American Horror Story

:

Season 4
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 5, 2011
Season #: 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 508 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 334 out of 508
  2. Mixed: 94 out of 508
  3. Negative: 80 out of 508
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User Reviews

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  1. Freakswine
    Oct 9, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Com certeza o melhor pilot de todas as temporadas, adorei ver a Sarah interpretando 2 personalidades diferentes, estava ótima. A cena final com a Elsa retirando suas próteses foi a que mais me chocou.… Expand
  2. miss-April-Voss
    Oct 15, 2014
    10
    I highly recommend this insane, shocking, and terrifying show! This show is highly unique and the story lines and actors are full of originality. If you love to be scared and freaked out than you will love this show!
    Nothing like it! It truly is a freak show! All of the 4 seasons have blown me away!
  3. DirigiblePulp
    Jan 26, 2015
    7
    An up and down season, even by AHS standards. The promise of the premise, the setting, the actors, the situations and the events seems to be an exciting and interesting one rife with possibilities, but nothing is ever really made of them. Jessica Lange plays a variation of her Coven character, coveting fame and fortune and youth and "using" Freaks to get there. It's nothing new.

    The    An up and down season, even by AHS standards. The promise of the premise, the setting, the actors, the situations and the events seems to be an exciting and interesting one rife with possibilities, but nothing is ever really made of them. Jessica Lange plays a variation of her Coven character, coveting fame and fortune and youth and "using" Freaks to get there. It's nothing new.

