'American Horror Story': Exclusive Portraits of Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and the Cast

'American Horror Story' Cast and Co-Creators

From left: Kathy Bates, co-creator Brad Falchuk, Angela Bassett, co-creator Ryan Murphy, Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson were photographed by Steve Schofield on Sept. 29 at Second Line Stages in New Orleans.

"This season is designed to be a little more fun, and specifically to invite women to the party," says Murphy of the witch-themed Coven. "Make no mistake, it's still really scary, but it's not as grim. And there's a lot of humor."

Angela Bassett

The actress stars on American Horror Story: Coven as Marie Laveau, a real-life 19th century voodoo priestess.

Brad Falchuk

The Ryan Murphy- and Brad Falchuk-produced AHS -- with boundary-pushing scenes featuring lobotomies and alien anal probes -- earned more 2013 Emmy nominations (17) than any other show.

Ryan Murphy

Ryan Murphy is no stranger to gore. His plastic surgery drama Nip/Tuck was groundbreaking in its gruesomeness. But with FX’s American Horror Story, he has upped the ante. Coven, the third season in the anthology series (set to bow Oct. 9), boasts a triumvirate of veteran actresses including star Jessica Lange, Angela Bassett (who plays Marie Laveau, the so-called voodoo queen of New Orleans) and Kathy Bates (who plays a serial killer).

Sarah Paulson

In Coven, Paulson stars as Myrtle, daughter of the long-absent Supreme Fiona (Jessica Lange), who runs Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies.

Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates

Jessica Lange (left), who has been part of the FX series since its first season, stars opposite Kathy Bates in Coven.