Finding a favorite movie to watch or critically-acclaimed original series to binge is much easier when you know exactly where to look in your cable lineup. For FX, as well as sister stations FXX and FXM under the FX Networks umbrella, having the right channel number handy saves you time and frustration flipping through your DirecTV guide.
This in-depth guide will give you the channel location along with an expert-level understanding of the FX brand and its 30+ year journey to becoming a leader in edgy, risk-taking original programming. Whether you‘re a longtime fan or casual viewer, read on to learn all about locating FX Networks and what you‘ll find on each channel.
A Brief History of FX
Let‘s rewind to the beginning and see how the network evolved over three decades through key milestones:
June 1994 – FX is launched by 20th Century Fox to compete with other upstart premium cable outlets like HBO and Showtime
Mid 90s – The initial format fails to resonate with strange interactive shows like Breakfast Time and Personal fX
1997 Relaunch – With reruns of Fox network shows and acquired movies/sports, FX starts finding an identity
Early 2000s – FX makes its mark with groundbreaking original dramas like The Shield, Nip/Tuck and Rescue Me
2010s – More hit series cement FX‘s reputation for fearless, acclaimed original programming
2019 – FX Networks comes under Disney ownership after 20th Century Fox merger
Across leadership changes and industry shifts, FX has stuck to its renegade positioning as a home for envelope-pushing originals you can‘t find anywhere else on the cable landscape.
FX‘s Brand Identity and Strategy
So what makes FX stand apart in a crowded marketplace of 500+ channels? Since breaking out with provocative hour-long dramas in the 2000s, FX has cultivated a brand identity centered around taking creative risks that pay dividends both critically and commercially.
While supporting experimentation from visionary showrunners like Ryan Murphy (American Horror Story) and Donald Glover (Atlanta), FX executives have also demonstrated a keen eye for spotting emerging talent and new genres overlooked by competitors.
FX makes programming choices based on artistic merit rather than traditional metrics, believing that putting quality first will drive viewership and financial success. This strategy has allowed FX to remain relevant with critics, award shows and fans even as viewer behavior shifts to streaming.
Locating FX and Sister Networks on DirecTV
Thanks to FX‘s enduring brand equity accumulated over decades of buzzworthy originals, you‘re sure to find something fascinating playing on the flagship network or its sister stations any night of the week. Here‘s where to easily locate each channel in your DirecTV lineup:
| Network | Channel # |
|---|---|
| FX | 248 |
| FXX | 259 |
| FXM | 258 |
So enter channel 248 for FX, 259 for FXX and 258 for FXM directly on your DirecTV remote whenever the need for a captivating original series or favorite theatrical film strikes. Now let‘s explore what type of programming you‘re likely to find on each network.
FX Primetime Programming
As the flagship outlet tied to viewer perceptions of the overall FX Networks brand, the FX linear channel devotes its primetime hours to critically-acclaimed original series and boundary-pushing acquired content.
FX Original Series
FX has packed its programming slate with hit originals across genres reflecting the network‘s renegade brand identity. Current popular FX originals include:
- Atlanta – Donald Glover‘s inventive dramedy mines systemic issues confronting Black Americans through the lens of music culture
- American Horror Story – Ryan Murphy‘s horror anthology completely reinvents itself with new settings, eras and casts each season
- What We Do In The Shadows – Mockumentary comedy based on the film follows Staten Island vampire roommates struggling in the modern world
- The Old Man – Jeff Bridges stars as a former CIA operative living off-the-grid forced to confront his dangerous past
With recent hits like The Bear and an active development pipeline, FX remains committed to attracting today‘s top creative talent and giving them wide latitude to execute ambitious projects.
Acquired Series
In addition to signature originals central to the brand, FX has carved out room for acquired series including:
- Family Guy – Seth MacFarlane‘s long-running adult animated Fox comedy gaining new life in syndication
- Mom – Recently concluded CBS sitcom starring Anna Faris and Allison Janney airing same-week reruns
Such compatible acquisitions appeal to FX‘s core demo while providing fresh content between originals.