    The biggest problem with the season was a lack of narrative momentum. The show just lolled from scene to overly dramatic scene, a whole lot of sound and fury without much or any dramatic weight or wicked Asylym-esque fun. It's the kind of show where you keep having to pinch yourself to remind you that what you are seeing is "fascinating", but you never feel it and you never care and it never really is (Edward Mordrake aside, I did especially like those episodes and of course the whole Pepper backstory episode).    … Expand
  4. Skitte
    Dec 29, 2014
    7
    I am a big fan of AHS. This season was a great one, like fantastic acting and impressive visual. I like how yhe relationships between characters evolve quickly and different but the single disturbing thing is the miserable and boring and cheesy story. Unlike the other seasons, this was a disappointment as story, even though the acting made it easier to swallow.
  5. Adson
    Oct 18, 2014
    10
    Oh my goodness, I've been waiting so long for this season and I'm not disappointed. The characters are perfects, the story is very good, not predictable at all, the performance of the cast is awesome and I don't know what to expect next, but I think will be an amazing season.
  6. Meth-dude
    Nov 21, 2014
    7
    Freak show is probably the most interesting one.The show is all about the freaks and it's good.The acting is great and the visuals/special effects are really well made.
  7. BadCat
    Nov 15, 2014
    10
    I think it's gonna be my favorite season of AHS. I'm just in LOVE with it !
    And Jessica Lange, still the Queen of this show, she's an amazing and talented actress!
  8. CharlieGray
    Sep 11, 2015
    10
    Unfortunately, this is the last season where Jessica Lange is in. She was by far the best actrees in the series.
    But besides that, AHS: Freak Show it's an scary and amazing show.
  9. JonesTexx
    Oct 26, 2014
    10
    I just love every season. There is no other show like this. It's like a movie in 13 parts in each season. I do really like this season so far, I think that there are going to be many surprises for us as viewers, like it always was. I mean it's Ryan Murphy and his brilliant ideas.
  10. francisrgo
    Oct 9, 2014
    8
    The first episode sets the tone of Season 4,darker and "freakier." The characters are more pronounced and seem to be well connected unlike previous seasons. The dynamics and chemistry between the actors are stronger and balanced.
  11. Sato505
    Oct 29, 2014
    10
    This season is just so amazing and to all the haters you can't be serious, I mean after watching 3 episodes. Really ?? This show has everything in : Horror, Humor, great camera work and talented actors !!
    I don`t know any other GOOD horror show except American Horror Story!!
  12. shunthathouse
    Oct 9, 2014
    10
    By far the best premiere of the anthology series. Coven forsake the horror for silliness and a lighter atmosphere which had its perks, but forgot about the true core of the series. The premiere featured terrific actors in juicy roles, the Visuals were simply astonishing, and the storytelling already seems much more coherent compared to coven. Congratulations Murphy and Falchuk, you did it!
  13. eddyallnight
    Oct 29, 2014
    10
    I'm in love with this season so far. The freaking Clown , Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, it's just the whole show. They deserve an Emmy!!! I was always like the walking dead or American Horror Story and now I realize, definitely American Horror Story. It's never getting boring!!
  14. atherezo
    Oct 10, 2014
    10
    I find clowns scary as hell. Can't wait for more! What about the David Bowie musical number? This is classic horror, mind blowing. I don't see how anyone can find it cliche and a waste of time.
  15. wafihabib
    Oct 9, 2014
    10
    I just now this season is gonna be awesome! The first episode is already intriguing and it was the best premiere episode of any season. Also because Twisty is the scariest AHS antagonist yet!
  16. witchyseattle
    Nov 3, 2014
    9
    I Think Season 4 is going to be great. It is after all only the 4th episode and the characters and story lines are just starting to unfold. I found the clown creepy and sad. I am looking forward for to the continuing development of the plot and how the characters evolved. So far I find the it interesting. It reminds me of the X-File episode "Humbug" which is also set in Florida amongI Think Season 4 is going to be great. It is after all only the 4th episode and the characters and story lines are just starting to unfold. I found the clown creepy and sad. I am looking forward for to the continuing development of the plot and how the characters evolved. So far I find the it interesting. It reminds me of the X-File episode "Humbug" which is also set in Florida among the Freak-show regulars. Keep up the good work.… Expand
  17. thetvreviewman
    Nov 4, 2014
    10
    This fourth season of American Horror Story is titled "Freak Show." This season deals with, you guessed it, FREAKS! Set in the 1950s in Florida in one of the last standing Freakshows this season involves human oddities, dark backstories, con artists with terrible motives, and one **** scary ass clown and his creepy assistant Dandy!
    This season is very strong so far because it gives us the    This fourth season of American Horror Story is titled "Freak Show." This season deals with, you guessed it, FREAKS! Set in the 1950s in Florida in one of the last standing Freakshows this season involves human oddities, dark backstories, con artists with terrible motives, and one **** scary ass clown and his creepy assistant Dandy!
    This season is very strong so far because it gives us the human emotions of the freaks being left out and feeling like they don't belong, while still giving us spine tingling chills and nightmares.    … Expand
  18. AmauriR
    Oct 26, 2014
    10
    otima serie otimos atores queria a taissa mas reconheço q a serie continua boa vamos ver se supera asylum mas ate agr esta otima a série e ja bateu recordes de audiencias
  19. majid92
    Oct 23, 2014
    10
    Episode 3 of season 4 review:

    Obviously, nothing can beat this anthology series. it's just too beautiful and amazing. No tv-show could ever bring a good horror to your tv like Amercan Horror Story. Last episode was simply over the top amazing. I don't know what made this episode so perfect. Is it Jessica Lange singing a Lana Del Rey song? or is it the truly eccentric and astonishing new    Episode 3 of season 4 review:

    Obviously, nothing can beat this anthology series. it's just too beautiful and amazing. No tv-show could ever bring a good horror to your tv like Amercan Horror Story. Last episode was simply over the top amazing. I don't know what made this episode so perfect. Is it Jessica Lange singing a Lana Del Rey song? or is it the truly eccentric and astonishing new character; Edward Merdork? And the list goes on! I think every moment of episode three was beautifully done! Can't wait for more.

    Majid Al-Ansari    … Expand
  20. willlol
    Oct 8, 2014
    10
    Por mais que seja difícil de assistir, por se tratar de temas delicados e mostrar a sociedade daquela época como realmente era com relação ás pessoas com anormalidades, essa temporada promete ser bastante agonizante.
  21. Tywalker
    Oct 12, 2014
    10
    Whether you love gory hack-n-slash, crime mystery and suspense or physiologically disturbing variety of horror films, this freak-show is sure to have enough acts to please a broad range of audiences.

