American Horror Story

Angela Bassett and Patti LuPone are joining the third season of American Horror Story which has been sub-titled "Coven."  Co-creator Ryan Murphy made the announcement via Twitter this weekend.  This is shaping up to be quite the cast!

Recently revealed to bear the subtitle "Coven," the third season of FX's "America Horror Story" has today announced, via co-creator Ryan Murphy's Twitter feed, that Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe will be joining the cast.

Plot specifics for the new episodes are still a mystery, but stars Frances Conroy, Taissa Farmiga, Jessica Lange, Lily Rabe, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters and Lily Rabe are set to return with Kathy Bates also joining the cast as a "rival" to Lange's character.

Work is underway on American Horror Story: Coven, the third season of the FX series from Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk.  Frances Conroy, Taissa Farmiga, Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Lily Rabe, Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters are set to star (in addition to plenty of newcomers, I'm sure) and, today, FX announced when we can expect to see the season kick off.

The third part of our Choice Cuts "discussion" with guests Todd Gilchrist (film critic), Evan Dickson (Bloody-Disgusting) and Brea Grant (Heroes, Dexter) is live and, this time, we're focusing on horror on the small screen.

From True Blood and The Following to American Horror Story and newcomers like Hannibal and Bates Motel - what are our guests tuning into?  What's getting them excited, furthermore, what is working and why?

Our panel, hosted by yours truly, digs into it all via the video player inside.  Enjoy!  And, for more episodes in this discussion series, head to our Choice Cuts hub.

The cast and crew of American Horror Story descended on Beverly Hills tonight for Paleyfest to discuss season two, American Horror Story: Asylum, and look ahead to season three.

There are a few things we know, like Frances Conroy, Taissa Farmiga, Jessica Lange, Lily Rabe, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters and Lily Rabe are set to return.  We also know that Kathy Bates is being added to the cast as a "rival" to Lange's character next season.

But what will season three be called?

This summer, Ryan Murphy and the American Horror Story team return for a third season.  

Since the Asylum story arc wrapped, there has been plenty of fan art created and fan speculation as to where season three will turn.

My money has always been on witchcraft and Dylan McDermott apparently confirmed that at a recent event in Los Angeles.  What we do know for sure is that many cast members are returning, including Frances Conroy.  ShockTillYouDrop.com spoke with the actress earlier today about season three.

Kathy Bates has joined the cast of the third season of FX's American Horror Story, TV Line reports. She joins the returning Frances Conroy, Taissa Farmiga, Jessica Lange, Lily Rabe, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters and Lily Rabe (all of whom will be playing new roles).

Bates, well known to genre fans for her performance in Misery, will play an old friend to Lange's character who is soon revealed to actually be a nemesis.

FX has a taste for blood.  With American Horror Story proving to be a hit, the network has now closed a drama series script development deal with Sons of Anarchy Creator/Showrunner Kurt Sutter and former Hell on Wheels Showrunner John Shiban (Supernatural, Rest Stop) for Lucas Stand.

Based on an idea by Sutter, Lucas Stand is a dark, action-horror drama, with both episodic and serialized elements. It follows the salvation quest of a damaged former special ops soldier, who has been chosen to traverse time and place to hunt down and kill Hell's law-breaking demons.

Peek through Briarcliff's doors once more and re-live the insanity of American Horror Story's last chapter with this recap of the FX series.  Expect Asylum to likely hit DVD and Blu-ray this fall in anticipation of season three which is currently in development.

TV Line reports Frances Conroy is back for another round of American Horror Story.  The actress has been confirmed for the third season.  That means she'll be joining returning cast members Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson and Taissa Farmiga.

American Horror Story co-creator Ryan Murphy took to Twitter overnight to announce the following:

"So thrilled to announce Lily Rabe is onboard for American Horror Story Season Three! So talented, love her!"

Rabe will join Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson and Taissa Farmiga (the latter was in talks to appear as of last week).

