American Horror Story: Coven


American Horror Story: Coven is the third season of the FX horror anthology television series American Horror Story, created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. It premiered on October 9, 2013, and concluded on January 29, 2014. The season takes place in 2013, in New Orleans, and follows a coven of witches descended from Salem as they fight for survival. It also features flashbacks to 1692 during the infamous Salem Witch Trials, the 1830s, 1910s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1990s.
Returning cast members from the previous seasons of the series include Sarah Paulson, Taissa Farmiga, Frances Conroy, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe, Denis O’Hare, Jessica Lange, Jamie Brewer, Alexandra Breckenridge, and Robin Bartlett, along with new cast members Emma Roberts, Kathy Bates, and Gabourey Sidibe
Like its predecessors, Coven was met with both positive reviews and strong ratings, with the premiere episode attracting a series high of 5.54 million viewers, which at the time was the most viewed episode of the series. The season garnered seventeen Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including Outstanding Miniseries and five acting nominations for Lange, Paulson, Bassett, Conroy, and Bates, with Lange and Bates winning their respective categories. In addition, Coven was nominated for Best Miniseries or TV Film at the Golden Globe Awards.

Cast and characters

Main

Production

Conception

In January 2013, series co-creator Ryan Murphy hinted that a clue about the third season would be hidden in the tenth episode of the. In a later interview discussing that episode, he stated, "I sorta feel like for the third version I want to do something that's a little bit more 'evil glamour.' Just something that's a little bit more...one of the things that I missed this season was I really loved having that Romeo and Juliet youth story with Violet and Tate . I want something like that again and we're doing something like that in the third season. And we're contemplating shooting the show in a different place. We're contemplating shooting it in a place in the country where true horror has been." In another interview, Murphy added that the season would be set in the modern day.
Executive producer Tim Minear has stated that, while this season's tone might be lighter with more humor, the global themes of it will be "oppression of minorities of all kinds, and within that idea, minority groups going after each other and doing the work of the larger culture." He added, "While there is a strong feminist theme that runs throughout Coven, there are themes of race and themes of oppression, and themes of family – especially mothers and daughters."

Future season

In October 2016, Murphy stated that a future season of the show will feature a return/continuation of Coven. He stated that this is not the theme for season 7, but a later season. He also confirmed that Lady Gaga's character from ' is the first Supreme. Later that month, Murphy announced that the season would be a Coven and Murder House crossover continuation. Merging stories, themes and characters. He also stated that he had begun reaching out to actors from both seasons to reprise their respective roles. In 2018, Murphy announced the eighth season, ', which would be the crossover season. Apocalypse follows the world after a nuclear holocaust, and the events leading up to the end of the world, principally, the witches' fight against Michael Langdon, the antichrist who was born in Murder House.

Casting

Series executive producers and co-creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk stated that, as with the second season, "many actors" would return for the third season in different roles. Jessica Lange, Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson all confirmed their returns. Murphy added that Lange would portray a "real glamour-cat lady", whose name was later revealed to be Fiona Goode. Paulson said in an interview that her character would "definitely different ." She added, "Basically, she's going to look different, and my relationship to Lange is going to be quite different this time. At the beginning of last season, no one knew that Lana would be the hero, so it's possible I could end up the evil one this year. As of right now, there will be some of Lana Winters' qualities in my character, but I don't know for sure." Taissa Farmiga, who played a lead role in the first season, starred as Zoe Benson, a character involved in a prominent romance with Peters' character. Lily Rabe and Frances Conroy portrayed series regulars Misty Day and Myrtle Snow, respectively. Kathy Bates co-starred as Delphine LaLaurie, an evil woman from the past who tortures her slaves. Murphy stated that Bates' character would be "five times worse than Misery character" and is also inspired by a "true event". It was reported on May 22, 2013 that Emma Roberts would co-star as Madison Montgomery, a difficult Hollywood starlet.
In May 2013, Murphy announced via Twitter that Angela Bassett and Patti LuPone had joined the cast. Bassett later confirmed she would be playing voodoo priestess, Marie Laveau. In an interview, LuPone said that her character, Joan Ramsey, would not be a witch but "the personification of the religious right, 'like Piper Laurie in Carrie.'" Gabourey Sidibe appeared in 12 episodes of the season portraying Queenie, a young witch, whose prominent ability allows her to become a human voodoo doll. First season actress Jamie Brewer recurred as Nan, a young witch who is clairvoyant.
In July and August 2013, Murphy announced through Twitter that Murder House actors Denis O'Hare and Alexandra Breckenridge had joined the cast in unknown roles, later known as Spalding and Kaylee, respectively. Also in August, Murphy announced that Christine Ebersole would be playing a "Glinda the Good Witch-type of gal", who is Fiona's predecessor. In an interview, Jessica Lange revealed that Mare Winningham had joined the cast as Peters' character's mother, Alicia Spencer. Leslie Jordan announced that he had joined the cast as Quentin Fleming, a high-ranking witch. In September 2013, Alexander Dreymon was cast in the role of Luke Ramsey. Described as "the handsome young man who moves in next door to the Academy". Danny Huston, Josh Hamilton, and Lance Reddick all recurred throughout the season as the Axeman, Hank Foxx, and Papa Legba, respectively. Murphy also invited singer Stevie Nicks to be a part of the season. She appeared in two episodes, "The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks" and "The Seven Wonders".

