FX Networks has begun its initial rollout of FXNOW, the new advertiser-supported "TV Everywhere" app for FX, FXX and FXM.
Through the FXNOW app, authenticated subscribers of participating MVPDs (multichannel video programming distributors) will be able to access one of four combinations of the
FX suite of channels anytime, anywhere through the internet or on mobile/portable devices. FXNOW is not available on an a la carte basis.
ACCESS AND DISTRIBUTION
The level of access to each channel on FXNOW is contingent upon which
FX channels subscribers receive with their cable, satellite or telco package. A subscriber who receives FX,
FXX and FXM will have full access to all three network portals on the FXNOW app and at some point in 2014, the FXNOW app will add live streaming capability to each of the three networks.
As of publication, FXNOW will be available to roughly 50% of
FX subscribers nationally. Of note, at launch, major MVPDs who are on board for the FXNOW service include AT&T U-verse(R), Cablevision's Optimum TV, Comcast, Suddenlink and WOW!, along with many other providers, and other MVPDs scheduled for next year. FXNOW is currently available for download through iOS devices (iPhone and iPad), Xbox One and Windows 8 (tablet and desktop). FXNOW authenticated content will also be available at FXNetworks.com. It will be available for Android, Xbox 360, Roku and Samsung devices in second quarter of 2014.
ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING
FXNOW will feature access to every original series from
FX and FXX. Below are the
FX Networks' original series that will be available on FXNOW - some with complete current season stacking rights up to 35 days after a prior season's finale, and some with a five-episode rollout (five episodes of the current season at one time would be available).
FX Dramas
Sons of Anarchy, Justified, The Americans. The Bridge, Tyrant (June), The Strain (July)
FX Comedies
Louie, Archer, Chozen
FX Miniseries
American Horror Story: Coven, Fargo (April 15)
FXX Comedies
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, Wilfred, Legit, Ali G: Rezurection (2014)
MOVIE LIBRARY
One of the most significant and important programming components of FXNOW is its exclusive library of hit contemporary feature films. The FXNOW non-linear movie offering will feature 45-60 titles per month; five will be available to subscribers of FX, and the remaining titles will be available to FXM subscribers. In aggregate, FXNOW will present at least 165 titles in calendar 2014, and more than 200 titles in calendar 2015 and beyond.
FX Networks is the dominant movie buyer in basic cable and has increased its movie buying power to corner the market for hit films that gross more than $100 million in domestic box office revenue. For 2013 releases,
FX Networks will hold the rights to more than two-thirds of such titles.
These movies are exclusive to both
FX Networks on a linear basis and FXNOW non-linearly against any commercial, premium or pay network, or subscription video-on-demand service (SVOD).
THE SIMPSONS
Beginning in August of 2014, FXNOW will be the exclusive non-linear home for all seasons of The Simpsons, excluding seasons airing in their first run on FOX. FXNOW will get subsequent seasons of
The Simpsons as new seasons begin their first run on FOX. For example, beginning in August 2014,
FXX will have access to 24 seasons (530 episodes) of the series. Beginning in September 2014,
FXX will have access to the 25th season of The Simpsons, when season 26 debuts on FOX.
FXNOW will create a special environment that will serve as a home to the ultimate curation of all things Simpsons.
FX Networks will announce details at a later date.
ACQUIRED SERIES AND 10/90s
Anger Management, Mike & Molly (September), Saint George (2014), Braddock & Jackson (2014)
OPERATIONS, MARKETING AND DESIGN
John Landgraf, CEO,
FX Networks and
FX Productions, Chuck Saftler, President, Program Strategy and COO of
FX Networks, and Stephanie Gibbons, President, Marketing and On-Air Promotions will oversee FXNOW. The "soft launch" of FXNOW, will be followed by a more aggressive marketing campaign as the app launches on new platforms and attains greater distribution. FXNetworks.com will also undergo a full site redesign to serve as a brand extension of FXNOW.
FX Networks partnered with leading digital agencies in order to create the FXNOW experience, including Huge on strategy, user experience and visual design, and Ensemble, Chaotic Moon, Diamond Web Services, and Blitz Digital Studios on technology and development.
About
FX Networks
FX Networks, a business unit of 21 Century Fox, is comprised of FX, FXM, and its newest channel, FXX. Launched in June of 1994,
FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable channel, which is carried in more than 97 million homes. Its diverse schedule features a growing roster of critically-acclaimed and award-winning hit dramas, including Sons of Anarchy, Justified, The Americans, and critically acclaimed new drama The Bridge; the miniseries American Horror Story; and the acclaimed hit comedy series Louie, Archer and Wilfred. Its library of acquired box-office hit movies is unmatched by any commercial television network. FX's roster of acquired hit series includes Two and a Half Men,
Anger Management and, coming in 2014, Mike & Molly. FXX, which launched on September 2, 2013, is carried in more than 70 million homes. Its schedule features original series, movies, and acquired series. The channel is anchored by the acclaimed hit comedies It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,
The League and Legit. FXM was launched in October of 1994 and is now carried in more than 50 million homes. Its schedule features classic films during the day, and contemporary box office hits and acclaimed, award-winning films in the evening, as well as short-form award-winning original programming. Over the next several years, FX,
FXX and FXM will undergo an ambitious programming expansion, with the three networks combining to deliver more than 25 original scripted series.