Now that American Horror Story: Asylum has come to an end, concept designer Jerad S. Marantz has shared several pieces of art for Bloody Face, the show's aliens, Pepper the Pinhead and Dr. Arden's experiments.  This is the first time you actually get a good look at the alien design.

Marant cooked up these concepts for makeup FX artist Christian Tinsley whose credits include Nip/Tuck, Abominable and I Am Legend.

Marantz writes via his blog, "Coming up with the look and feel of these characters is a collaborative effort and I love how the project pushes Design further every year. Asylum took a lot of work, much more than season one. There was so much to do and it was a lot of fun."

There be spoilers ahead, so if you have NOT seen the American Horror Story: Asylum finale, do not proceed...

Last week, ShockTillYouDrop.com sat in on a special screening of the American Horror Story: Asylum finale with co-creator Ryan Murphy in attendance.  After, he sat down for a Q&A.  

You can read most of the discussion about season 3 here, however, I've been sitting on one quote I thought was amusing that tied in to Asylum's finale.  And now that the season is over, now is a good time to run it.

When asked if Murphy had an itch to connect Asylum to American Horror Story season one, he shared an early idea the creative team had that did indeed bridge the two seasons.

Tonight marks the end of American Horror Story: Asylum as the final episode plays out and there is already buzz surrounding season 3.  Co-creator Ryan Murphy told us last week that he'd like to see some cast members from season one return for the third season.  Moreover, those who did not appear in Asylum.  Word dropped today as to who might be returning.

Tonight, ShockTillYouDrop.com sat in on a special presentation of American Horror Story: Asylum's finale which was followed by a Q&A with co-creator Ryan Murphy.

Murphy, always open to chat about new projects, revealed that he begins working with his writing staff on Monday on the third season of American Horror Story.  In addition to confirming that Jessica Lange, Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson will return in the next story arc, he told the press that actors from season one (who did not come back for season two) are going to have a place in season three.

But that's not all...

FX aired the second to last episode of American Horror Story: Asylum and, much like last season, Asylum is playing a game of leap frog through time to tie up the narrative threads.  

This morning, we have a look at "Madness Ends," the season finale.  In the episode, Johnny (aka Bloody Face 2.0) sets out to complete his father’s work and Lana leads the charge to finally shut down Briarcliff.  Alfonso Gomez-Rejon is directing and he has been killing it this season - seriously, Hollywood, get this guy more work.

"Madness Ends" airs January 23rd on FX.

Actress Lily Rabe spoke with the press recently about her turn in American Horror Story: Asylum, in which she played Sister Mary Eunice.  Previously, she has slipped into the shoes of Nora Montgomery in season one of the FX series.  Eunice proved to be a much larger role for Rabe, and a greater challenge.

Head inside for the discussion ShockTillYouDrop.com participated in.

Needless to say...  There are spoilers within.

With the second season of American Horror Story coming to an end (very soon), let the chatter begin as to where the third leg of this "anthology series" goes.  

We kicks things off with co-creator Ryan Murphy who appears to have in mind where season three will take us.

In a chat with EW, he teased a theme he'd like to explore again and hinted at where he would like to set the story.

American Horror Story's Dylan McDermott returned to the series' sophomore run, Asylum, kicking off a multi-arc run as a guest star.  This time, the actor has shed the skin of the first season's Ben Harmon and slipped into something much more deadly.

ShockTillYouDrop.com participated in a phone press conference with the actor this week to talk about his new role.  Let's be up front about this, if you haven't caught up on the show this season, you should probably bookmark this interview to read later.

Inside, McDermott talks about his latest turn, fills us in on just how much more we'll see him this season, what we can expect and he discusses his affinity for the thrillers of Roman Polanski.

Dylan McDermott is currently speaking with the press about his return to American Horror Story and during the discussion he revealed he is joining the cast of Mercy.

Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, Mercy is based on the the short story "Gramma," which was written by Stephen King for his 1985 short story anthology "Skeleton Crew."  

