In previous years, creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk have left viewers across America huddling on couches, covering their eyes and tentatively peeking through their fingers at the horrific sight awaiting them on the screen. With three terrifying seasons, each taking place in a different time and place, fans everywhere were ecstatic upon the announcement of a fourth season.

The current season takes place in the small town of Jupiter, Florida, in the year 1952. Elsa Mars (portrayed by Jessica Lange) is the woman in charge of a failing freak show or circus that doesn’t bring in a large crowd. When she stumbles across conjoined twins Bette and Dot (Sarah Paulson), Elsa comes to the realization that she may have just discovered a stellar act or acts as the case may be, for her show. Meanwhile, there’s a murderous clown known as Twisty running rampant in the town and striking true, unmistakable fear into the viewers at home. In fact, Ryan Murphy has been quoted admitting, “I’m worried about people being too afraid of our clown. It’s heart-stopping what he does.” If that’s not bad enough, Murphy also adds, “There’s a point in the season where [Twisty] takes the mask off and when you see what’s under, you’ll faint in terror.” It’s a bold statement, however, given the dark, twisted previous seasons, it’s completely realistic.

The premiere of American Horror Story: Freak Show left quite the impression; although the show has only just returned, fans of American Horror Story already feel like the season will be killer.