The 15 Best FX Original Series of All Time

Adapted from Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's 2014 film, the 2019 FX series What We Do in the Shadows, a mockumentary following four ancient vampires and their human familiar struggling with the mundane challenges of modern life on Staten Island, was met with universal critical acclaim and consistently hailed as one of the funniest and most clever comedies on television. Reviewers praised the show for successfully translating the movie's deadpan, absurdist humor while expanding its mythological world in brilliant new ways.

The perfectly matched ensemble cast, led by Kayvan Novak (Nandor), Matt Berry (Laszlo), Natasia Demetriou (Nadja), Harvey Guillén (Guillermo), and Mark Proksch (Colin Robinson), was almost universally cited as the key to the show's success. Many critics even argued that the series managed to surpass its cult-classic source material in sheer comedic brilliance. Ultimately spanning six seasons, the series would close the coffin for good in 2024. 

"A smart, funny sitcom that I could easily see running for years. It fits perfectly into FX's off-kilter sense of humor, and actually gets a little funnier with each episode. If you liked the movie, be patient with the series. It took me a little while to warm up to these awkward bloodsuckers, but they eventually won me over." —Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com

Creator Noah Hawley's anthology series Fargo, inspired by the Coen Brothers' classic film of the same name, has been called a modern television masterpiece. Each season presents a new, self-contained story of crime and dark comedy set in the American Midwest, transitioning from 1970s mob wars and 1950s racial tensions in Kansas City to modern-day kidnapping plots and tales of domestic survival connected by a shared, uniquely bleak and humorous tone.

The series has also consistently attracted A-list talent, featuring stars like Billy Bob Thornton, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Ewan McGregor, Chris Rock, and Juno Temple across its five different installments. Reviewers almost universally praised Hawley for masterfully capturing the spirit and stylistic quirks of the original film while crafting brilliant, original narratives that stand firmly on their own.

"A perfectly mixed cocktail equally parts menacing and suspenseful, washed down with surprising notes of hilarious satire and pulpy violence, FX's version of Fargo is most certainly not a pale imitation of the gruesome dark comedy." —Kevin Fallon, The Daily Beast

Co-created by and starring Denis Leary, the drama Rescue Me centers on Tommy Gavin, a deeply flawed New York City firefighter grappling with survivor's guilt, alcoholism, and a chaotic family life in the aftermath of 9/11. The series was met with widespread critical acclaim for its raw, unflinching, and powerfully honest portrayal of toxic masculinity, trauma, and the dark humor of firehouse camaraderie. And Leary's lead performance as the show's volatile, magnetic core was almost universally praised.

While some critics found the series to be messy or uneven, particularly in its later seasons, it was consistently celebrated for its audacious, complex, and emotionally resonant storytelling, cementing its status as a landmark FX drama.

"A flat-out terrific new series on FX that blends the harsh reality of what firefighters face on the job with the sometimes equally harsh reality they deal with when they go home...In short, you want to care about these characters and their lives, and there's nothing more you can ask from a show." —Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic

FX's adaptation of James Clavell's landmark novel, Shōgun, is a sweeping historical epic chronicling the collision of cultures in feudal Japan when an English pilot (Cosmo Jarvis) washes ashore and becomes a pawn in the intricate power plays of the formidable Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada). Anna Sawai also stars as the conflicted yet fiercely loyal translator, Lady Mariko.

The series was met with universal and rapturous critical acclaim, immediately hailed as a modern television masterpiece and a stunning, immersive event. Critics celebrated its breathtaking production design, authentic world-building, intelligent political intrigue, grand scope, and narrative depth. The powerhouse performances from the entire cast, particularly Sanada, were almost universally lauded as the key to its success. The series would win a record 18 Emmy awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, Actor (Sanada), and Actress (Sawai). A second season is now in production.

