Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk for the cable network FX, the series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television.

[24] Lily Rabe and Frances Conroy portrayed series regulars Misty Day and Myrtle Snow, respectively.

In an interview, LuPone said that her character, Joan Ramsey, would not be a witch but "the personification of the religious right, 'like Piper Laurie in Carrie.

'"[30] Gabourey Sidibe appeared in 12 episodes of the season portraying Queenie, a young witch, whose prominent ability allows her to become a human voodoo doll.

In July and August 2013, Murphy announced through Twitter that Murder House actors Denis O'Hare and Alexandra Breckenridge had joined the cast in unknown roles, later known as Spalding and Kaylee, respectively.

[32][33] Also in August, Murphy announced that Christine Ebersole would be playing a "Glinda the Good Witch-type of gal", who is Fiona's predecessor.

[34] In an interview, Jessica Lange revealed that Mare Winningham had joined the cast as Peters' character's mother, Alicia Spencer.

[37] Danny Huston, Josh Hamilton, and Lance Reddick all recurred throughout the season as the Axeman, Hank Foxx, and Papa Legba, respectively.

"[40] Despite Ryan Murphy stating that the third season would take place in multiple cities,[17] New Orleans is the primary setting of the third installment.

[18] The Buckner Mansion, a 19th-century Greek Revival home in the Garden District neighborhood of New Orleans, was used for exterior shots of Miss Robichaux's Academy.

[41][42][43] Similar to the prior seasons, FX published mini teaser trailers for Coven on the show's Facebook page.

The site's consensus reads, "A noteworthy ensemble cast combined with creepy storytelling and campy, outrageous thrills make American Horror Story: Coven a potently structured fright-fest.

It's been called out as glorified slave-torture porn in the US, and it's important that Madame LeLaurie's storyline comes full circle, and that slavery is handled in a responsible way.

"[53] Some critics, like Amanda Kay LeBlanc, state that the series is ineffective in completely opposing the ideas of racism, oppression, and racial conflict that are integral to Coven's conception.

Whiteness is central in Coven, operating through discourse that ignores racial difference and contemporary forms of oppression and erasure.

"[55] She additionally argues that Coven excessively depends on and uses the imagery of violence against black people for entertainment and plot progression.