FX Networks Plans for FXX Spin-Off Channel

NEW YORK: FX Networks is growing its bouquet to include FXX, a network aimed at young adults, and is also launching its own version of TV Everywhere with FXNow.

With the addition of FXX, FX Networks becomes a three-network suite: FX, FXX and FXM. FXX will be available in 74 million homes. It will initially consist of original comedy series, movies and acquired content, eventually expanding into original drama. All the programming is designed to appeal to the 18-to-34 set.

FX Networks also outlined its increasing development and pilot production slate, more than doubling its current offerings to feature 25 scripted originals across the three networks. The shows Justified, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League and Legit have all been reordered. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and League are actually heading to FXX though. The late night series Totally Biased will start running five nights a week as a strip.

FXNow is a new app that is being launched by FX Networks to create its own TV Everywhere offering for subscribers of FX, FXX and FXM. The platform will be available to authenticated subscribers, allowing viewers to access the programming of any of the FX channels that are part of their current TV lineup. Subscribers can watch programs on FXNow the day after they air, with the five most recent episodes being offered.

John Landgraf, the president and general manager of FX Networks, said, "This is a landmark day in the almost 20-year history of FX Networks. As we add FXX to become a suite of three channels, FX will remain the foundation of the brand, which is why we chose to include it in the names of each of our three networks. We will maintain the exceptional quality associated with the FX brand, a reputation we have established with consumers through our numerous, award-winning hit comedy and drama series for more than a decade.

"With this expansion, FX, FXX and FXM will specifically target one of the three major adult demos, enabling us to focus on creating passionate engagement across the entire range of adult viewers ages 18 to 54. This will enable the FX Networks to deliver more impressions and gain greater reach across all key adult demos without falling into the ‘all things to all people’ pitfall that plagues broadcast television.

"We are embarking on an incredibly ambitious ramp-up of program development and production required to sustain these networks. I’m very confident that the pilots, projects and talent we have deals with will allow us to double our already best-in-class roster of scripted original series over the next several years. Our three-network platform will enable us to achieve even greater goals and solidify our position as a leader in quality scripted original programming."