'American Horror Story:Freak Show' Sets FX Ratings Mark

FX has greenlit a fifth season of its  American Horror Story franchise after the Oct. 8 premiere of American Horror Story: Freak Show set a ratings record for the network in Nielsen Live+3 ratings.

The fourth season premiere of the Ryan Murphy-produced American Horror Story anthology franchise drew 10 million viewers including time shifted viewing, said network officials. In addition, the series drew 6.5 million adults 18-49 and 4 million adults 18-34, said the network.

The numbers surpassed the Sept. 9 seventh season premiere of Sons Of Anarchy, which drew 9.25 million viewers (live+3).

The fifth season of American Horror Story will debut in October 2015, said network officials. Earlier this month FX greenlit a spinoff of its American Horror Story franchise that will look at true crime stories, beginning with the 1990's O.J. Simpson trial.

“The American Horror Story anthology has had the highest growth trajectory of any show in FX history, not to mention an unprecedented track record of success in awards recognition,”said John Landgraf, CEO, FX Networks and FX Productions in a statement. “AHS continues to deliver amazing stories, a brilliant troupe of actors led by Jessica Lange, and a visual style unlike any other on TV.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.