"In the early heyday of miniseries, Shōgun was the show of the year in 1980, and it might be again 44 years later. FX's updated, sumptuous version of James Clavell's sweeping novel blends an intoxicating combination of action, romance and political intrigue, majestically spread over 10 parts that, unlike most limited series, sustain that weight and then some." —Brian Lowry, CNN

Following his acclaimed Fargo adaptation, Noah Hawley returned to the IP bag for his idiosyncratic take on the horror sci-fi Alien franchise. Alien: Earth, a prequel to the legendary film franchise set largely on Earth several decades before the events of the original 1979 movie, begins when a spacecraft crash-lands, prompting an investigation into a threat that could end humanity. The series explores themes of corporate greed and survival and features a cast led by Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, FX legend Timothy Olyphant, Samuel Blenkin, and Babou Ceesay.

Critical reception was largely enthusiastic, with many reviewers praising the high production values and meaningful franchise expansion, with the introduction of [spoiler!] human-synthetic-hybrids and the scene-stealing Trypanohyncha Ocellus (eyeball monster). Ultimately, critics appreciated that the series didn't just traffic in horror genre scares, but also included heady science-fiction concepts such as techno-assisted immortality. A second season is in the works. 

"Make no mistake, Alien: Earth is terrifying. .... But Alien: Earth also makes for gripping science fiction — and carefully layered drama. .... The first season of Alien: Earth — and you can bet your house there will be a season 2 — keeps building until the final scene of the final episode. It's a textbook for how to leave the viewer salivating for what's next." —Chris Vognar, Boston Globe

The Lowdown, created by Sterlin Harjo, is a neo-noir crime comedy-drama set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, following Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke), an eccentric bookstore owner and self-described citizen journalist who becomes obsessed with uncovering local corruption and hidden conspiracies. After a prominent figure dies under suspicious circumstances, Lee's investigation pulls him into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with a powerful family, all while he balances his personal life and fatherhood. The show's ensemble cast is led by Hawke and Keith David, and features notable performances from Kyle MacLachlan, Tim Blake Nelson, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Kaniehtiio Horn.

Critical reaction was exceptionally positive. Reviewers have celebrated the show's depth of world-building, highlighting a distinct atmosphere that blends gritty pulp fiction with a dry sense of humor and balancing a complex mystery with standout character-driven drama. A second season will shoot this spring. 

"At its heart, The Lowdown is a story that wants the viewer to care about the truth as much as its main character does. It's fearless and gonzo, easily one of the best new shows of the year, and it's made even better for the time it arrives in, with trust in the media rapidly sinking and respect for writers at an all-time low. By putting a determined, if eccentric, journalist at its center, The Lowdown feels like an old-school story with a very modern spirit." —Allison Piccuro, TV Guide

Justified, a neo-Western crime drama based on the characters created by author Elmore Leonard, centers around Raylan Givens, a Deputy U.S. Marshal whose old-school methods and quick-draw justice lead to his reassignment to the rural coal-mining region of Eastern Kentucky, where he grew up. The narrative explores Givens' attempts to uphold the law while navigating complicated, often violent relationships with figures from his past. The prominent cast includes Timothy Olyphant as Givens alongside Walton Goggins as charismatic Harlan Country criminal Boyd Crowder, as well as Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter, Jacob Pitts, and Erica Tazel.

Critical reception was consistently high throughout Justified's six-season run, with reviewers lauding the show for its sharp, rhythmic dialogue and its ability to balance gritty action with dark humor. Much of the praise focused on the performances of Olyphant and Goggins as antagonists with a shared past as teenage coal bros, and the depth of the supporting characters, notably season 2's award-winning Margo Martindale as moonshining matriarch Mags Bennett. A sequel miniseries followed in 2023.

"FX's Justified translates the intense interactions of author Elmore Leonard's characters into dialogue that's unpredictable, dynamic and positively riveting." —Heather Havrilesky, Salon

The historical drama miniseries Mrs. America chronicles the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s as well as the unexpected backlash led by conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly. It explores the culture wars of the era through the eyes of the women at the center of the fight, examining how the conflict shifted the American political landscape. The powerhouse ensemble cast features Cate Blanchett as Schlafly, alongside Rose Byrne, Uzo Aduba, Elizabeth Banks, Margo Martindale, Sarah Paulson, and John Slattery.

