Overnight success stories are seldom. It takes time and hard work to break through into the limelight. There are certain entities, however, whether a rising musician or an influential philanthropist, that establish themselves as powerhitters with the first swing. The same rings true for television series. There are shows that find instant success. They enthrall an entire generation with a single episode, character or moment. After one season, fans are left tantalized, craving their next hit. They're rare, but when they arrive, their influence is felt worldwide. "American Horror Story" is concrete evidence. Now heading into its third season, the show is nominated for 17 Primetime Emmy awards. The sky's the limit.
Finally, after months of waiting, fans are given a little taste of horror. The first teaser for the series' forthcoming season, titled "Coven," features eerie levitating women accompanied by an unsettling version of "The House of the Rising Sun." It's unclear exactly what the promo is alluding to, but either way, it leaves you with goose bumps running up your arms and the impulse to look over your shoulder. Take a look for yourself below, though it's probably best not to watch late at night while burrowed alone in a dark bedroom.
It's clear that there's a strong presence of witchcraft in "Coven," as creator Ryan Murphy affirms in a recent interview.
"It really is about the witches of Salem pitted against voodoo witches," Murphy told Vulture. "It's been a centuries-long feud and it's up to Jessica Lange and Angela Bassett to mend the face."
"The witches of Salem, the smart ones, got out very early and they were none of the ones who were burned," he added. "They all gravitated toward New Orleans, where they now live, and every generation has a great witch who has the most powers of them all, and that's called the Supreme. Ms. Jessica Lange is the Supreme."
"American Horror Story" returns to FX October 9.