Get Ready for American Horror Story Season 2

One of my favorite new TV series of last year was American Horror Story, Ryan Murphy’s racy stab at the horror genre. The plotline for season one (which received 17 Emmy nods, by the way) centered around the totally dysfunctional Harmon family as they fled from the East Coast to California following papa Ben’s (Dylan McDermott) infidelity and mama Vivien’s (Connie Britton) horrific miscarriage. Unfortunately for them, they unknowingly move in to the notorious Murder House, scene of some of the grisliest crimes in LA’s history, and no occupants seem to escape alive…but most are still hanging around.  Sure, some of the episodes were hit or miss and the show went beyond the bizarre but, as a huge freight-fanatic, I was happy to get a weekly dose of crazy ghosts and haunted house mayhem. Not to mention the entire cast, particularly Jessica Lange as the sinister, over-the-top neighbor, delivered solid, memorable performances.

The show wrapped up the storyline at the end of season one in true miniseries fashion, and we’ve said goodbye to the Harmons and Murder House for good. When season two premieres this October, it will be a whole new ballgame. The series will be set at an East Coast mental institution for the criminally insane in the 1960s and feature some members of the previous cast (alongside new cast members) portraying completely different characters. The story will revolve heavily around Lang’s character, who runs the institution. Other returning season one actors include Sarah Paulson, Zachary Quinto, Evan Peters, and Lily Rabe.

In recent months, the show has been making some exciting announcements regarding the new cast members, which will include Maroon 5/The Voice  hottie Adam Levine as one half of a duo referred to as “The Lovers.” We now know that the other half will be played by the gorgeous Jenna Dewan – a.k.a. Mrs. Channing Tatum! – star of Step Up. The duo will reportedly have a pivotal role in season two.

Other newly announced cast members include Chloe Sevigny, Joseph Fiennes, James Cromwell, Mark Consuelos, Clea Duvall, and Chris Zylka. Today, Murphy added Run Lola Run and Bourne Identity actress Franka Potente to the all-star roster. She has reportedly signed on to play a "mysterious patient" in the mental facility. How ominous.

Between the cast and the mental institution setting, it seems like season two has some serious potential! I don’t know how it came top season one on the crazy scale, but I’m sure Ryan Murphy will certainly try. I recommend this show for mature audiences who love horror movies and don’t mind graphic blood/gore, explicit sexual content, and profanity (this definitely isn’t a kids’ show, folks!).

Will you be watching?