Like its predecessors , '' Freak Show '' was met with mostly positive reviews , and consistently strong ratings , with the premiere episode attracting a series high of 6.13 million viewers , making it the most viewed episode of the series . It ultimately became FX 's most-watched program ever , surpassing its previous installment , '' Coven '' . The season garnered a total of twenty Emmy Award nominations , the most for any season of '' American Horror Story '' to date , including nominations for Outstanding Limited Series , and six acting nominations for Lange , O'Hare , Wittrock , Paulson , Bassett , and Bates . In addition , Paulson won for Best Supporting Actress in a Movie or Limited Series at the 5th Critics ' Choice Television Awards
5th Critics ' Choice Television Awards
5th Critics' Choice Television Awards
American Horror Story: Freak Show