    This season's theme is fear of one's own body -- fear of oneself. Fear of not being desirable or embraced by society when we become worn or lack normality. Jessica Lange's performance is    Whether you love gory hack-n-slash, crime mystery and suspense or physiologically disturbing variety of horror films, this freak-show is sure to have enough acts to please a broad range of audiences.

    This season's theme is fear of one's own body -- fear of oneself. Fear of not being desirable or embraced by society when we become worn or lack normality. Jessica Lange's performance is eerily reminiscent of Bette Davis in Baby Jane. The premiere leaves you wanting more, despite a lingering feeling of misery.

    The premiere does the craft of introducing the numerous characters, themes, and plots into a single episode coherently. The pacing is sharp, accelerating the introduction of plot and characters, and slowing down to allow the audience to experience the most profound and psychologically disturbing moments.

    As per usual, there is no clear protagonist or antagonist. Though, this season is primed unlike any other season to blur the ethical and moral judgments of each character to demonstrate the human ambiguity. Even "freaks" are capable of being victimized and victimizing others, as well as showing compassion and acceptance. In that sense, I was glad to see the "freaks" not being placed on a pedestal nor demonized.

    Usually series stunt their growth, recycling the same characters and plot, desperately seeking to reinvent them each time. America Horror Story has the unique ability to recreate the themes, plot, and characters in order to create a new and distinct show. This season of American Horror Story, transcends its predecessors in every way -- that includes, Asylum, which I consider to be one of the very best seasons of television.    … Expand
  22. datass
    Oct 8, 2014
    10
    With how bad season three ended I was surprised how good the premier of the new season of American Horror Story was. Really pumped for the rest of the season.
  23. nicholasbert
    Oct 9, 2014
    8
    After the let down (at least for me) of season 3, which I thought was weak and not scary at all, especially compared to seasons 1 and 2, season 4 prospects to be much more entertaining and is off to a good start.

    We've got the usual Jessica Lange in a difficult role, apparently, but she's a tried actress and I'm sure she'll manage. As for the other regulars, they don't appear to be that    After the let down (at least for me) of season 3, which I thought was weak and not scary at all, especially compared to seasons 1 and 2, season 4 prospects to be much more entertaining and is off to a good start.

    We've got the usual Jessica Lange in a difficult role, apparently, but she's a tried actress and I'm sure she'll manage. As for the other regulars, they don't appear to be that changed... we'll have to see.

    As usual, great photography and great directing, some original camera work, and eerie promises for episodes next! Hopefully it won't be a downer like Coven was.    … Expand
  24. israeldorneles
    Oct 22, 2014
    10
    Amazing, just amazing. Coven was a huge letdown for me, so I wasn't expecting that. Glad it's back on track. Asylum is not just the best AHS season yet but it's one of the best season I've seen in any TV show and I'm feeling Freak Show will surpass it.

    EDITED: Where all this hate came from? It's pointless.
  25. MickMiko
    Oct 10, 2014
    10
    Definitivamente esta temporada viene muy buena , el payaso , cada personaje viene muy bien y de verdad que no puedo esperar mas , s extrañara a lily rabe y taissa pero vaya que la temporada sera de lo mejor !
  26. walker52
    Dec 20, 2014
    10
    Amazing Season!! And I just saw episode 10, I loved it so much. I couldn't stop crying.
    That's why Pepper just got a new fan /// me!!
    AHS will always be the real and only Horror-Show!!
    I love the twins as well, and hell, of course my Dandy, for me his one of the most interesting characters on that show!
  27. BogKid
    Oct 11, 2014
    8
    I have watched a few episodes of American Horror Show in its earlier incarnations and I have been repelled by both its content and its throw-everything-at-the-wall style. I decided to give this "freaks" series a shot and I watched the first episode electing to be quickly grossed out by the exploitation of the unfortunate and by crummy production values.

