'American Horror Story' Season 4 Circus Theme: Creepy Carnival Setting Confirmed By Show Writer, Douglas Petrie

Fans of “American Horror Story” are still reeling from the shocking Cordelia, next Supreme reveal in the season 3 finale, but it’s time to say goodbye to the Coven, Madison Montgomery and even the late great Marie Laveau. However, the goodbye is most certainly bittersweet because the theme for season 4 has already been chosen and confirmed by show writer Douglas Petrie.

If you are a fan of the series, then you know that it is an anthology, meaning that each season has a new theme, characters and setting. We had heard rumors swirling regarding a season 4 theme a while back in February and it seems that they were in fact true! The “idea,” to quote Petrie accurately, for season 4 of “American Horror Story” is carnival! He states that carnival is the very rough idea for season 4, however an exact name for the next installment of “American Horror Story” has not yet been decided.

The confirmation came when Petrie was a guest on a the Nerdist Writers Panel podcast, which is moderated by Ben Blacker, who we must admit does a fantastic job of stringing Petrie along in order to reveal next seasons theme. The podcast was recorded on February 16, but was only just released. While it seems Petrie attempted to keep his lips sealed regarding season 4, he ultimately confirmed the already speculated upon theme. When Blacker first brought up the highly anticipated fourth season, Petrie claimed that he was sworn to silence, by stating, “I can’t say anything.” But his iron silence quickly dissipated Moira Kirland, a writer on both “Arrow” and “Castle” claims that she already knows it, then quickly clarifying that she doesn’t know if it has yet been confirmed. Petrie obviously curious if fans of “American Horror Story” have guessed right asked Kirland to reveal the rumored theme for season 4, to which she simply responded “Carnival.” Sensing that the truth was already out, Petrie confimed the carnival theme for season 4.

Let the circus begin, literally. “American Horror Story” is an anthology, but does keep most of the same cast, meaning that the former head of the Coven will have a new role in the circus. Wonder what role Jessica Lange will have in season 4 of “American Horror Story?” Us too! Comment below and let us know if you think she will be in on all the creepy carnival games. To hear the full Nerdist Writers Panel podcast and Douglas Petrie big reveal, click here.