in 1952 Jupiter, Florida, telling the story of one of the last remaining freak shows in America, and their struggle for survival. The show’s members do anything to keep the business alive, while conflict between the freaks and the “evil forces” who do not understand them make things even more challenging. Returning cast members from previous installments of the series include: Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Denis O’Hare, Frances Conroy, Sarah Paulson, Naomi Grossman, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Angela Bassett, Gabourey Sidibe and Grace Gummer.
Check out our “American Horror Story: Freak Show” Archive
Don’t miss:
- ‘American Horror Story: Freak Show’ Promo Features the Freaky Cast
- ‘American Horror Story: Freak Show’ Second Teaser Shares a “Lick”
- ‘American Horror Story: Freak Show’ First Teaser and Official Description Unveiled
- World’s Smallest Woman Joins ‘American Horror Story: Freak Show’ Cast
- First Look: ‘American Horror Story: Freak Show’ Releases First Character Pic
“American Horror Story: Freak Show” Poster (via FX)
