While many channels now have schedules that mostly consist of reruns, syndicated shows, and licensed movies, there is one that has maintained the qua
While many channels now have schedules that mostly consist of reruns, syndicated shows, and licensed movies, there is one that has maintained the quality that was achieved in the golden era of cable television — FX.
It took a while for FX to hit its stride with original programming. Once it picked up comedies, including Archer and The League, along with the dramas Sons of Anarchy and The Americans, the channel was doing well. However, with the downfall of other similar channels, the future for FX was far from certain. Between the rise of streaming and Disney’s purchase of FX’s parent company, things looked pretty shaky for a moment, but thankfully, disaster has been averted.
FX has had to do a lot to sustain itself, but between smart programming decisions, a partnership with Hulu, and a bit of luck, the channel has continued to thrive. FX is in the news a lot at the moment with its surprise hit, The Bear, new hilarious seasons of What We Do in the Shadows and Reservation Dogs, and the endings of both Atlanta and Better Things, so let’s take a look at what has made it a modern success.
FX Maintains a Consistent Tone
With the current glut of platforms churning out more content than ever before, being a TV fan can quickly get overwhelming. Additionally, the increased output volume also means the number of lackluster shows to wade through has become even larger.
However, FX has done a great job with curation. Almost everything it has a hand in creating is entertaining, but FX shows also often have a certain feel. Their sophisticated series are always innovative and often mix comedy and drama in compelling ways, with a dash of magical realism for good measure. While they might not have the high budgets or production quality as a premium cable channel, their original programming never feels lacking in substance or style.
FX seems to be one of the few platforms at the moment with a specific brand, outside specialist options like The Criterion Channel and Mubi. While other places try (and, at times, fail) to appeal to everyone, FX makes shows for its specific audience.
Platforming Marginalized Voices
FX has also been a champion of promoting diversity behind and in front of the camera. Shows like Atlanta and Better Things brought Black and female perspectives onto televisions where they were, and still are, sorely needed. The network also gave Donald Glover and Pamela Adlon the freedom to create genre-bending works that allowed them to authentically share their points of view. These two showrunners took advantage of the opportunity afforded to them by FX and made programs that refused to be restrained by any preconceived notions of what a “Black” or “woman’s” show looked like.
As both Atlanta and Better Things are ending this year, this torch is now carried on by the incredibly funny and affecting Reservation Dogs. Since Atlanta and Better Things premiered in 2016, things have gotten better for Black and female representation, even if things are still far from perfect. However, few places are promoting indigenous voices to the same degree. Thankfully, Sterlin Harjo’s magnificent show is a step in the right direction and showcases the experiences of modern Native Americans in a way that many people have never seen before.
FX Mixes Established IP With New Ideas
While its truly original programming is remarkable, FX has also made wise use of adapting established existing intellectual properties onto the small screen. In particular, Noah Hawley has been a fantastic partner with FX, starting with his adaptation of the Coen Brothers’ Fargo. What could’ve been an unnecessary addition to a complete film became must-watch television thanks to Hawley and his team, along with an outstanding cast. Hawley also created the underrated Legion for the network, which provided a unique and trippy take on the X-Men. Between these two series and an upcoming Aliens show, FX’s decision to hire Hawley was one of their best.
Hawley’s not the only one creating great adaptations for FX, however. What We Do in the Shadows, based on the 2014 mockumentary of the same name, has proven to be a hit for the network. The show, created by Jemaine Clement, who co-wrote the film with Taika Waititi, is just as good, if not better, than its already humorous source material. FX’s willingness to revive seemingly one-and-done indie films has been surprisingly effective, leading to shows that are as enjoyable as any of the original pitches the network has bought and developed.
At the end of the day, FX is just a business with the primary goal of making money for an even bigger corporation. This is important to remember because its quality programming is almost incidental to that goal. If the channel fails to create revenue, there’s a good chance it won’t continue to exist in its current form for long. However, it’s worth celebrating that, at least for the time being, their profit motives align with some of the greatest artists working right now. That could change anytime, but we should cherish it while it lasts. Even when that shift inevitably arrives, the joy we’ve already gotten from these stories can never be erased.
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