FX Networks CEO John Landgraf said FX plans to announce soon that “The Americans” will be renewed, and that Louis CK’s break between seasons of “Louie” has paid off with “amazing” new episodes.
Landgraf spoke at an upfront presentation to reporters on Wednesday. He said he has high hopes for “The Americans,” one of the most acclaimed new shows on television.
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“I expect we’ll have a formal Season 3 order announcement soon,” he said of the Cold War spy drama. “We look forward to it being on our schedule for quite some time.”
He said the network also plans a decision soon on whether to renew the comedies “Legit” and “Chozen.”
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“We’re going to let them finish their current seasons and look at their ratings,” he said.
CK asked for a longer break than usual after the third season of “Louie” so that he could make the show “bigger and better,” Landgraf said.
“Remarkably, he did exactly what he said he was going to do,” said Landgraf. “It’s an amazing season of television.”
“Louie” returns for its fourth May 5 after 19 months off. Landgraf said he has seen nine of the new season’s 14 episodes.
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He also discussed “Fargo,” the adaptation of the Coen brothers film that debuts on FX on Tuesday. He noted that it was risky to attempt a TV show inspired by the celebrated film.
“We think ‘Fargo’ fills those big snow shoes,” he said. “It’s one of the best things we’ve ever put on our network.”
Landgraf said that assuming “Fargo” is renewed, each season will stand alone, though all will be set around Fargo, N.D. FX’s other anthology show, “American Horror Story,” introduces a new story and setting each season.
HBO’s “True Detective” is also expected to change locations in its second season. Landgraf, who bid for the series, noted that “True Detective” creator Nic Pizzolatto has said its anthology format was inspired by “American Horror Story.”
More to come…