Peter Cornwell (The Haunting in Connecticut) directs for Blumhouse Productions (Sinister, Insidious, the Paranormal Activity series).  Frances O'Connor, Chandler Riggs and Joel Courtney are starring.

American Horror Story: Asylum - the sophomore season of Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuck and FX's hit series - is hitting some major turning points and, so, the network recently made star Jessica Lange available to chat about the show and her turn as Sister Judith.

Lange, of course, needs no introduction having starred in films like Tootsie, The Postman Always Rings Twice and Big Fish.  On the genre front, her big screen career began with the 1976 remake of King Kong, starring Jeff Bridges and Charles Grodin, and later carried into the Cape Fear remake with Robert De Niro.

Inside, we present the press Q&A with Lange that ShockTillYouDrop.com was thrilled to participate in.

Jessica Lange spoke to press about her future on American Horror Story this morning.  It's the first time the actress has addressed season 3 since FX officially announced the return of the series for a third round.

"Well, we haven't really talked about it too much," Lange said.  "All of that stuff is still under discussion.  I think I will try to get it depending on what the story is and who the character is.  So, we'll see what happens."

She was then asked if there's anything in season 3 she would be drawn to.

Tonight, an all-new American Horror Story: Asylum will be unleashed and FX has released a pair of new images from the holiday-themed episode, entitled "Unholy Night."  Ian McShane guest stars; read on for the synopsis!

December, 1962: A killer who dresses as Santa is on the loose. December, 1964: It's a not-so-jolly Christmastime at Briarcliff, and Sister Mary Eunice is organizing a Christmas party. Frank, stunned at what he has done, has an awakening of conscience, and vows to make things right. Sister Jude (Jessica Lange) , emboldened by her recent discovery, is also determined to turn the tables. She returns to Briarcliff for a confrontation with Sister Mary Eunice and the demon that dwells within her... and eventually finds an unlikely ally. But the murderous Santa is an inmate at Briarcliff... and Sister Mary Eunice thinks it's time for him to come out and play.

The episode airs at 10pm.

"Unholy Night" is the name American Horror Story: Asylum's eighth episode has taken and we have a sneak peek via the player inside.  In this episode, a murderous Santa wreaks havoc on Briarcliff, sister Jude faces off with the Devil and Arden has a shocking encounter in the Death Chute.

FX has ordered the next book of the award-winning miniseries American Horror Story, picking up 13 hours of a new miniseries from Twentieth Century Fox Television, it was announced today by John Landgraf, President and General Manager of FX Networks. Production of the untitled AHS will begin next summer and premiere in the fall of 2013.

American Horror Story: Asylum, the latest hit in the American Horror Story saga, wraps up its run on Wednesday, January 23 at 10 PM E/P. Last night's episode (11/14/12) of Asylum topped all broadcast networks in the 10 PM time period in delivery of Adults 18-34 (2.1), Women 18-34 (2.4) and Men 18-34 (1.7). 

"With American Horror Story: Asylum, Ryan and Brad have raised the bar in every way from Murder House, the first American Horror Story miniseries," said Landgraf. "And their original idea - the notion of doing an anthological series of miniseries with a repertory cast - has proven groundbreaking, wildly successful and will prove to be trendsetting. We can't wait to see what deviously brilliant ideas they come up with for their third miniseries."

A preview for next week's episode of American Horror Story: Asylum has been released.  In "I Am Anne Frank Part 2" FX says, Sister Jude employs a renowned Nazi Hunter to gather evidence against Arden. Kit makes a surprising confession and Bloody Face is unmasked.  Want to take some guesses as to who Bloody Face is?  Sound off in our comment boards.

Well, things certainly took a turn for Chloe Sevigny's Shelley in American Horror Story: Asylum this week, didn't they?

The lil' nympho of Briarcliff Manor faced some changes in the episode "Nor'easter" and the actress got on the phone with select members of the press to talk about the series, what's going on with her character and what's ahead.