    Have I been wrong all along or    I have watched a few episodes of American Horror Show in its earlier incarnations and I have been repelled by both its content and its throw-everything-at-the-wall style. I decided to give this "freaks" series a shot and I watched the first episode electing to be quickly grossed out by the exploitation of the unfortunate and by crummy production values.

    Have I been wrong all along or is a new person with cinematic talent and some sensitivity in charge this year? The freaks, mostly make-up and/or computer modification are portrayed as largely decent, caring people. The outside world is insensitive, crass, and dangerous. I especially enjoyed Ms. Lang's performance of the David Bowie song. Weird and oddly affecting at the same time. I told my DVR to keep on recording.    … Expand
  28. gmonster320
    May 30, 2015
    9
    "American Horror Story" continues to be one of the most creative shows on television for several reasons:

    1. Ryan Murphy may have single handedly revived horror as a genre on television (for which I am immensely grateful). 2. It is also the first to use the same actors playing different character in different stories each season. 3. It showcases "actresses of a certain page" that    "American Horror Story" continues to be one of the most creative shows on television for several reasons:

    1. Ryan Murphy may have single handedly revived horror as a genre on television (for which I am immensely grateful).
    2. It is also the first to use the same actors playing different character in different stories each season.
    3. It showcases "actresses of a certain page" that have been largely overlooked by television (unless they're playing someone's grandmother).
    4. It has introduced us to a number of delightful characters that are still making their rounds on the internet. Some of my favorites are: Pepper, Dandy, Madame LaLaurie, Spalding and Lana (Banana) Winters.
    5. It is a pleasure to watch these great actors chew up the scenery and each other. I'd be happy watching Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett and Denis O'Hare read the phone book. I am so in awe of their talent.
    6. We are also introduced to some excellent actors that we might not have known. I was not familiar with Sarah Paulson previously and now I simply L-O-V-E her. Evan Peters is also a standout. Naomi Grossman as Pepper is sheer perfection. She is the only character to appear in two different seasons. Danny Huston was also perfect as the "Axeman".
    7. Sure the show is horror but its also super campy. There's always a wink and a nod to what's going on.
    8. It injects real historical characters into the show (while of course taking artistic liberties). Madame LaLarie really existed (and she treated her servants horribly) as did Marie Laveau. "Axe Man" was a real serial killer in New Orleans (who was never arrested).
    9. AHS says a lot about gender, race, sexuality and societal norms (without beating us over the head with it).

    For those not familiar with the seasons, here's a basic overview:

    Season 1 (which later became known as "Murder House") follows a couple and their daughter when they move into a house with a very checked past. I wont go into detail but let's just say its really crowded in there.
    Season 2 is known as "Asylum". This remains my favorite season. It follows the lives of several patients/staff at a mental hospital in the 1960s. There are far too many story lines to list. Just be glad you were never in Briarcliffe.
    Season 3 is known as "Coven". It takes on witchcraft (with a group of witches in New Orleans).
    Season 4 is known as "Freak Show". It follows a traveling freak show which lands in 1950's Florida. This remains my second favorite season.

    My only criticisms of "AHS" is the structure of the story lines and the finales. SO MANY separate stories are added each year that there's no way to cover all of them. This leaves some to just quietly disappear with no explanation. The finale's are also a bit of a let down. Usually the third episode from the last is what should have been the finale. I've gotten used to it but the story would be much more impactful if they finished up strong.

    All in all though, I have enjoyed "AHS" immensely and cant wait till the next season to what fascinating new characters we'll meet. If you like horror and camp and havent seen "AHS" I highly recommend it. And if you dont watch it, we'll send the "Axeman" after you.    … Expand
  29. Kaprawiec
    May 29, 2015
    9
    The story of a clown is just avesome. Its a shame it ends the way it ends and the time it ends (dont want to spoil anything). Because if this season was only about the clown - then hell i would give it 10/10. Damn this is the first scary clown I have seen in my life and thanks to AHS:S4 i can see why people are scared of these bastards :D.
    But enough of clown who should have separate    The story of a clown is just avesome. Its a shame it ends the way it ends and the time it ends (dont want to spoil anything). Because if this season was only about the clown - then hell i would give it 10/10. Damn this is the first scary clown I have seen in my life and thanks to AHS:S4 i can see why people are scared of these bastards :D.
    But enough of clown who should have separate movie maybe? lets go through rest of the show. Its also ok. Nearly as good as season 2. This time around Im getting a bit tired of Lange, because she play almost same role all over again (though I like her german accent). Rest of the cast is again really good, especially lobster boy and his hot girlfriend and the rich clown psycho. Plot is also really good so I can honestly recommend this.    … Expand
  30. MattBrady99
    Mar 10, 2015
    8
    Dandy: "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you".

