5. Circus
Similar to the Carnival/ Fun Fair idea sure, but for those that know the difference, the two are worlds apart. First of all, Circus's tend not to have attractions and rides, and are more of a place to go and watch extremely talented performers put on a show for you. Unlike Fun Fair's, Circus's tend to, or at least used to feature performing exotic animals such as Lions and Elephants. Secondly, Circus's have a much darker tradition perfect for the horror genre, especially in order to flip the horror genre on its head. Circus's were known, especially in the early 20th century for their traveling "Freak Shows", and although this kind of tradition is rightfully considered wrong by todays standards, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries these were popular attractions. If I was in control of this season with this setting, I would focus the show on the so called "Freaks" and have them trying to rebel and break free from their ruthless ringmaster. Image the many awesome and exciting casting possibilities. Ian McShane recently debuted in
American Horror Story: Asylum as a serial killer who likes to dress up like Santa. Imagine him in this season as the cruel and controlling ringmaster. Seeing as Jessica Lange is already confirmed for Season 3, imagine her playing the experienced "Bearded Lady" who has perhaps spent most of her life traveling with the circus. I'd probably also have the serial killer of the season to be a possessed Circus Clown. So many possibilities here to consider...