Welcome to a curated guide to the finest television offerings from FXX that are available for viewers in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand in September 2023. While New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, it’s also a prime destination for exceptional TV entertainment. Magnum P.I. season 5 part 2 is also releasing this year, so you can also enjoy that with other shows mentioned in this list. In this collection, we’ll delve into best FX shows, blending global entertainment with the Kiwi spirit.
From gripping dramas to quirky comedies, these hidden gems will transport you beyond the lush New Zealand landscapes into the immersive worlds of FX’s best shows.
Why do These Shows Make the List?
These best FX shows have been chosen based on their critical acclaim, innovative series themes, and popular reception. They showcase a range of genres including drama, comedy, and horror, and have brought forth groundbreaking narratives and remarkable performances, setting a high benchmark in the television industry. The best FX shows we have compiled here have high IMDB ratings, a testament to their popularity.
1- American Horror Story (2011)
American Horror Story is like a TV rollercoaster of scary stories. Imagine each season of the show as a new haunted house, and you’re the brave explorer who steps inside. Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, this show is known for giving you chills and thrills.
| Creator | Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk |
| Cast | Lady Gaga, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters |
| Genre | Horror |
| IMDB Rating | 8.0/10 |
Every season, you get a different horror story with new characters and settings. It’s like they take you on a scary adventure, and you never know what’s waiting for you. The best part? It has amazing actors like Lady Gaga, Kathy Bates, and Angela Bassett who make the stories even scarier.
2- Atlanta (2016)
Atlanta is a TV show that’s as unique as it gets. Picture this: a guy named Earn is trying to make it in the world of rap music. But here’s the twist—it’s not just a regular story. It’s a mix of drama and comedy, and it’s filled with surprises.
| Creator | Donald Glover |
| Cast | Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, LaKeith Stanfield, Zazie Beetz |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.6/10 |
Donald Glover, who created and stars in the show, takes you on a wild ride through the rap scene in Atlanta. The best part is how creative and surreal the storytelling is. It’s like a dreamy adventure where anything can happen. It’s a show that’s both entertaining and makes you think, and that’s a rare combo in TV land. If you’re up for something different and awesome, Atlanta is one of the best FX show to watch.
3- Sons of Anarchy (2008)
Bikers, crime, and brotherhood are the words that describe Sons of Anarchy. This TV show takes you into the world of a motorcycle club in California, and it’s one wild ride. Meet Jax Teller, one of the club members. He’s at the center of all the action and drama. The show is created by Kurt Sutter, and it’s known for its deep and intense storytelling. Once you start watching, you won’t be able to stop—it’s that addictive.
| Creator | Kurt Sutter |
| Cast | Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior |
| Genre | Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.6/10 |
Sons of Anarchy explores the lives of the club members, their challenges, and the choices they make. It’s like a gritty and realistic look at the biker lifestyle. If you’re into crime dramas with a lot of heart and action, this is the show for you.
4- The Americans (2013)
Imagine being a spy during the Cold War, a time when the United States and Russia were in a big, tense standoff. That’s exactly what The Americans is all about. It follows two Soviet spies who pretend to be a married couple living in Washington, D.C. The series stars Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys and they do an amazing job bringing the world of espionage to life.
| Creator | Joe Weisberg |
| Cast | Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Keidrich Sellati, Holly Taylor, Noah Emmerich |
| Genre | Spy thriller; Serial drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.4/10 |
You get to see the spy tricks, secret missions, and how they balance their fake life with their real spy work. But what makes The Americans so special is how it shows both the American and Russian sides of the spy game. It’s like getting a backstage pass to the world of secret agents during a super important time in history. If you love spy stories with twists and turns, this show is a must-watch!
5- Fargo (2014)
Fargo is a TV series inspired by a movie of the same name made by the Coen brothers. It’s a unique show that takes you into the world of crime in the northern Midwest. What’s cool is that each season tells a completely new story with different characters, kind of like reading a new book every time.
| Creator | Noah Hawley |
| Cast | Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, Allison Tolman, Colin Hanks, Russell Harvard |
| Genre | Crime |
| IMDB Rating | 8.9/10 |
The show has featured some big-name actors like Billy Bob Thornton, Ewen McGregor, and Chris Rock. People love Fargo for its super smart writing and how it paints a vivid picture of snowy winters in the northern states. It’s a mix of dark drama and comedy that keeps you hooked from start to finish, making it one of the best FX shows.
6- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005)
Imagine a bunch of friends who own a bar in South Philadelphia, but here’s the twist—they’re all really self-centered and argue all the time! That’s what It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is all about. Created by Glenn Howerton and Rob McElhenney, this comedy show is like a funny take on the American dream.
| Creator | Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day |
| Cast | Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVito, Mary |
| Genre | Sitcom |
| IMDB Rating | 8.8/10 |
It’s famous for being the longest-running live-action-comedy series ever! The characters are hilariously narcissistic, and their constant bickering creates a unique kind of humor. If you’re into shows that make you laugh while also being a bit dark, this one’s a winner.
7- The Shield (2002)
The Shield is a crime drama that was FX’s very first original show. It follows Vic Mackey, a detective in Los Angeles who does some pretty corrupt stuff to fight crime. The cool thing is that it’s based on a real police unit, so it feels super gritty and real.
| Creator | Shawn Ryan |
| Cast | Michael Chiklis, Catherine Dent, Walton Goggins, Michael Jace |
| Genre | Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 8.7/10 |
This series got a lot of critical acclaim because of its intense portrayal of law enforcement. The actors like Michael Chiklis, Glenn Close, and Forest Whitaker did an incredible job. If you’re into crime dramas that aren’t afraid to show the dark side of policing, The Shield is a must-watch.
8- What We Do in the Shadows (2019)
Imagine a bunch of vampires trying to live in Staten Island like regular people. That’s the hilarious concept behind What We Do in the Shadows. It’s a mockumentary-style comedy series developed from a successful movie.
| Creator | Jemaine Clement |
| Cast | Kayvan Novak, Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén |
| Genre | Mockumentary |
| IMDB Rating | 8.6/10 |
The show is all about the daily misadventures of these quirky vampires. It’s super funny and has awesome characters. Plus, there are fantastic cameo appearances by stars like Tilda Swinton and Evan Rachel Wood. If you’re looking for a good laugh and a fresh take on vampire stories, this show is perfect.
9- Mayans M.C. (2018)
If you loved Sons of Anarchy, you’ll be thrilled by Mayans M.C. It’s a spin-off of that show and follows the life of EZ Reyes, a member of the Mayan Motorcycle Club. But here’s the twist—it’s set in a fictional town on the U.S.-Mexican border.
| Creator | Kurt Sutter; Elgin James |
| Cast | JD Pardo, Clayton Cardenas, Sarah Bolger, Michael Irby |
| Genre | Crime, Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
This series is packed with action, thrills, and heart-pounding moments. It dives deep into the world of biker gangs and crime, just like its predecessor. Fans love it for maintaining the intense narrative style of Sons of Anarchy. If you’re into gripping stories about the biker world, Mayans M.C. is must-see.
10-The Bridge (2013)
The Bridge takes you on a thrilling journey across the border between Mexico and the United States. Imagine a big, important bridge that connects these two countries. Now, picture this: a judge who was famous for not liking immigrants is found dead on that very bridge. That’s where the story begins.
| Creator | Meredith Stiehm |
| Cast | Demián Bichir, Diane Kruger, Thomas M. Wright, Ted Levine, Matthew Lillard |
| Genre | Crime Drama |
| IMDB Rating | 7.6/10 |
The Bridge is more than just a detective show; it’s also about the big issues like immigration and politics. It’s like a mirror reflecting the problems we see in the real world, but with an exciting mystery to solve. So, if you love thrilling mysteries and stories that make you think about important stuff, this show is a must-watch.
Dive Deeper: More Suggested Options
Here, you’ll find a diverse array of choices to take your interests and experiences to new depths, offering fresh perspectives and avenues to delve into.
- Justified: City Primeval (7.5/10)
- Louie (8.5/10)
- Taboo (8.3/10)
- Archer (8.6/10)
- Reservation Dogs (8.2/10)
Bottom Line!
As we conclude our journey through the best FX shows accessible in New Zealand, we hope you’ve discovered a wealth of hidden gems that have not only entertained but also enriched your viewing experience. New Zealand’s natural beauty and the allure of these remarkable FX series create a unique blend of escapism and entertainment. Whether you’ve explored the dark humor of What We Do in the Shadows or the gripping narrative of Fargo, these best FX shows offer a cinematic adventure within the comfort of your Kiwi home. Here’s to more captivating discoveries and unforgettable moments in the world of television.