    Cleaning made: "I hate you too boy". American Horror Story for my point of view isn't just a show with loud jumps scars or cliché characters, no it's a TV show that only shows graphic stories that always end up having a good ending or a bad ending to those in the show, and it sometimes always end up bad for them. A quick    Dandy: "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you".

    Cleaning made: "I hate you too boy".

    American Horror Story for my point of view isn't just a show with loud jumps scars or cliché characters, no it's a TV show that only shows graphic stories that always end up having a good ending or a bad ending to those in the show, and it sometimes always end up bad for them.

    A quick review to all the 1-3 season until I talk about Freak Show, just to get my thoughts on the previous seasons: AHS season one in my opinion started off okay, I'm not saying it's bad, just okay. But season two is when it picked up for me. Season Three was good, but not has good has season 2, but still overall good. Now for Freak Show and I got to say it's far far better then season one and season 3.

    What I liked so much about Freak Show was how the show dives in into that gritty, dirty and uneasy feel to it that the 1932 film Freaks (Which is what the show is borrowing) never had. Just add in a Patrick Bateman look a like and add in a terrifying looking clown and you totally get a true horror story.

    Jessica Lange is probably the best actress working today and she fit's right in this show, basically shes like a queen of this TV show, because she can pretty much play any role and nail it and here she dose once again. The character that she plays Elsa Mars is kind of a mix bag for me. One minute I feel sorry for her and the next minute I hate her for her actions in the show. Has I said before mix bag character, but Jessica Lange played the character well, I got all the torment, the hard work of trying to get her fame and yeah she can by selfish at times trying to get that fame but it shows how she really wants to be loved by people around the world and it only took about loads of deaths to do that.

    The rest of the cast all did good and Finn Wittrock who played Dandy is a true rising star, because he played such a good copy and paste Patrick Bateman in this and he did great.

    For problems I have I only had some like: Neil Patrick Harries character started off great and I like the fact that his deeply crazy with his Chucky like doll and I wanted to see what will happen to his character but the way the show left his character felt like a cop out and a huge disappointment.

    The final episode of Freak Show didn't really end very well just like Coven. It's not the worst finale like Dexter or True Blood but it did left me a bit disappointed that the fact the show had to end like that.

    Overall Freak Show is a solid season for me. It may have it's ups and downs between episodes and that, but beside that AHS fans have a lot to like with this and coming from guy who isn't a huge fan of the show, I enjoyed it.    … Expand
  31. diegonelli
    Jun 2, 2017
    9
    DEFINITELY THE BEST AHS SEASON. Most people I know dislike it for some reason but it is sooo good and unique. The end got me crying for real. I really like how they casted people with physical illnesses/disabilities rather than photoshopping normal people, like most films/shows do.
  32. vitorthehuman
    Dec 21, 2015
    10
    Is the most dramatic season of all the others. Failed in trying to develop the right way, but Jessica Lange's performance delighted me, made me smile and cry. It is also my third favorite season.
  33. perkjl
    Jan 5, 2016
    10
    Freakshow deserves more credit than it deserves. Especially compared to the recent season, Hotel. I thought it went out with a bang given that it was Jessica Lange's last season. I loved the circus theme, the characters, and all the twisted/emotional dynamics that connected with everyone. Underrated.
  34. ninosan
    Aug 6, 2016
    7
    The eerie atmosphere of the Freak Show mixed with the twisted world it resides in, makes for an amazing ride.
    This was by far the season with the most interesting characters, each with their own past and reasons for acting the way they do. Their overall typical evilness and insanity is mostly justified.
    Watch it if you want a very "freaky" ride. (not sorry for the pun)
  35. reviewfrom19842
    Jun 22, 2017
    7
    American Horror Story: Freak Show is not the best season of the show but it's over all pretty good .
  36. WorldofLucky
    Feb 3, 2018
    8
    Now we are getting back into the wheelhouse of horror. Some scary things, some bizarre things, and some good acting by everyone means this is a definitely better season.

