FXX is moving into latenight with an original animation block anchored by “Lucas Bros. Moving Co.” and “Stone Quackers.”
The late night initiative will launch on Jan. 1 following a daylong “Simpsons” marathon. The block will settle into its regular Thursday midnight slot on Jan. 22.
The heightened presence of animation on FXX is no surprise as the comedy-themed cabler was turbo-charged in September by the arrival of “Simpsons” reruns. Expanding into latenight animation has been a priority for FX Networks execs, no doubt inspired by the ratings garnered by Adult Swim’s out-there toons.
“Based on the successful launch of ‘The Simpsons’ on FXX, this is the perfect time to expand our animation offerings and make FXX the after hours destination for animated shorts and series,” said Chuck Saftler, COO and president of program strategy for FX Networks.
“Lucas Bros.” and “Quackers” hail from Fox’s ADHD Studios banner, which is designer to nurture animated shorts that have the potential to become full-fledged series. The Fox broadcast network previously ran an ADHD late night animation block on its air starting in July 2013, before the effort shifted to the FoxADHD.com platform in April.
“We are insanely excited to partner with FXX and help them create a new block of programming for the network,” said Nick Weidenfeld, prexy of ADHD Studios. “2015 is going to be an awesome year.”
