Opinion: FX is Today's Best Television Channel
Victoria Stuewe ’20 / Emertainment Monthly Assistant Movies Editor
It’s safe to say that people are watching live television less and less over the past few years, favoring streaming and premium services over networks and cable. Because of this, great series are being overlooked by shows like Game of Thrones or Orange is the New Black. While these are phenomenal shows, the TV channel FX has even more to offer. Their completely underrated shows are arguably some of the best produced shows of all time, acclaimed by critics but unseen by wide audiences.
Thankfully, FX has recently been recognized by the Emmys and Golden Globes; however, it still needs more attention. Their content is incredibly unique and extremely well done, but it simply doesn’t have the crowd it deserves. With dramas like The Americans and American Crime Story, comedies like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Archer, and sci-fi and horror shows like Legion and American Horror Story, FX has just about everything to offer. And they do it right every time.
While FX’s limited and anthology series seem to be consistent with their wins, as Fargo and American Crime Story have been rampantly successful, The Americans are constantly – and dreadfully – snubbed, until, thankfully, last year, when the show was finally nominated, along with stars Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys. The spy drama has been noted by many critics as being one of the best dramas on air right now – in fact, it has been voted as TV Program of the Year by AFI for the past four years in a row. And yet, the only wins they’ve received from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences were for Margo Martindale, who received two Best Guest Actress Awards. With captivating writing and increasingly fantastic and suspenseful episodes, The Americans should finally receive something for their efforts.
Over the past year, though, FX has gained momentum with other shows like Atlanta, which is looking to be nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series, especially after its notable run in this year’s Golden Globes. Donald Glover’s new passion project gives a new view of Atlanta and allows some drama to enter the comedy, putting heart in an otherwise great comedy series. Glover and the rest of the cast have great chemistry, proving FX has strength even in comedy.
Even when FX is nominated, HBO trumps it with the main lead for nominations. FX should not only be nominated for its limited series, but also for its drama and comedy series. Being underrated, people don’t choose to see these deserving shows and end up missing out on some of the best writing and performances on television. Though it might be hard to believe, every show in its lineup never ceases to impress from season to season, making FX one of the best channels on modern TV.