FX: The Rising Star

By Brian Frosti on August 3, 2014

image via sciencefiction.com

When you think of premier television a few channels spring to mind–HBO, Showtime, etc.–but lately there have been a few new ones making a push to critical relevance.

Leading the charge has been AMC, a former movie rerun channel that is now home to “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad,” and next year “Better Call Saul,” and FX.

But while AMC has lost its top two shows this year, FX is pushing full steam ahead with quality show after quality show; and they’re finding these gems in unconventional ways.

FX is primarily known for its comedies. The network is home to many fan favorites such as “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “The League,” “Wilfred” and “Archer.”

These programs are perennially among the funniest and smartest on television but for the most part haven’t received much critical acclaim, in the form of awards at least. Although, the network is also home to critical darlings “Louie” and “Justified.”

Apparently the success of “Justified” has inspired FX to seek out more dramas for the network’s airtime. These dramas are all unique stories and all bring an added dimension to FX’s programming, while the comedies are being moved to FX’s new partner network FXX.

The dramas of note are “American Horror Story,” “The Americans” and freshman shows “Fargo,” “Tyrant” and “The Strain.”

The only standard drama in the bunch is “The Americans,” which has been critically lauded in its own right, but every other show is created to exploit a more open category or market; and it’s these types of shows that are driving FX up the ladder of premier networks.

The most famous show on the list is “American Horror Story.”

The anthology series is noted not only for its continued quality but for its categorization as a miniseries. Unlike a common miniseries, “AHS” returns each and every year, but does so with new characters and a new horrifying setting.

This constant change keeps the series out of the highly competitive drama category at the Emmys and Golden Globes and allows it to rack up wins and nominations each year as a miniseries. This formula serves as a massive PR push for FX as it allows the network to proclaim itself home to an award winner.

Image via seriable.com

This formula worked so well the network decided to do it again, this time with “Fargo.”

The freshman series is loosely based off the movie of the same name, while taking influences from many other Coen Brothers pictures like “No Country for Old Men.”

In its inaugural season “Fargo” was nominated for an impressive 10 Emmys, including best writing, two for best directing, two for best lead actor, best supporting actor, best supporting actress, and best miniseries.

Whether any of these nominations turn into wins is another story, but it’s an impressive haul already. “Fargo” has been already been renewed for another season to where it hopes to recapture the magic and cement its place as the next “AHS.”

But while those two shows have the alternative category covered, two more new shows take on an alternative airdate.

“The Strain” and “Tyrant” have taken summer by storm. Summer programming is primarily known for being all about fun and not necessarily quality. It’s usually a season dominated by networks like TNT and USA with shows like “Falling Skies,” “Rizzoli and Isles,” “Royal Pains” and “Suits.”

These shows all have their fan bases and can be great entertainment, but are in no danger of winning any awards. But then there’s FX’s summer programs.

Tyrant” has shocked the world by being decisively brutal and provoking. It tells the story of an American family caught up in the schemes of a tyrannical ruler in the “turbulent” Middle East. In a summer of fluff and fun, “Tyrant” is shocking and dark in the best way possible.

Though as good as “Tyrant” is, its companion is more hyped. “The Strain” is based on the best-selling books by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan and is produced by Del Toro.

This dark thriller pins CDC doctors against an “ancient and evil” strain of vampirism. Del Toro wrote these books after failing to get his idea picked up as a series, but now he has his chance and is taking full advantage of it.

Thus far, “The Strain” is the most captivating summer program I’ve ever seen and should ride its impressive cast, led by Cory Stoll (“House of Cards”), through an exciting and eventful summer season.

Each and every show mentioned in this article is nothing short of great television. From the comedies to the dramas, the miniseries to the standard programming, FX has led the charge of network improvement and should be considered a top provider of content for years to come.

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