Filming

for the season began on July 23, 2013, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The casting call reads, "After two seasons shooting in Los Angeles, the series moves to for its third season. Filming begins July 23, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana and completed on January 17, 2014." Despite Ryan Murphy stating that the third season would take place in multiple cities, New Orleans is the primary setting of the third installment.

Marketing

Similar to the prior seasons, FX published mini teaser trailers for Coven on the show's Facebook page.

Reception

Critical response

American Horror Story: Coven has received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported an 83% approval rating, with an average rating of 7.24/10, based on 35 reviews. The site's consensus reads, "A noteworthy ensemble cast combined with creepy storytelling and campy, outrageous thrills make American Horror Story: Coven a potently structured fright-fest." The season scored 71 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 24 reviews.
In contrast, Coven was also met with negative reviews from some critics. The A.V. Club gave the season a low rating of D+, with critic Emily VanDerWerff remarking, "It lurched drunkenly from idea to idea, never settling on one long enough to build anything of worth."
In their post-season reviews, The Michigan Daily gave Coven a B+, saying, "And while its conclusion, appropriately titled "The Seven Wonders", never quite matched the high standard it set for itself throughout the season, Covens reputation will nonetheless remain a solid one." Jeff Jensen of Entertainment Weekly gave the season a B rating and said, "I can't deny my experience: Week to week, the excesses of Coven were wickedly amusing. Next year, I hope American Horror Story can be more than that, and with less."