Movies
With a name tied back to 20th Century Fox, movies remain a staple of FX programming. Catch major theatrical films across action, comedy and drama genres from the last 5 years like Baby Driver, The King‘s Man and Free Guy playing nearly 24/7.
FXX Primetime Programming
While FX may have the flashier brand cachet, sister network FXX operates as an always-entertaining workhorse outlet under the FX umbrella. The channel essentially runs long blocks of acquired animated and live-action comedies all day, sprinkled in among a few key original series.
FXX Original Series
You can still find FX Networks‘ signature offbeat comedic voice shining through a select crop of FXX original hits:
- It‘s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – Long-running ensemble comedy about narcissistic pals with little awareness or morality
- Archer – Animated spy spoof featuring the world‘s most inappropriate secret agent Sterling Archer
- Dave – Recent comedy from rapper Dave Burd about an aspiring hip-hop artist
While volume of originals is lower than FX, FXX provides reliable homes for unique shows unlikely to thrive elsewhere.
Acquired Series
The acquired series really power FXX‘s engine, airing in stacked blocks all afternoon, evening and late night. Syndicated animation is king here with both longtime hits and relative newcomers cyclically playing for hours on end:
- The Simpsons
- Family Guy
- Bob‘s Burgers
- King of the Hill
- Futurama
- Solar Opposites
- Praise Petey
It adds up to pretty much a constant stream of animated hilarity tailor-made for multi-episode binge sessions.
FXM Programming
Rounding out the trio, FXM offers a decidedly different viewing experience than FX and FXX. As evident from the extra "M" in its name, movies make up nearly the entire schedule on this channel.
FXM Movies
Rather than divide hours between originals, acquired series and films, FXM fills its 24/7 slate almost exclusively with major theatrical releases spanning classics, big hits, forgotten gems and genre staples:
- Alien (1979)
- True Lies (1994)
- The Abyss (1989)
- The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
- Minority Report (2002)
- The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
From critically-acclaimed Oscar winners to explosive action thrill rides, you‘ll find 70s blockbusters rubbing shoulders with contemporary favorites across the eclectic film catalog airing in rotation. FXM provides the perfect movie night solution for cinephiles who still enjoy catching films the old-fashioned linear way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some lingering questions about FX Networks? These FAQs should help clarify the past, present and future standing of FX within basic cable‘s competitive landscape.
How did FX originally plan to compete with HBO and other premium channels?
Back in 1994, FX attempted to stand apart from dominant pay channels like HBO and Showtime through interactive series incorporating viewer requests and on-screen participation. Shows had names like Personal fX, Morning Show with Peter Mehlman and Sound FX. But this innovative approach ended up alienating mainstream viewers.
Why has FX mostly moved comedies to FXX in recent years?
As FX developed a respected niche with cinematic, award-winning dramas and limited/anthology series, less program real estate remained for boundary-pushing comedies also seeking attention. Transferring shows like It‘s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Archer over to FXX allowed FX to lean heavier into promoting breakout original hour-long series carrying significant cultural weight.
Beyond linear channels, can FX programs be found on streaming?
Absolutely. FX has set up a dedicated streaming hub dubbed FX on Hulu housing current and legacy shows. That makes Hulu the official SVOD home for FX originals including American Horror Story, Atlanta, What We Do In The Shadows and many more. New episodes typically arrive on FX on Hulu the day after airing on the linear FX channel.
Does FX face stiffer competition for attention in today‘s crowded TV environment?
FX has held up extraordinarily well in the face of mounting competition from basic cable rivals and streaming outlets. Thanks to an unwavering commitment to quality over chasing traditional metrics like ratings, FX maintains extremely high awareness and relevance with critics, industry creatives and fervent fans willing to turn up live or catch shows on delay.
The cutting-edge FX brand forged over decades still carries tremendous cachet leading networks scramble to emulate even a slice.
So while the sheer volume of viewing options expands exponentially, FX‘s foundation on a bedrock of artistic risk-taking original storytelling makes the network essential in any television package for discerning audiences.
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