In a move not surprising to most, FX has gone ahead and solidified their Thursday night summer lineup as the cable network just issued renewals to Louie (13-episode fourth season) and Russell Brand’s late night talker Brand X. The Brand X order was for seven episodes and it remains unclear what the network’s agenda is concerning that.
It is almost a requirement now for legitimate cable network to have some sort of late night offering and that could be the angle FX is swinging with that. Competing only one day a week against many who have loyal day-to-day followings is kind of tough, so perhaps that played a factor in the pickup of more episodes despite less than impressive ratings.
Also announced today from the network was an order of a drama pilot called The Bridge. The show is based on a Scandinavian series about a police investigation following the discovery of a dead body on a bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden. Adapting the U.S. version is Cold Case alumni Meredith Stiehm and Elwood Reid.
Of course, people will automatically think of AMC’s The Killing as that too was based on an overseas series with a similar setup. It is worth noting that it did not work out so well as the show was cancelled just yesterday after two seasons on the air. Perhaps FX might be interested in picking it up now to pair with The Bridge…