FX PICKS UP SECOND SEASON OF NEW DRAMA SONS OF ANARCHY
Frosh Series Is FX's Most Successful in Delivery of Adults 18-49 Since Rescue Me
Network Places 13-Episode Order from Fox 21 and FX Productions
Eight All New Episodes Remain in the First Season
Wednesdays at 10 PM ET/PT Through November 26th
LOS ANGELES, October 6, 2008 � FX plans to keep the motor running on its critically acclaimed biker drama Sons of Anarchy, picking up the series for a 13-episode second season order, today announced John Landgraf, President and General Manager of FX Networks.
Since its premiere, the ratings for Sons of Anarchy have been very strong and remarkably consistent among the network's target demo of Adults 18-49. On a weekly five-telecast cume basis, Sons is averaging 3.5 million Adults 18-49, and the fourth week of the show delivered more Adults 18-49 than its premiere week. On a weekly five-telecast cume, the series is averaging 5.4 million total viewers and has retained 97% of its total viewers since premiere. Based on week-to-week ratings, Sons of Anarchy is FX's most consistent first year drama ever and the network's most successful since Rescue Me.
"It's incredibly gratifying to everyone at FX in at this time when The Shield � the show that got our critically acclaimed original programming brand started � is airing its final season, their loyal audience has embraced Sons of Anarchy and made it a success," said Landgraf. "We're also very proud of the day-in-day-out creative excellence the Sons of Anarchy writers and actors are bringing to the table."
Sons of Anarchy stars Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal and Ron Perlman and was created by Kurt Sutter who also serves as Executive Producer. John Linson and Art Linson are Executive Producers.
"Sons of Anarchy has been a fantastic collaboration between the producers, Fox21 and FX and we are thrilled about this second season pick-up," said Fox21 Senior Vice President Jane Francis. "This enormously talented cast and crew have produced a truly distinctive and remarkable television series, and viewers have responded. We couldn't be more pleased."
Sutter said, "I think the underlying themes of family and the common man's fight against oppressive corporate greed has grabbed people's attention. It's relatable, it's very timely and it's why the audience is coming back week after week. I love the action and the dark places the show goes, but ultimately it's the bigger, more poignant themes that inspire me."
Sons of Anarchy is an adrenalized drama with darkly comedic undertones about a notorious outlaw motorcycle club intent on protecting their sheltered small town against encroaching drug dealers, corporate developers and overzealous law officers. The club is equally determined to protect their ruthless and illegal thriving arms business. Charlie Hunnam stars as Jackson 'Jax' Teller, a man whose love for the brotherhood is tested by his growing apprehension for its lawlessness. Katey Sagal stars as Gemma Teller Morrow, Jax's force-of-nature mother, who along with Ron Perlman as Clarence 'Clay' Morrow, Jax's stepfather and MC president, have their own darker vision for the club.
Ratings Source: Nielsen Media Research (Live + Same Day)
All new episodes of the first season of Sons of Anarchy air Wednesdays at 10 PM ET/PT through November 26th. Upcoming episode descriptions are listed below:
Episode 6 � "AK-51" � 10/8/08
LOGLINE: A small favor for Piney's old war buddy turns into a big problem for SAMCRO. With Clay detained, Jax must step-up to handle the situation. Meanwhile, Gemma deals with the pangs of aging and the arrival of a familiar sweetbutt whose intentions are unclear.
Writer: Nichole Beattie
Director: Seith Mann
Episode 7 � "Old Bones" � 10/15/08
LOGLINE: When old bones are discovered on the outskirts of Charming, Clay is forced to deal with secrets he buried long ago. Meanwhile, the club sets its sights on prize money, backing Half-Sack in a bare-knuckle brawl. ATF agent Kohn's investigation turns personal when his true intentions are revealed.
Writer: Dave Erickson
Director: Gwyneth Horder-Payton
Episode 8 � "The Pull" � 10/22/08
LOGLINE: With the IRA gun payment looming, SAMCRO scrambles to come up with the cash. The Mayans and Nords take a drastic step in strengthening their alliance. And Jax finds himself in a dangerous position with Tara.
Writer: Kurt Sutter & Jack LoGiudice
Director: Guy Ferland
Fox 21 is Twentieth Century Fox Television's alternative production arm devoted to producing high quality programming on a lower cost basis.
FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable network from the Fox Networks Group. Launched in June of 1994, FX is carried in more than 94 million homes. The diverse schedule includes a growing roster of critically acclaimed and award-winning original series; an established film library with box-office hits from 20th Century Fox and other studios; and an impressive roster of acquired hit series. For more information about FX, visit our web site at www.FXnetworks.com.
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