    This story about a freak show run by Elsa Mars, a German woman who leads the group in Jupiter Florida in the 1950s. The story is about the Freakshow itself, the new people they meet and the subsequent background    Now we are getting back into the wheelhouse of horror. Some scary things, some bizarre things, and some good acting by everyone means this is a definitely better season.

    This story about a freak show run by Elsa Mars, a German woman who leads the group in Jupiter Florida in the 1950s.

    The story is about the Freakshow itself, the new people they meet and the subsequent background stories, a murdering clown, a possible second clown, a summoned creature and references to two other seasons of American Horror Story.

    The acting is very good, there are several main characters of people who are unique, and there is Michael Chiklis (from the Shield and the Commish). There is some scary parts, and a lot of trying to figure out where a person fits in.

    My only part I didn’t like was Sarah Paulson’s role. She was an excellent actress, but trying to play both twins of a Siamese twin, just didn’t work for me. However, it wasn’t Ms. Paulson’s fault, she did well, I just couldn’t buy her character for some reason.

    Pros: Even better then the first three seasons, the story is fairly unique, the characters are very entertaining and Jessica Lange can sing really well.

    Cons: The Siamese Sister bit didn’t work for me.

    I am looking forward to Season 5, where we get to meet Lady Gaga in a role.    … Expand
  37. MarceloPaz
    Oct 6, 2018
    7
    visually well-crafted, musically attractive, plus the stories again do not develop as well as they should be.
  38. Daniel_N
    Jan 17, 2023
    9
    American Horror Story: Freak Show blends in most of the classic horror tropes and pulls its strings very carefully. The episodes "Pink Cupcakes" and "Bullseye" may be some of the worst episodes of the series, but despite these fillers, Freak Show is more than what it seems.
  39. Littlest_Red
    Jun 28, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dare I say that the best character was killed off in episode four (mind you his reincarnation is still good). This season makes a return to grotesque less present in last season. Elsa Mars (Jessica Lange) is a deceptive ring leader with a wild backstory and a strong willpower. The feuds between the main characters are also on full display in this powder keg of a freak show, with other machinations from Stanley (Denis O'hare) and also the police coming into play. Dandy Mott (Finn Wittrock) is the best character for me this season, and is done so Campily. Whilst his mum Gloria (Frances Conroy) is constantly appeasing him - "but Daaandy?¡!"… Expand
  40. eduardoporto
    Aug 16, 2023
    9
    Uma das minhas temporada favoritas, junto com a 3 e a 9. O que mais me atraí é o fato de ser circense.

Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best TV Season of 2014
24
#24 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
36
#36 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. The Daily Beast
    Reviewed by: Kevin Fallon
    Oct 9, 2014
    70
    It’s hardly [his crowning achievement], lacking the aggressive whimsy and emboldened storytelling that’s made him the pied piper to a nation of TV-watching weirdos, mocked and ignored. But there’s a seriousness with which he’s given this first Freak Show outing that actually piques more of a curiosity than trotting out the expected onslaught of spooks, one-liners, and cheekiness could’ve possibly be done at this point in the American Horror Story run.
    Read full review
  2. Under The Radar
    Reviewed by: Zach Hollwedel
    Oct 9, 2014
    75
    Freak Show starts off strong, offering more than just a taste of the spooky, bloody, quirky season to come.
    Read full review
  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Oct 8, 2014
    50
    The over-long season premiere--it's 63 minutes without commercials, so expect it to run close to 90 minutes on air; set yoru DVR accordingly--feels disjointed and the characters seem underdeveloped.
    Read full review
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