The critical consensus was overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers frequently highlighting the exceptional caliber of the acting, particularly noting the depth and nuance the ensemble brought to their historical counterparts. Critics praised Mrs. America for its sophisticated writing and its ability to present a complex, multi-layered look at gender politics without relying on simple tropes. Overall, the series was celebrated as a masterfully crafted, timely, and visually stunning exploration of a pivotal moment in history.

"None of the women come off as one-dimensional and there is just as much controversy found within the group supporting the ERA. ... FX on Hulu's new series is a must-watch. ... Mrs. America is a show that will leave you thinking and, if you're femme in any way, questing for a revolution." —Kristen Lopez, IndieWire

Created by Louis C.K. (yeah, we know), the semiautobiographical comedy-drama Louie follows a fictionalized version of the stand-up comedian navigating his daily life in New York City. The series uses an experimental, nonlinear structure to explore the protagonist's experiences as a divorced father and his often awkward interactions with the world around him. The cast is led by Louis C.K., with recurring roles played by Pamela Adlon, Hadley Delany, and Ursula Parker.

Critical reaction was very high throughout the show's run, with reviewers praising Louie for its bold, auteur-driven style and its ability to pivot effortlessly between surreal humor and profound melancholy. It was widely hailed as a revelatory work that redefined the television comedy landscape through its raw honesty and creative risks. But the show is now inextricably linked to the creator's real-life sexual misconduct, revealed two years after the series ended, which has cast a lasting shadow over the series' artistic legacy.

"This is a show that has taken the comedic rhythms of TV to a different level, that moves at the slower, more intimate pace of an independent film." —Matthew Gilbert, Boston Globe

Better Things, co-created by Pamela Adlon (who also served as the show's main director and writer), is an intimate comedy-drama that centers on Sam Fox (Adlon), a working actress and single mother raising three daughters in Los Angeles. The series is renowned for its naturalistic and deeply personal exploration of motherhood, aging, and the messy complexities of family life. Alongside Adlon, the primary cast features Mikey Madison, Hannah Riley, Olivia Edward, and Celia Imrie.

Critical reaction was stellar throughout its five-season run. The series was praised for its raw emotional honesty and its ability to find profound beauty in small, everyday moments. Critics often highlighted Adlon's distinct directorial voice and the show's evolution into a soulful, life-affirming narrative. Despite this overwhelming critical success, it remains one of the most slept-on series of the Peak TV era.

"Better Things is really about relationships between mothers and daughters, poignant and frustrating and human and hilarious. At telling that story, it's the best." —Gail Pennington, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Early 1980s Cold War spy thriller The Americans follows two Soviet intelligence officers living in suburban Northern Virginia disguised as an ordinary American couple. Their lives become increasingly precarious as they balance their deep-cover assignments with the complexities of their arranged marriage and the challenges of raising children who are unaware of their true identities. The acclaimed cast is led by Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, with central performances from Noah Emmerich, Holly Taylor, Keidrich Sellati, and Margo Martindale.

Reviews were exceptional throughout its six-season run, with critics commending the show for its masterful blend of high-stakes espionage and intimate domestic drama. The psychological depth of the writing and the nuanced exploration of loyalty and identity were also byproducts of its methodical craft. 

"Based on the admittedly small sample size of two episodes, The Americans feels like it could very comfortably slot in with the upper tier of FX dramas. That's about as good as it gets." —Alan Sepinwall, Hitfix

The Shield is a landmark, gritty police drama set in a fictionalized Los Angeles district, centering on the Strike Team—an elite but corrupt LAPD unit. The series explores the thin line between law enforcement and criminality, focusing on the moral compromises of its lead officers. The powerhouse cast is led by Michael Chiklis, Walton Goggins, CCH Pounder, Kenny Johnson, Jay Karnes, Benito Martinez, and Catherine Dent.

