FX is already off to a great start this fall, premiering two insightful and groundbreaking comedy-drama hybrids within days of each other. First there was Atlanta, which is unfolding over the Southern city’s lush landscapes and creator Donald Glover’s soundscapes. It features a predominantly black cast and writers room, which is practically unheard of in television. And what’s more—it’s hilarious. Then the network debuted Pamela Adlon’s Better Things, a funny and honest look at a reasonable facsimile of Adlon’s life as a single mom and working actor. Adlon co-created the series, and also writes and produces it, in addition to leading the cast.
And all that hard work’s paying off, as Better Things is a hit, especially with young women viewers between 18-34. For its part, Atlanta’s premiere was the the most-watched debut in basic-cable primetime scripted comedy over the last three years. And we can look forward to seeing more of Earn Marks and Sam Fox—not together, though that could be a fun crossover?—as FX has just renewed both series. Atlanta and Better Things each has a ten-episode season two order, and a new episode premiering this week. Paper Boi and Earn will iron out some of the details of their arrangement, while Sam brings a new fella home to meet her kids and her mom, where nothing can possiblie go wrong.