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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  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. Felindie
    Jul 15, 2019
    6
    'Freak Show' didn't bring the best of 'American Horror Story', the whole idea never was convincing.
  5. Dsros96
    Oct 29, 2018
    4
    This was hard to watch. Uninteresting plot and random plot twists that don't make sense. Lack of supernatural elements. Overused musical shows. Jessica Lange plays the same role for the 4th time.
  6. jackaz15
    Oct 11, 2018
    5
    American Horror Story Freak Show’s bizarre elements and unique cast were squandered by monotonous characters and lethargic writing, which relied on themes rather than genuinely chilling narratives. (5/10)
  7. MarceloPaz
    Oct 6, 2018
    7
    visually well-crafted, musically attractive, plus the stories again do not develop as well as they should be.
  8. 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
  9. potatoman222
    Jul 17, 2017
    6
    Com personagens pouco desenvolvidos e narrativa problemática, American Horror Story nos entrega aqui seu pior ano ate agora. Como de se esperar, as atuações estão fantasticas como sempre.
  10. 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 .
  11. 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.
  12. 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)
  13. imthenoob
    Feb 23, 2016
    4
    They took a pretty interesting premise and ruined it. Once again, No real plot or character development. They killed off the main villain 4 episodes in instead of keeping him for the entire season, Twisty was the only reason it was worth watching and killing him off so soon sort of ruined that. There were bits and pieces in the later episodes that were good but as a whole, This seasonThey took a pretty interesting premise and ruined it. Once again, No real plot or character development. They killed off the main villain 4 episodes in instead of keeping him for the entire season, Twisty was the only reason it was worth watching and killing him off so soon sort of ruined that. There were bits and pieces in the later episodes that were good but as a whole, This season wasn't that good.… Expand
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. LilScience
    Oct 24, 2015
    5
    O Freak Show realmente não foi uma das melhores temporadas do AHS,eu esperava muito mais dela pois foi a despedida de Jessica Lange,que é uma ótima atriz de longe.
    Não podemos focar em nenhum momento da série que digamos é o melhor,pra mim o melhor foi quando foram levar a Ethel Darling (Kathy Bates) para o além (pra morte bem eu não entendi muito),mas o fato foi que a série estava muito    O Freak Show realmente não foi uma das melhores temporadas do AHS,eu esperava muito mais dela pois foi a despedida de Jessica Lange,que é uma ótima atriz de longe.
    Não podemos focar em nenhum momento da série que digamos é o melhor,pra mim o melhor foi quando foram levar a Ethel Darling (Kathy Bates) para o além (pra morte bem eu não entendi muito),mas o fato foi que a série estava muito sem um meio,digo oque é importante na série? O espetáculo? O garoto mimado? Mas de fato o momento mais legal foi quando o garoto mimado morreu,quer dizer os integrantes do Freak Show matou que foi ótimo mas de resto não achei uma temporada tão interessante.    … Expand
  17. Danil
    Oct 12, 2015
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not as horrible as Coven. Still it is a complete mess of a story. Apparently the writers didn't bother to keep track of what they were writing. In one episode the kidnapped girl gets dragged back to the clown by Dandy, the kid sees him as well. The next episode they can't figure out who the second clown was. One episode the strongman tries to kill the strongwoman and the freaks want to execute him. The next episode the strongman and the freaks run around the woods together searching for Ma Petite. Also rather than crying about their lives the bearded woman could just shave her stupid beard and the lobster boy could get an operation.
    I bet it was a torture for Lange to play that cheesy over the top German mistress. No wonder she decided to leave.    … Expand
  18. 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.
  19. Evic21
    Sep 7, 2015
    1
    What can I say, there is no specific plot except a bunch of sub-plots that don't connect with one another. I felt nothing for any of the characters, the main themes were predictable and obvious and I just found parts of it more comical than scary. Don't even waste you time with this season.
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. Fordee15
    Apr 16, 2015
    5
    "American Horror Story: Freakshow" is a... a huge let down.

    I was so looking forward to this season, but, after a great first four episodes everything went down hill. Like previous seasons; the plot just became jumbled and 'thrown together'. I was starting to doubt that Ryan Murphy could even hold a plot. It started out so strong, but, as the season progressed, it just spiraled out of    "American Horror Story: Freakshow" is a... a huge let down.

    I was so looking forward to this season, but, after a great first four episodes everything went down hill. Like previous seasons; the plot just became jumbled and 'thrown together'. I was starting to doubt that Ryan Murphy could even hold a plot. It started out so strong, but, as the season progressed, it just spiraled out of control.

    Don't get me wrong- Freakshow has a few redeeming qualities. Great acting, great sets, great atmosphere, great soundtrack, snobby childish Dandy, and a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful send-off to Jessica Lange.

    But, there is essentially no plot. It gets swamped half-way through the season, and things basically just get rolled together into a big blob of meaningless plot lines and drama. Top it off with the amount of wasted characters and... well...

