FX's experiment in televised horror is scheduled to start in just six weeks, but so far we've seen very little of American Horror Story. The embargo ended as the network released the first TV spots and poster for the creepy new series.
As FX is quick to point out, American Horror Story comes from Brad Falchuk and Ryan Murphy, the creative team behind Glee and one of FX's early hits, Nip/Tuck. The network ordered a thirteen episode freshman season last month, with a premiere set for this fall. That date has now been nailed down to Wednesday, October 5th in the 10PM timeslot.
American Horror Story stars Connie Britton of Friday Night Lights and Dylan McDermott of The Practice as Vivien and Ben Harmon, a married couple with a mysterious past. Vivien is emotionally scarred after a miscarriage and Ben's adulterous affair, and they move with their teenage daughter Violet (Taissa Farmiga) to a new home in Los Angeles.
It doesn't take long for the relocated family to notice that something's amiss in their new homestead. Described by its creators as a "psychosexual thriller," American Horror Story will wear a TV-MA badge with pride, exploring themes of horror and sexuality that put it in the off-limits category for much of the Glee audience.
Check out the first 30-second TV trailer below:
And a shorter teaser, exploring the miscarriage themes mentioned above:
You can watch a series of short "clue" videos on the official American Horror Story YouTube channel.
While there's nothing too extreme on display in the trailer (for obvious reasons), the general feel of the show is clearly going for a subtle creepiness that makes the skin crawl. Ghostly children run through the halls, rubber-suited monsters lurk in the shadows, and other general horror themes abound. As a special treat, viewers get a first look at the celebrated Jessica Lange as neighbor Constance.
FX's first promotional poster for the American Horror Story displays the adult themes of the show - click through for a high-resolution version.
According to reports from TV media who've seen an early cut of the pilot, American Horror Story lives up to its name, with stomach-churning thrills aplenty. We'll refrain from reprinting some of the more spoilerish tidbits, but suffice it to say, the creator's stated inspirations of Rosemary's Baby and Don't Look Now are on display. Fans of the genre should feel right at home - and perhaps a little better about the disappointing end to Locke & Key, Fox's abandoned adaptation of the acclaimed horror comic.
American Horror Story premieres Wednesday, October 10th at 10PM on FX.
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Source: TV Line