Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson Returns to “American Horror Story” For Another Coven Season

FX is revisiting one of its most beloved chapters as Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson are making their long-awaited return to Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story” for its 13th season, set to continue the storyline of 2013’s fan-favorite Coven season.
Created by Murphy and Brad Falchuk, the anthology series has run since 2011, building a loyal following through its rotating themes and recurring ensemble cast. “Coven,” the third installment, remains one of the franchise’s most popular seasons, centered on the power struggle between a group of witches in modern-day New Orleans. The season was particularly beloved by fans for its Gothic atmosphere, campier tone, and focus on female dynamics.
Lange headlined the original “Coven” as Fiona Goode, the ruthless and charismatic Supreme, a role that earned her widespread acclaim and further cemented her influence on the series’ early years. Across its first four seasons — including “Murder House,” “Asylum” and “Freak Show” — Lange became synonymous with the show’s prestige, collecting multiple awards before stepping away in 2014. She later made a brief return in “Apocalypse,” which also revisited the “Coven” mythology.
Paulson has remained a cornerstone of the franchise, appearing across ten installments and portraying a wide range of characters. In “Coven,” she played Cordelia Foxx, the compassionate leader (and Fiona’s daughter) who ultimately rises to become Supreme. The character returned in “Apocalypse,” further expanding the witches’ storyline and emphasizing the anthology’s interconnectedness.
The upcoming season will build on the events of “Coven” and “Apocalypse,” bringing back key characters while introducing a new generation of witches. On Instagram, Murphy confirmed that the production had rebuilt a new replica of Miss Robichaux’s Academy, taking it back to where it all started. The continuation has long been requested by viewers, with the “Coven” arc frequently cited as a cultural high point for the series.
Joining Lange and Paulson in the cast are fellow “Coven” alums Evan Peters, Emma Roberts, Kathy Bates, Gabourey Sidibe, and Angela Bassett – as well as new additions Billie Lourd, Leslie Grossman and Ariana Grande (yes, the popstar).