Today the FX network had their upfront presentation, and in addition to renewing shows like Justified, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League and Legit, they also announced an all-new channel which will serve as the home for some of their series.

The new network is FXX, and it's slated to launch on September 2nd this fall in 74 million homes. Upon launch, the network will now be the premiere home for new seasons of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League and Legit.

The mission of FXX is to gear programming to the coveted younger adult demographic of 18-49-year-olds. It will start with the aforementioned original comedy series in addition to comedy movies, and slowly build towards including new drama series as well. This will allow FX to increase the number of drama series on their roster, also start new limited series (like the recently greenlit Fargo series) and even some miniseries as well.

More specifically, the channel will have four scripted comedy series within the first year, and they'll eventually move up to six before beginning their focus on dramas and late night shows. Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell will be one of those shows and it will also expand to five nights a week. That likely means Russell Brand's show Brand X will make the move as well, but we're not sure.

Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell

Since the network will start with that comedy foundation, we're thinking Archer is that fourth comedy series, and maybe Wilfred will join the mix as well. Both are FX comedy staples easily geared towards that key demographic. Archer was already renewed, and Wilfred also picked up a third season, so it's likely only a matter of time until we hear about those shows heading to FXX.

This is quite an interesting move for FX, but their penchant for finding unique and stellar programming - both in drama and comedy series - has given them quite the slate to organize, and another channel makes that much easier. It reminds me of how Time Warner rebranded TBS and TNT, one with a focus on comedy and the other more on drama.

FXNOW

In addition, the network has also revealed a new VOD platform appropriately called FXNOW, which will make all original programming from FX and FXX available the morning following the premiere. This includes VOD through cable providers, a new FX app (for iTunes, Android, XBOX, etc.), the FX website and other approved outlets' streaming providers like Xfinity TV and more.

That mention of FXM, in case you weren't aware, is FX's standalone movie channel, and as you can see they'll continue to beef up their roster of films and make that a big part of their VOD line-up to compete with Netflix and Amazon (though their selection obviously pales in comparison).

It sounds like FX has a lot of exciting changes and ideas coming down the road, and we'll likely be hearing more about these new series endeavors and scheduling changes later this summer as the launch of the network gets closer. Stay tuned for anymore updates.

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Source: FX