After premiering to the series’ all-time best ratings, “American Horror Story: Freak Show” fell victim to a creative and commercial cold streak.
The lowest-rated and least-watched episode since the 2012-13 “Asylum” season, which famously underperformed, last week’s penultimate “Freak Show” installment was one of only two “AHS” episodes since early 2013 to attract fewer than 3 million viewers.
Debate exists over whether the fourth “AHS” concluded on a creative high note. The FX drama can, however, celebrate a welcome ratings uptick for its season finale.
Wednesday’s “Freak Show” closer drew an improved 1.6 adults 18-49 rating with 3.27 million viewers. Both figures best those of last week’s broadcast, which drew a 1.4 rating with 2.94 million viewers.
Despite the ratings downturn, “AHS: Freak Show” reigned as cable’s highest-rated Wednesday program for the duration of its run. A fifth season, meanwhile, has already been confirmed.