The FX series airs every Wednesday night.  Head inside for the interview - there are spoilers, so don't say we didn't warn you!

With another episode of American Horror Story: Asylum behind us, it's time to look ahead.  FX has passed along a teaser for episode 3, entitled "Nor'easter."  In the next chapter, a violent storm hits Briarcliff, allowing a group of patients to plan a daring escape. Sister Jude is haunted by her past.  Look for the new episode next Wednesday night at 10pm on FX.

Learn the story behind the freakiest opening credit sequence on TV, American Horror Story: Asylum. This is the first of a few behind-the-scenes videos I'm sure we'll be bringing to you.  Check out an all-new episode tonight at 10pm on FX!

A new TV spot for American Horror Story: Asylum episode 2 has made its debut via FX.  The next episode airs Wednesday, October 24th at 10pm and introduces Zachary Quinto's character as well as the exorcism subplot that's being worked into the show.

The first episode of American Horror Story: Asylum premiered last night on FX and scored what the network is calling "insane" ratings totally in 3.85 million viewers.  An early press release breaking it all down was sent out this morning.

A departure from season one, the series is tackling an all new story set in the '60s and delving into the world of the criminally insane, nunsploitation, exorcisms, alien abduction, mad scientists and more.  Personally, I loved it.  It's unconventional and weird with interesting performances.  What did you think?  Use our comment boards to sound off. 

Head inside for FX's press release.

Tonight, FX airs the first episode of American Horror Story: Asylum, the second season of the hit horror series.  This sophomore run kicks off an all-new tale of terror that is unrelated to its first season.  You can find a new TV spot, called "Insanity," inside.

Synopsis: Welcome to Briarcliff Manor, a notorious insane asylum home to the deranged serial killer, Bloody Face.  Lurking in the shadows of this “sanctuary of healing” are terrifying evils that blur the boundaries between reality and insanity.

Jessica Lange, Joseph Fiennes, James Cromwell, Adam Levine, Zachary Quinto, Chloe Sevigny, Evan Peters, Britne Oldford, Sarah Paulson, Lily Rabe, and Lizzie Brochere star.

After a hit, critically acclaimed first season that ended its story with grim finality, where else can American Horror Story go?  How about back in time?  Creator Ryan Murphy’s ode to the horror genre returns this Wednesday night (October 17th) on FX with American Horror Story: Asylum, a new, entirely different story set in Briarcliff Manor, a mental institution in 1964.  And while this season features some of the first season’s actors  - like Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, and Zachary Quinto - albeit in entirely different roles, it introduces a host of names new to the show.

Having spoken with them at this weekend’s red carpet premiere in Hollywood, I think it’s safe to say that season two, while packed with just as many scares as season one, offers chills that are more psychological; and the period setting allows American Horror Story to explore sexual and religious taboos in ways that make them as frightening as any ghosts. Here’s what the cast had to say…    

FX has released the first five minutes of American Horror Story: Asylum via the show's Facebook page.  It's an age-gated clip, so you'll have to head to this spot to watch the preview!

Episode 1, which kicks off on October 17th goes like this: Welcome to Briarcliff Manor, a notorious insane asylum home to the deranged serial killer, Bloody Face.

Lurking in the shadows of this “sanctuary of healing” are terrifying evils that blur the boundaries between reality and insanity.

The latest trailer for American Horror Story: Asylum has hit the web, this one giving you a minute-long look at the second season of the FX series.  It also offers up the set-up which is set in modern-day and stars Adam Levine (the rest of the show is set in the '60s).  Check it out inside and look for new episodes to begin October 17th.

Horror on television is generally hit or miss. 

For every successful Twilight Zone, Tales from the Dark Side, The Outer Limits, Supernatural, Friday The 13th: The Series, True Blood or The Walking Dead there’s a dreadful Harper’s Island, American Gothic, Happy Town, Brimstone, Fear Itself and The River to go along with it.

American Horror Story falls into the former category. 

