fxnetworks.com
I think FX is the best cable TV network out there. They have a great lineup of dramas, comedies, and movies. Plus, their style is really cool and makes watching live programming really fun.
FX's success can be measured through the launch of FX Plus and FX Now, which are two of the most viewed television channels across the United States of America and Canada.
Rebranding is its key to success
Most marketing taglines follow vision-boarding as opposed to accurately reflecting content. However, with FX, that's not the case. It's neither glossy nor dull, it reflects its line-up and that's "Fearless." Before 2013, its slogan was "There Is No Box?" which was changed to "Fearless" to represent its subversive and unflinchingly gritty dramas. Its long slog has enabled it to become one of the harbingers of today's era - a lineup where "The Simpsons" doesn't feel like the ultimate offering.
Diversifying Networks for tailor-made content
In the 1990s, most TV channels had a single channel that was labeled under the same banner. With the advent of HD channels, this changed with the arrival of streaming networks. That's why you can find FX on cable, with satellite TV, and through streaming services like Netflix. You don't have to pay a hefty sum for cable TV when you can easily watch FX through various streaming services.
Disney ownership will strengthen the depth
Since the acquisition by Disney, a lot of speculation has gone around about how FX can be a global streaming giant. However, I don't think that Disney views FX as one of its key assets when it already has Hulu, Disney+, and Movies Anywhere. With Hulu, Disney is actively competing with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. With Disney+, it's looking to create a stronghold in the streaming market and if bundled with any network, FX Networks could make the service look amazing.
John Landgraf recently announced that FX's content, including its streaming programming, will be available on Hulu right after the broadcast. FX Network includes FX for a younger audience, FXX for comedy-oriented audience and FXM as the all-movie channel.
History
FX Networks has been interacting with its users since the early days of the internet. You can obviously remember Tom Bergeron streaming from his studio/apartment in New York back in the day. That was a revolutionary bit of content on a channel where old movies and television shows had plagued the network. Can you believe it? An entire decade with just a handful of notable content and rest just a showreel of past content? Me neither. Which makes us wonder how FX Networks was able to turn its fortunes around?
FX Networks, an independent TV channel, began its journey in 2002 with the show "The Shield." After this show won a number of Golden Globe and Emmy awards, there was no looking back for FX Networks. In less than two decades, Disney completed the acquisition of FX Networks as part of a bigger deal, which made the network ABC's sister branch.
Design
FX Networks website feels like it's speaking to the youth. It's the most dynamic and user-intuitive website I've seen so far. Simple video banners with "impactful display" make scrolling entertaining. I love the subtlety on the home page. Sometimes, you don't need to put everything you have into making the website look awesome. And FX really tries to be minimalistic in its approach. Want to see something which you wouldn't see on most of the streaming sites? Just scroll down till you reach "My List" - that minimal movie titles GIF is one of the most creative bits I've found so far.
A dark pattern is followed on the website with banners that match the backdrop. Similar to Netflix and Stan but better. The homepage has a main banner with slider options and a constantly CTA button which reads "Watch Now?" It is followed by content segregation via categories such as "Featured", "Movies", "Latest Episodes?", "Disney+" subscription plug for obvious reasons, and "My List"?.
I find it amazing that the website's "Browsing Section" has five major subcategories - "Originals?", "Movies?", "Holiday?" and "Hero Collection?" and also "Also Streaming?" However, these four options aren't enough to segregate the content in the best possible manner, which makes choosing what you want to watch feel like a task.
Content
Almost two decades ago, FX became a major player in the Cable TV industry thanks to its innovative content creation. After declaring itself "Fearless," the network began rolling out hit series such as "The Strain," "Fargo," "Sons of Anarchy," "The Americans," and "Justified." These shows defied expectations and quicklybecame some of the most popular on television.
Among these shows, American Horror Story was the biggest hit with 4.654 million viewers. There were five discontinued shows which had 1 million+ viewers (Justified, Anger Management, The Bridge MC and The Feud). Presently, there are five shows which have 1 million+ viewers (American Horror Story, Taboo, Mayans MC, American Crime Story, and Fargo.). These numbers depict the love these shows are getting from 18-48 demographics.
Desktop/Mobile experience
FX Networks is not as rigid as its big brother Fox, and thanks to its acquisition by Disney, it has become more accessible. There are many ways in which you can stream the FX channel. You no longer need to commit to a cable or satellite network and can enjoy its stellar content via streaming services such as Hulu - which makes the FX viewing experience diverse.
I was looking at the website's interface and viewing experience. You get a 30-second clip for each episode, which is like a trailer. The video-watching quality on the website isn't great; however, I didn't find any annoying issues. You can stream from your laptop or smartphone, and that's possible because the network is available on various platforms, such as Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, Sling TV, and AT&T Now.
Plans & Pricing with Compatibility
FX Networks can be viewed by Pay TV, Satellite, or Streaming networks. If you're not into cable TV or satellite, there are alternative ways to stream shows from FX without having to spend hundreds of dollars.
Hulu with Live TV is $40 per month and supports on Roku, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV, Gaming Consoles - Xbox One and Xbox 360, iOS and Android Devices.
Sling TV is a cheap and easy way to watch live and on-demand TV with a variety of platforms. It supports a range of devices, including Oculus Go, Roku, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV, as well as gaming consoles like Xbox One and Xbox 360.
Fubo TV is a subscription service that supports Roku, Amazon Fire, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS devices, and Android devices. It costs $44.99 per month.
YouTube TV is a streaming service that costs $49.99 per month and supports many devices, including Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, Apple TV, Xbox One, iOS, and Android devices.
AT&T now offers a variety of $50-$135 monthly plans that support Roku, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick and Fire Tv, iOS and Android Devices.
Suggestions I have for FX Networks
I don't have a lot of things to say, except that the media on the website can be worked on. Most of the trailers show errors before video playback and that has got to do with membership. I feel that Disney should work on it and improve the video viewing experience on the website.
Conclusion
Unlike other channels that are just available via Cable or Satellite TV networks, FX is a versatile and efficient way to stream. You can use it on multiple platforms, including your computer, phone, and tablet. It's compatible with most devices and works well.