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FX returns to Australia with zombie apocalypse and wild west drama

fx logoThe FX channel is to make a return to Australian TV screens after an absence of eight years.

FX will be available on Foxtel from early next year.

The channel, owned by News Corp’s Fox International Channels, will launch with three key franchises – zombie drama The Walking Dead, The Transporter, which is based on the Jason Statham film, and wild west drama Hell On Wheels.

FX aired in Australia from 1995 to 2003 when it rebranded to W to mark a move to more female focused programming.  

According to the FX announcement, the channel will follow its owner’s global programming strategy which will see new series aired in Australia the same day as the rest of the world. Although there was no immediate word on local content, it is likely that this will not be a major component of the channel’s strategy.

The first two series of The Walking Dead will be aired back-to-back and ad free.

Karin Simoncini, Managing Director of FIC Australia, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be launching FX next year. It’s a brand that’s known around the world for its edgy entertainment and we’re proud to be creating an Australian version.”

Brian Walsh, Foxtel’s executive director of television, said: “With the launch of FX we will mark another important step forward in the delivery of the best international television content to Australian homes.”

least initially, many of the shows developed by FX in the US, such as Sons Of Anarchy, Rescue Me and the American version of Wilfred, will probably not be available on the channel because of existing local content deals which already see them aired on other channels.

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