The series is smart, stylish, kinky, strange as hell, a wrinkle of retro and most importantly scary. Plus, having been shown late at night on FX, it pulls no punches with the sex, kink and harsh language. All of these traits make up what is one of the most unique shows going in all of television. 

A revealing TV spot for American Horror Story: Asylum hit the web, offering new footage from the second season of the FX series.

Episode 1, which kicks off on October 17th goes like this: Welcome to Briarcliff Manor, a notorious insane asylum home to the deranged serial killer, Bloody Face.

Lurking in the shadows of this “sanctuary of healing” are terrifying evils that blur the boundaries between reality and insanity.

Jessica Lange, Joseph Fiennes, James Cromwell, Adam Levine, Zachary Quinto, Chloe Sevigny, Evan Peters, Britne Oldford, Sarah Paulson, Lily Rabe, and Lizzie Brochere star.

Taking a break from its bite-sized teasers for American Horror Story: Asylum, FX has released a two-minute featurette that takes you behind-the-scenes and presents some new footage from the show.

Episode 1, which kicks off on October 17th goes like this: Welcome to Briarcliff Manor, a notorious insane asylum home to the deranged serial killer, Bloody Face.

Lurking in the shadows of this “sanctuary of healing” are terrifying evils that blur the boundaries between reality and insanity.

Jessica Lange, Joseph Fiennes, James Cromwell, Adam Levine, Zachary Quinto, Chloe Sevigny, Evan Peters, Britne Oldford, Sarah Paulson, Lily Rabe, and Lizzie Brochere star.

Vulture reports Eric Stonestreet is returning for American Horror Story: Asylum.  The actor was featured in a small guest spot in season one as the victim of a murderer; for season two, the tables are turned and he's going to play a killer.  The site does not offer any more details than that.

With its 22nd teaser for American Horror Story: Asylum, FX writes - via the show's Facebook page - Scream All You Want. Don’t Worry, No One Will Hear."  Look for new episodes to begin October 17th.

The 21st American Horror Story: Asylum teaser has hit the web - did you think FX was going to take a break from these today?

This week has been a busy one at Shock, so we missed two recently released teasers for American Horror Story: Asylum.  I know, you're openly weeping and we apologize.  Teasers #19 and 20 comin' at ya!  New episodes of the FX series begin October 17th.

The 18th TV spot for American Horror Story: Asylum has gone live.  This one's called "Exam."  New episodes kick off on October 17th.  All updates on the show, including the previously released video teasers can be found right here.

The 17th teaser for American Horror Story: Asylum has launched via the show's Facebook page.  Give this one a spin and look for new episodes to begin on October 17th on FX.

Right on schedule, FX has released another American Horror Story: Asylum video teaser.  This makes it the 16th preview touting the October 17th premiere of the supernatural series.  Head inside for a look!

What...?  You didn't think we'd go a day without an American Horror Story: Asylum teaser, did you?  Here's number 15.  15!

American Horror Story: Asylum co-creator Ryan Murphy took to Twitter to announce another familiar face from season one is going to return for season two.

"Thrilled to announce Emmy nominee Frances Conroy is returning to AHS. Devils and angels this year...Frannie plays the ultimate angel," Murphy said.

Conroy played Moira in the first season.

FX released the 14th TV spot for American Horror Story: Asylum.  The second season of the series is set against the backdrop of Briarcliff Manor in western Massachusetts during the '60s and concerns the patients and staff working there.  New episodes kick off October 17th.

Shock reader "Zachary" sent along a new teaser poster for American Horror Story: Asylum which he found via Tumblr.  We're not sure where this one originated, but we'll update this news items as soon as we find a larger version.  The new poster features the cast of the new season.  Head inside for a small-ish look.  Asylum kicks off October 17th...

*Updated*  Head inside for a large pic.

A lot of American Horror Story: Asylum updates in the news today.  We cap it off with the 12th video teaser.  Scary sewing machine time, everyone...