The hit FX series "American Horror Story" will return on Wednesday night for its highly-anticipated second season "Asylum."  The latest plot will revolve around the Briarcliff Manor Sanitarium in New England.

"Shakespeare in Love's" Joseph Fiennes and judge of "The Voice" Adam Levine will come on board in new roles.  The series will also welcome back stars Jessica Lange (Sister Jude) and Zachary Quinto (Dr. Oliver Thredson) for the upcoming installment, amongst other notables.

Quinto spoke to OTRC about the differences between the first season and the upcoming one.

"I think if last season was about the breakdown of family, this season is about the breakdown of sanity," he said. " What is sanity?  What is real?  What is demonic?  What is evil?  All of that stuff.  It's pretty uncompromising and really, really relentless, so that's what I love about it."

According to FX Networks, "Asylum" will take place in 1964 at a "church-run haven for the criminally insane."  Within the asylum, Sister Jude, a nun with a checkered past, "rules with an iron fist." However, Jude's intimidating presence pales in comparison to what else is lurking within the confines of the haunted sanitarium.

In an "Inside the Asylum" video, "American Horror Story" Executive Producer Dante DiLoreto gave his take on what lies ahead for the series.

"This season of 'American Horror Story' is the sexiest, scariest thrill ride I have ever read," he explained.

According to the International Business Times, Evan Peters (Tate) commented on the differences he sees in his character's development and how he felt about it.

"It's different because instead of torturing people, I'm the one being tortured ...and I got to say, I don't like it," he said.

"American Horror Story" will air on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 10 p.m. ET on the FX network. The premiere was directed by Bradley Buecker and written by Tim Minear.

Tags: American Horror Story Jessica Lange