Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
If you’re talking about great TV in 2018, then you’re inevitably going to mention FX. This year the cable network walked away with 50 Emmy nominees, putting it right behind Netflix, HBO, and NBC when it comes to receiving the most nominations. From The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story and Atlanta to Archer and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, FX has been responsible for some of the most critically acclaimed and beloved shows in modern TV history. Which is why it’s so frustrating that many of these series are difficult to stream.
Streaming struggles aren’t a problem that’s exclusive to FX. Every cable network deals with them in some way. But because FX is responsible for so many shows in the zeitgeist, their streaming absence can feel more apparent. As Decider has covered before, the inconsistent collection of FX shows on streaming largely has to do with timing.
FX Networks currently has the in-season stacking rights to all of its original series. That means FX owns the rights to every episode in a current season, which is different from other networks that often only have access to the “rolling five” — the last five episodes that appeared on TV. Once a season of an FX original comes to an end, FX has the streaming rights to that original for a month and a half, or 45 days.
This is when things start to get complicated. Following those 45 days, these seasons then enter what’s known as a blackout period, meaning the season is only available through Video On Demand (VOD) and home entertainment. The blackout period typically lasts anywhere from seven to nine months, but it can last longer. Currently Season 2 of Atlanta, Season 3 of Baskets, American Horror Story: Cult, and the Versace season of American Crime Story are likely in this blackout phase. After that phase comes to an end and depending on the deals FX has made with various streaming platforms, a season of an FX show may then appear on Hulu, Netflix, back on FXNOW, or even exclusively on FX+. For example, all episodes of Snowfall are currently on FXNOW, but FEUD: Bette and Joan is an FX+ exclusive.
What is FX+, you may ask? There was a time when it was impossible for you to stream all of FX’s shows in one place. That was remedied in September of 2017 when FX unveiled its streaming service, FX+. The paid subscription service lets subscribers stream almost every FX show without commercials. However, at the moment FX+ isn’t a standalone service. It’s only available to Infinity and Contour cable members as a $5.99 a month upgrade.
But television in 2018 is a bit like the wild west. It’s not uncommon for TV fanatics to also be cable cutters, and there are plenty of paying cable subscribers who can’t access FX+. If you fall into either of these camps, don’t worry. Below is our guide to how you can stream all of FX’s current shows. The bottom line? If you have a Hulu account and a cable log in, you can stream almost everything.
'American Crime Story' (Seasons 1-2)
In his second anthology series, Ryan Murphy set his sights from fiction to reality. Each season of this series covers a different crime from American history that rocked our country to its core. Season 1, The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, is currently on Netflix. Season 2, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, is currently only available for digital purchase.
Where to stream The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Where to stream The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
'American Horror Story' (Seasons 1-7)
Ryan Murphy’s horror anthology series helped launch the trend of spectacular limited series. Each season follows a different horrific story about the dark side of America as told through a revolving roster of esteemed actors. Seasons 1 through 6 are available to stream on Netflix and Hulu. Season 7, better known as American Horror Story: Cult, is available to stream on FX+ or for digital purchase.
'Archer' (Seasons 1-6)
For nine seasons Adam Reed’s animated spy comedy has been cashing in on catchphrases and making us laugh. Archer follows a group of highly competent and very sassy sometimes spies, sometimes secret agents as they go on movie-inspired misadventures. The series moved from FX to FXX in 2017. Seasons 1 through 8 are available on Hulu and FX+. Season 9, known as Archer Dreamland, is streaming on FXNOW and FX+.
'Atlanta' (Seasons 1-2)
Created by Donald Glover, this dark comedy about the rap scene and life in Atlanta has quickly become an awards favorite. Also starring Lakeith Stanfield, Brian Tyree Henry, and Zazie Beetz, Atlanta is as brutally honest as it is funny. Season 1 is currently on Hulu and FX+. Season 2 is only available to stream on FX+ or through digital purchase.
'Baskets' (Seasons 1-3)
Zach Galifianakis’ depressed clown show may be one of the oddest and heart-warming stories on television. Starring Louie Anderson and Martha Kelly, this comedy is just as much about lost dreams as it is about rodeos. Seasons 1 and 2 are currently on Hulu and FX+. Season 3 is only available to stream on FX+ or through digital purchase.
'Better Things' (Seasons 1-2)
Created by and starring Pamela Adlon, this comedy proves that raising children can be a living nightmare. The emotional and overtly feminist dramedy follows single mother Sam (Adlon) as she raises her three daughters. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Hulu and FX+.
'Fargo' (Seasons 1-3)
Created by Noah Hawley, this series takes the world of the infamous Coen brothers movie and uses it to tell a different story every seasons. The characters, actors, and one-liners may be different, but Fargo‘s love of crime never changes. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Hulu. Season 3 is available for digital purchase.
'FEUD' (Season 1)
Much like American Crime Story, this Murphy series is all about recreating reality. Each season recreats an epic feud that has changed history. Currently the series’ one season, FEUD: Bette and Joan, is only available to stream on FX+ or available for digital purchase.
'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' (Seasons 1-13)
The gang’s all here. Starring Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson, and Danny DeVito, this show about the worst bartenders in Philly was hilarious when it was on FX, and it’s still hilarious now that it’s on FXX. Seasons 1 through 12 are currently available to stream on Hulu and FX+.
'Legion' (Seasons 1-2)
Created by Noah Hawley and starring Dan Stevens, Aubrey Plaza, and Jermaine Clement, Legion may be the trippiest show to ever grace television. The series follows David Haller, better known as the Marvel superhero Legion, as he navigates the murky waters between his superpowers, his internal battles, and his own mental illness. Currently Season 1 is streaming on Hulu. Season 2 is on FXNOW, FX+, and available for digital purchase.
'Pose' (Seasons 1-2)
Ryan Murphy’s latest FX series is nothing short of revolutionary. Pose tells a romantic story set against ball culture of the 1980s. The critically acclaimed freshman drama also features the largest transgender cast to ever lead a series. Currently it’s streaming on FNNOW, FX+, and available for digital purchase.
'Snowfall' (Seasons 1-2)
John Singleton’s epic drama about the rise of crack in Los Angeles is one of the richest crime dramas currently on television. The series follows the intersecting stories of four characters — 19-year-old drug dealer Franklin Saint (Damson Idris), CIA agent Teddy McDonald (Carter Hudson), Mexican luchador El Oso (Sergio Peris-Mencheta), and crime ring heiress Lucia (Emily Rios). Currently Seasons 1 and 2 are on FXNOW and FX+.
'Taboo' (Seasons 1-2)
This Steven Knight crime drama is all about reminding you that the 1800s were gritty as heck. The series stars James Delaney (Hardy), a traveler who returns home to England after exploring Africa for 14 years. Currently it’s streaming on FX+ and available for digital purchase.
'Trust' (Season 1)
Created by Simon Beaufoy, this one-season limited series dedicated its 10-episode run to retelling the Getty family’s saga. Starring Donald Sutherland and Hillary Swank, the gritty and stylish drama detailed the real-life kidnapping of John Paul Getty III. Season 1 is available to stream on FXNOW and FX+, but you better hurry. It expires from FXNOW on July 26.
'You're the Worst' (Seasons 1-4)
Not every relationship starts as a fairy tale romance. Starring Aya Cash and Chris Geere, this critically-beloved comedy tells the story of two people who are terrible in every way but still make it work. Seasons 1 through 4 are currently available to stream on Hulu and FX+.