Reviews were consistently outstanding, with the show earning widespread acclaim for its visceral intensity and complex storytelling. The Shield played a pivotal role in establishing FX as a destination for prestige television. Reviewers frequently highlighted Chiklis' performance as the duplicitous Vic Mackey and Goggins' portrayal of Shane Vendrell, showing the tragic impact of being diseased by corruption. Additionally, the show helped normalize movie stars transitioning to television; notable unforgettable guest turns included season-long arcs from Glenn Close and Forest Whitaker. And The Shield's series finale episode often ranks among the best in TV history.

"With smart dialogue, intriguing plots, an explosive cast and an inclination to peer into life's dark corners, it is the most captivating new program in years. The Shield slams home like a bullet; wear your body armor." —Glenn Garvin, Miami Herald

Co-created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, Reservation Dogs is a groundbreaking and soulful comedy-drama that follows the lives of four Indigenous teenagers living on a reservation in rural Oklahoma as they navigate the complexities of grief, community, and their shared desire to escape to California. The series features a brilliant breakout cast led by Devery Jacobs, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Paulina Alexis, and Lane Factor, whose performances bring a deeply felt authenticity to this innovative coming-of-age story.

Reservation Dogs received universal acclaim across its entire run, singling out its unique ability to balance sharp, surrealist humor with profound emotional weight and cultural specificity. Reviewers frequently celebrated the series as a landmark achievement in television history, praising its masterful writing and its vital role in centering Indigenous voices both in front of and behind the camera to create a truly unforgettable and transformative narrative experience.

"Like a lot of great art, Reservation Dogs challenges its audience with wit and style to look in spaces that have long been ignored, and identify with experiences that are outside their own." —Joshua Rivera, Polygon

The People v. O.J. Simpson, the first miniseries released under producer Ryan Murphy's American Crime Story brand, is a dramatized limited series that chronicles the sensational 1995 murder trial of the former football and pop culture icon. The narrative delves into the complex legal strategies of both the prosecution and the defense, exploring how the case became a flashpoint for racial tensions, gender politics, and the birth of 24-hour media culture. The ensemble cast features Cuba Gooding Jr. as Simpson, alongside standout performances from Sarah Paulson, Courtney B. Vance, Sterling K. Brown, John Travolta, and David Schwimmer.

The miniseries was universally acclaimed for transcending its tabloid subject matter to provide a thoughtful and deeply humanizing look at the figures involved. Critics specifically highlighted the exceptional caliber of the acting, which many felt elevated the material beyond standard biographical drama and transcended the familiarity of the historical outcome. 

"American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson understands the nuances of the moment it's examining, and its critical bearing on issues still playing out in culture today. It might be the best thing that's ever aired with (Ryan) Murphy's name on it, and it's one of the most compelling TV dramas in recent memory." —David Sims, The Atlantic

Atlanta, created by and starring Donald Glover, is a genre-defying series that follows Earnest "Earn" Marks as he navigates the Atlanta rap scene while managing the career of his cousin, Alfred "Paper Boi" Miles. Set against the vibrant backdrop of its namesake city, the show blends surrealism with grounded social commentary, exploring themes of race, poverty, and the complexities of sudden fame. The acclaimed core cast features Glover alongside Brian Tyree Henry, LaKeith Stanfield, and Zazie Beetz.

Atlanta frequently garnered unanimous critical praise across its four-season run for its fearless originality and its willingness to abandon traditional narrative structures in favor of experimental, standalone episodes (here's looking at you, "Teddy Perkins"). Critics often highlighted the series' unique naturalistic/surrealist visual style and its ability to balance biting satire with profound emotional depth, forever blurring the lines between comedy and drama.

"Atlanta is the warped reflection that an absurd country deserves. ... Few shows are as good at building to dizzying heights of weirdness without clueing you in that anything out of the ordinary is happening." —Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture