American Horror Story: Coven


The third season of the American horror anthology television series American Horror Story, subtitled Coven, is set in 2013 New Orleans and follows a coven of witches descended from Salem as they fight for survival and features flashbacks to the Salem witch trials in 1692, as well as the 1830s, 1910s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1990s. The ensemble cast includes Sarah Paulson, Taissa Farmiga, Frances Conroy, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe, Emma Roberts, Denis O'Hare, Kathy Bates, and Jessica Lange, with all returning from previous seasons, except Roberts and Bates. The season marks the first to not feature cast mainstays Dylan McDermott and Zachary Quinto.
Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk for the cable network FX, the series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television. Coven was broadcast between October 9, 2013, to January 29, 2014, consisting of 13 episodes. Like its predecessors, the season was met with both positive reviews and strong ratings, with the premiere 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. It received nominations for Lange, Paulson, Bassett, Conroy, and Bates at the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards, 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 second season. 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 would 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 Roanoke 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, Apocalypse, 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, and concluded January 17, 2014, 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. The Buckner Mansion, a 19th-century Greek Revival home in the Garden District neighborhood of New Orleans, was used for exterior shots of Miss Robichaux's Academy.

Marketing

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

Reception

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".

Critical response

American Horror Story: Coven received positive reviews from critics. The review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes reported an 85% approval rating, with an average rating of 7.25/10, based on 221 reviews, becoming the best-reviewed season of the series on that site. 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.
Anne T Donahue of The Guardian stated that Coven "could be American Horror Story's best instalment yet," writing, "That's not to say Coven is perfect. It's been called out as glorified slave-torture porn in the US, and it's important that Madame LeLaurie's storyline comes full circle, and that slavery is handled in a responsible way. The same goes for Zoe's storyline, and the incidences of sexual assault within this season, too. But American Horror Story can handle it. And while it's obviously over-the-top, its broader social commentary makes it a unique series, unlike anything we've seen on television before. It's a conventional horror story, but it's America's horror story too. Just try making it through an episode without hiding behind the sofa." 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."
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." Some critics, like Amanda Kay LeBlanc, state that the series is ineffective in completely opposing the ideas of racism, oppression, and racial conflict that are integral to Coven conception. "Although the narrative of Coven explicitly decries racism," she writes, "it simultaneously invests in colorblind racist narratives. Whiteness is central in Coven, operating through discourse that ignores racial difference and contemporary forms of oppression and erasure." She additionally argues that Coven excessively depends on and uses the imagery of violence against black people for entertainment and plot progression.

Accolades

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: CovenNomitated
20144th Critics' Choice TV AwardsBest Movie/ MiniseriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
20144th Critics' Choice TV AwardsBest Supporting Actress in a Movie/ MiniseriesKathy BatesNomitated
20144th Critics' Choice TV AwardsCritics' Choice Television [Award for Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries|Best Actress in a Movie/Miniseries]Jessica LangeWon
20145th Dorian AwardsTV Performance of the Year – ActressJessica LangeWon
20145th Dorian AwardsTV Drama of the YearAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
20145th Dorian AwardsCampy TV Show of the YearAmerican Horror Story: CovenWon
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Limited/Anthology SeriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing for a Limited/Anthology orMovieRyan Murphy & Brad Falchuk Nomitated
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Directing for a Limited/Anthology or MovieAlfonso Gomez-Rejon Nomitated
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsPrimetime Emmy Award for [Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie|Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie]Kathy BatesWon
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or MovieFrances ConroyNomitated
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or MovieAngela BassettNomitated
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Lead Actress in a Limited/Anthology or MovieSarah PaulsonNomitated
201466th Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Lead Actress in a Limited/Anthology or MovieJessica LangeWon
201466th Primetime [Creative Arts Emmy Awards]Outstanding Casting for a Limited/Anthology or MovieRobert J. Ulrich, Eric Dawson, Meagan LewisNomitated
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Costumes for a Miniseries, Movie or SpecialLou Eyrich, Elizabeth Macey, Ken Van Duyne Won
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Hairstyling for a Limited Series or MovieMonte C. Haught, Michelle Ceglia, Yolanda Mercadel, Daina DaigleWon
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Makeup |Outstanding Makeup]Eryn Krueger Mekash, Kim Ayers, Vicki Vacca, Mike Mekash, Christopher Nelson, Lucy O'ReillyNomitated
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Music Composition for a Miniseries, Movie, or a SpecialJames S. Levine Nomitated
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Prosthetic MakeupEryn Krueger Mekash, Mike Mekash, Christien Tinsley, Jason Hamer, Christopher Nelson, David L. Anderson, Cristina Patterson, Rob FreitasNomitated
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or SpecialGary Megregian, David Klotz, Timothy A. Cleveland, Paul Diller, Brian Thomas Nist, Steve M. Stuhr, Lance Wiseman, Noel Vought Nomitated
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Sound Mixing for a Miniseries or MovieBruce Litecky, Joe Earle, Doug Andham Nomitated
201466th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Art Direction for a Miniseries or MovieMark Worthington, Andrew Murdock, Ellen BrillNomitated
201471st Golden Globe AwardsBest Actress – Miniseries or TV FilmJessica LangeNomitated
201471st Golden Globe AwardsBest Limited/ Anthology or TV FilmAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
201461st MPSE Golden Reel AwardsBest Sound Editing in TV – Short Form: Dialogue & ADREpisode: "Bitchcraft"Nomitated
201445th NAACP Image AwardsOutstanding Actress in a TV Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic SpecialGabourey SidibeNomitated
201445th NAACP Image AwardsOutstanding Actress in a TV Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic SpecialAngela BassettNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesAngela BassettNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesKathy BatesWon
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesFrances ConroyNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesLily RabeNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesGabourey SidibeNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Actress in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesJessica LangeNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Actress in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesSarah PaulsonNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest MiniseriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Ensemble in a Motion Picture or MiniseriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Direction of a Motion Picture or MiniseriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Music in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Editing in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Cinematography in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Production Design in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Costume Design in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenWon
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Makeup/Hairstyling in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenWon
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Sound in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest Visual Effects in a Non-SeriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenWon
201418th Online Film & TV Association AwardsBest New Titles SequenceAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
201440th People's Choice AwardsFavorite TV Movie/MiniseriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenWon
201418th Satellite AwardsBest TV Series – GenreAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
201418th Satellite AwardsBest Actress – Miniseries or TV FilmJessica LangeNomitated
201418th Satellite AwardsBest Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or TV FilmKathy BatesNomitated
201440th Saturn AwardsBest Supporting Actress on TVKathy BatesNomitated
201440th Saturn AwardsBest Guest Starring Role on TVDanny HustonNomitated
201440th Saturn AwardsBest Syndicated/Cable TV SeriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
201440th Saturn AwardsBest Actress on TVJessica LangeNomitated
201420th Screen Actors Guild AwardsOutstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama SeriesJessica LangeNomitated
201430th TCA AwardsOutstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries and SpecialsAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
201454th Golden Nymph AwardsBest Actress in a MiniseriesJessica LangeNomitated
201454th Golden Nymph AwardsBest Actress in a MiniseriesSarah PaulsonNomitated
201418th ADG Excellence in Production Design AwardsTV movie or MiniseriesMark Worthington Nomitated
201435th Young Artist AwardsBest Performance in a TV Series – Guest Starring Young Actor 11–13Toby NicholsNomitated
2014BET Awards 2014Best ActressAngela BassettNomitated
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 		Nomitated
201416th [Costume Designers Guild Awards|16th CDG Awards]Costume Designers Guild Award for Outstanding [Made for Television Movie or Miniseries|Outstanding Made for Television Movie or Miniseries]Lou EyrichNomitated
2014Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards 2014Miniseries or TV Movie Period and/or Character Make-upEryn Krueger Mekash, Christien TinsleyNomitated
2014Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild Awards 2014Miniseries or TV Movie Period and/or Character Hair StylingMonte C. HaughtNomitated
201451st ICG Publicists AwardsMaxwell Weinberg Campaign Award – TVMatthew MitchellWon
2014TV Guide Awards 2012Favorite Horror ShowAmerican Horror Story: CovenNomitated
2014Women's Image Network Awards 2014MFT Movie/MiniseriesAmerican Horror Story: CovenWon
2014Women's Image Network Awards 2014Actress MFT Movie/MiniseriesEmma Roberts Nomitated
201526th [Producers Guild of America Awards|26th PGA Awards]Outstanding Producer of Long-Form TVBrad Buecker, Dante Di Loreto, Brad Falchuk, Joseph Incaprera, Alexis Martin Woodall, Tim Minear, Ryan Murphy, Jennifer Salt, James Wong Nomitated
201530th Artios AwardsTV movie or MiniseriesRobert J. Ulrich, Eric Dawson, Carol Kritzer, Meagan Lewis, Eric Souliere Nomitated
2015Bram Stoker Award 2014Superior Achievement in a ScreenplayJames Wong Nomitated

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