    I really wanted to like Freakshow. But, I could only barely. It has some great qualities, but all these qualities are brought down by the fact that the season was horribly, horribly written.    … Expand
  23. 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
  24. tods
    Feb 7, 2015
    5
    So the quality of each season has steadily declined from the first in my opinion. A sense of scare or surprise definitely seems to have been almost lost this time round so calling it horror is just not right as there barely seems to be anything frightening at all this season. However i do feel some of the reviews have been slightly harsh to rate the whole season before seeing its end andSo the quality of each season has steadily declined from the first in my opinion. A sense of scare or surprise definitely seems to have been almost lost this time round so calling it horror is just not right as there barely seems to be anything frightening at all this season. However i do feel some of the reviews have been slightly harsh to rate the whole season before seeing its end and to that end my score is somewhat higher.… Expand
  25. xenojoey
    Feb 1, 2015
    0
    I hoped it would get better after watching each episode. As I was hoping, the season was over. All I can say is that these writers need to be replaced for season 5
  26. 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
  27. kris2fur
    Jan 26, 2015
    3
    Worst American horror story yet.
    This series detracts from the previous ones even the coven which was a step in a different direction.
    Towards the end it reminded me of the horrible end seasons of sons of anarchy just death, senseless death, repayed with senseless death. The only thing that made this even a horror story was the ominous spirit and the clown. With out them this could    Worst American horror story yet.
    This series detracts from the previous ones even the coven which was a step in a different direction.
    Towards the end it reminded me of the horrible end seasons of sons of anarchy just death, senseless death, repayed with senseless death.
    The only thing that made this even a horror story was the ominous spirit and the clown.
    With out them this could barely be considered a horror story.
    Why is metacritic fuelled by fanboys? User scores mean nothing everyone who liked it gives it a ten no matter what and everyone who hated it gives it a zero. This is destroying metacritic.
    If this is Jessica Langes last season you wasted her. She has played better roles in the previous series.
    I liked seeing the softer side of the axeman or the carpenter that was good.
    Other than that I really look forward to flipper boy being an evil character… again.
    Hopefully we can get back to the horror roots and get some actual wrap up of the series, maybe even some decent cross connect between the series.
    I honestly would not recommend this series over the others, ever.    … Expand
  28. OpinionatedGuy
    Jan 25, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The fourth season of American Horror Story had a lot of promise at the start but it got weak at the end.

    Its main problem was the plot and the way how it was narrated. In this season’s plot, a group of freak show performers have to survive the odds. It doesn’t sound exciting at all but that’s not the real problem. The real problem was that the writers don’t know how to narrate its plot into a 13 episode story. The strongest point of the plot was the antagonist of the first half of the season named Twisty the Clown. But when he was killed off in the middle of the season, the antagonist title is given to Dandy Mott which he showed a lot of promise to be a much more scarier villain than Twisty the Clown but he ended up being a spoiled brat.

    The nowhere going plot also affected the character development this season. Like Dandy Mott, a lot of characters showed a lot of promise that they could be complex written characters but they ended up being underdeveloped thanks to its shallow plot narrative.

    The shining light of Freak Show was its acting performance. I would like to highlight Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Finn Wittrock, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, John Carroll Lynch and of course, Jessica Lange. It’s sad that they’re not given much to do with their characters but at least they tried their very best on what’s given to them.

    Another good thing about Freak Show was the way how it was directed and shot. The cinematography really feels like it’s set in the 50s.

    Despite everything that’s wrong with it, I still enjoyed watching Freak Show and that’s why I rated this season a bit higher than I should have but its flaws cannot go unnoticed. I hope they improve its story telling next season and even if they didn’t, they better make it entertaining at least.    … Expand
  29. Brozzzzi
    Jan 22, 2015
    1
    American Horror Story has lost whatever mystique it once held. Season 1 and 2 seemed ripe with possibility. Creative and awesome. Things since then have gone downhill to the convoluted, disorganized and absolutely idiotic show that it has become. Like many of his shows, Ryan Murphy starts with a great idea then loses it half way through (Nip/Tuck). Instead of sketching out the season’sAmerican Horror Story has lost whatever mystique it once held. Season 1 and 2 seemed ripe with possibility. Creative and awesome. Things since then have gone downhill to the convoluted, disorganized and absolutely idiotic show that it has become. Like many of his shows, Ryan Murphy starts with a great idea then loses it half way through (Nip/Tuck). Instead of sketching out the season’s storyline, it feels like he and his writers improv each new episode – and turn a blind eye to story continuity. In “Freak Show” Elsa has wooden legs, but in some scenes is seen wearing a skirt with no prosthetic legs. One minute a clown killer is on the loose, then a freaks museum, then a spoiled billionaire, then suddenly Elsa is on the hit-list, then suddenly she’s absolutely famous, then its all over? There are soooo many inconsistencies
    it was tough not to cringe through most of this season, and
    Coven.

    It’s a shame that with such an amazingly talented cast, Murphy makes them perform the most eye rolling of scenes. Not to mention this last season “Freak Show” seemed to be a who’s who of Murphy’s gay besties, each having short, pointless cameos.

    If by somemiracle Lang decides to stay another season, I hope they methodically sit down and come up with a clear, original story with less twists and turns and more substance.

    I give American Horror Story – Freak Show an F- grade. Not because the cast wasn’t amazing, but because the writing and story were beyond repair. (Much like Coven and Murphy's other work)    … Expand
  30. Slysister
    Jan 22, 2015
    2
    Where did the horror go in this season of AHS? It is not scary, creepy or unsettling one bit. There is not even any sick or twisted humor like in the previous seasons. Even the sex stuff which is suppose to be shocking is lame and tame. The plot-lines were tired and predictable. The dialogue made a joke out of great acting. I could not take Elsa or Dandy serious for one second. And someoneWhere did the horror go in this season of AHS? It is not scary, creepy or unsettling one bit. There is not even any sick or twisted humor like in the previous seasons. Even the sex stuff which is suppose to be shocking is lame and tame. The plot-lines were tired and predictable. The dialogue made a joke out of great acting. I could not take Elsa or Dandy serious for one second. And someone thought they were Baz Lurhmann this season, having the characters burst into modern song all of a sudden. But while Baz is a master at his craft, this felt like I was watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show minus any wink to the audience. The best part of this whole season was the opening credits, and yes I watched til the final episode just hoping something redeeming would happen.… Expand
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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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