Awards and nominations

In its third season, the series was nominated for 74 awards, 14 of which were won.
YearAssociationCategoryNomineeResult
2013IGN's Best of 2013: TVBest TV Horror SeriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
20144th Critics' Choice TV AwardsBest MiniseriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
20144th Critics' Choice TV AwardsBest Supporting Actress in a Movie or MiniseriesKathy Bates
20144th Critics' Choice TV AwardsBest Actress in a Movie or MiniseriesJessica Lange
20145th Dorian AwardsTV Performance of the Year – ActressJessica Lange
20145th Dorian AwardsTV Drama of the YearAmerican Horror Story: Coven
20145th Dorian AwardsCampy TV Show of the YearAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding MiniseriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic SpecialRyan Murphy & Brad Falchuk
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic SpecialAlfonso Gomez-Rejon
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a MovieKathy Bates
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a MovieFrances Conroy
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a MovieAngela Bassett
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a MovieSarah Paulson
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a MovieJessica Lange
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Casting for a Miniseries, Movie, or a SpecialRobert J. Ulrich, Eric Dawson, Meagan Lewis
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Costumes for a Miniseries, Movie or a SpecialLou Eyrich, Elizabeth Macey, Ken Van Duyne
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Hairstyling for a Miniseries, Movie or a SpecialMonte C. Haught, Michelle Ceglia, Yolanda Mercadel, Daina Daigle
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Makeup for a Miniseries, Movie or a SpecialEryn Krueger Mekash, Kim Ayers, Vicki Vacca, Mike Mekash, Christopher Nelson, Lucy O'Reilly
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Music Composition for a Miniseries, Movie, or a SpecialJames S. Levine
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Miniseries, Movie or a SpecialEryn Krueger Mekash, Mike Mekash, Christien Tinsley, Jason Hamer, Christopher Nelson, David L. Anderson, Cristina Patterson, Rob Freitas
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or a SpecialGary Megregian, David Klotz, Timothy A. Cleveland, Paul Diller, Brian Thomas Nist, Steve M. Stuhr, Lance Wiseman, Noel Vought
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Sound Mixing for a Miniseries or MovieBruce Litecky, Joe Earle, Doug Andham
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Art Direction for a Period Series, Miniseries or a MovieMark Worthington, Andrew Murdock, Ellen Brill
201471st Golden Globe AwardsBest Actress – Miniseries or TV FilmJessica Lange
201471st Golden Globe AwardsBest Miniseries or TV FilmAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201461st MPSE Golden Reel AwardsBest Sound Editing in TV – Short Form: Dialogue & ADREpisode: "Bitchcraft"
201445th NAACP Image AwardsOutstanding Actress in a TV Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic SpecialGabourey Sidibe
201445th NAACP Image AwardsOutstanding Actress in a TV Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic SpecialAngela Bassett
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesAngela Bassett
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesKathy Bates
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesFrances Conroy
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesLily Rabe
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesGabourey Sidibe
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Actress in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesJessica Lange
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Actress in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesSarah Paulson
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest MiniseriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Ensemble in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Direction of a Motion Picture or MiniseriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Music in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Editing in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Cinematography in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Production Design in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Costume Design in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Makeup/Hairstyling in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Sound in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Visual Effects in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest New Titles SequenceAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201440th People's Choice AwardsFavorite TV Movie/MiniseriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201418th Satellite AwardsBest TV Series – GenreAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201418th Satellite AwardsBest Actress – Miniseries or TV FilmJessica Lange
201418th Satellite AwardsBest Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or TV FilmKathy Bates
201440th Saturn AwardsBest Supporting Actress on TVKathy Bates
201440th Saturn AwardsBest Guest Starring Role on TVDanny Huston
201440th Saturn AwardsBest Syndicated/Cable TV SeriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201440th Saturn AwardsBest Actress on TVJessica Lange
201420th Screen Actors Guild AwardsOutstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama SeriesJessica Lange
201430th TCA AwardsOutstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and SpecialsAmerican Horror Story: Coven
201454th Golden Nymph AwardsBest Actress in a MiniseriesJessica Lange
201454th Golden Nymph AwardsBest Actress in a MiniseriesSarah Paulson
201418th ADG Excellence in Production Design AwardsTV Movie or MiniseriesMark Worthington
201435th Young Artist AwardsBest Performance in a TV Series – Guest Starring Young Actor 11–13Toby Nichols
2014BET Awards 2014Best ActressAngela Bassett
201450th CAS AwardsOutstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing – TV Movie or MiniseriesBruce Litecky, CAS
Joe Earle, CAS
Doug Andham, CAS
James S. Levine
Judah Getz
Kyle Billingsley
201416th CDG AwardsOutstanding Made for TV Movie or MiniseriesLou Eyrich
2014Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards 2014Miniseries or TV Movie Period and/or Character Make-upEryn Krueger Mekash, Christien Tinsley
2014Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards 2014Miniseries or TV Movie Period and/or Character Hair StylingMonte C. Haught
201451st ICG Publicists AwardsMaxwell Weinberg Campaign Award – TVMatthew Mitchell
2014TV Guide Awards 2012Favorite Horror ShowAmerican Horror Story: Coven
2014Women's Image Network Awards 2014MFT Movie/MiniseriesAmerican Horror Story: Coven
2014Women's Image Network Awards 2014Actress MFT Movie/MiniseriesEmma Roberts
201526th PGA AwardsOutstanding Producer of Long-Form TVBrad Buecker, Dante Di Loreto, Brad Falchuk, Joseph Incaprera, Alexis Martin Woodall, Tim Minear, Ryan Murphy, Jennifer Salt, James Wong
201530th Artios AwardsTV Movie or MiniseriesRobert J. Ulrich, Eric Dawson, Carol Kritzer, Meagan Lewis, Eric Souliere
2015Bram Stoker Award 2014Superior Achievement in a ScreenplayJames Wong

Ratings

Covens premiere episode, "Bitchcraft", was watched by 5.54 million viewers, which, at the time, was the highest total viewers of any American Horror Story episode. It was surpassed by the fourth season's premiere, "Monsters Among Us", which received 6.13 million viewers during its broadcast. The ratings slipped for the second episode, delivering 4.51 million viewers and a 2.5 rating among adults 18-49 – down 17% from the premiere. The rest of the season's episodes remained relatively steady in ratings; the episode with the lowest viewing numbers was the penultimate episode, "Go to Hell".