If you’re staring at your remote right now wondering what the heck happened to the traditional TV schedule, you aren't alone. Honestly, trying to figure out FX whats on now feels a bit like solving a puzzle where the pieces keep moving between cable and Hulu. It’s January 15, 2026, and the "prestige TV" machine is officially back in high gear after the holiday slump.
We're in that weird window. Some of the massive hits from last year—like the first season of The Lowdown—are currently sitting in that "available to stream" limbo while we wait for new episodes. But if you’re looking for what’s literally hitting the screen today or the big stuff landing in the next few days, the lineup is actually pretty stacked with a mix of gritty movies and some high-concept Ryan Murphy weirdness that’s about to break the internet.
What is Airing on FX Today?
Today, Thursday, January 15, the linear FX channel is basically leaning into a "tough guy" marathon. If you’re near a TV this afternoon, you’ve probably caught the tail end of the Die Hard gauntlet. They've been running through John McClane's worst days all morning, leading up to Live Free or Die Hard at 3:00 PM and A Good Day to Die Hard at 6:00 PM.
But the real "main event" for the cable side tonight is a double-header of Denzel.
At 8:00 PM ET/PT, FX is airing The Equalizer 3. It’s the "Final Chapter" where Robert McCall is just trying to enjoy his retirement in Southern Italy before the Sicilian Mafia decides to ruin his pasta. It’s a solid watch if you haven't seen it, mostly for the gorgeous scenery and Denzel Washington’s ability to look terrifying while holding a teacup. They’re running it twice, so if you miss the first showing, it loops again at 10:30 PM.
Meanwhile, over on FXX (the comedy-leaning sibling), it’s the usual wall-to-wall animation. You’ve got The Simpsons basically occupying the entire midday block, followed by a heavy dose of Family Guy starting around 6:30 PM. It’s predictable, sure, but it’s basically the "lo-fi beats to study to" of cable television at this point.
The Big One: Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty is Almost Here
Look, if you’ve seen the trailers for The Beauty, you know why everyone is talking about it. It’s easily the most anticipated thing on the FX roster for January 2026. It officially premieres next Wednesday, January 21, with a massive three-episode drop.
People are calling it "The Substance" of television. Basically, Ashton Kutcher plays this tech mogul who invents a drug that makes you effortlessly, perfectly beautiful. But because this is Ryan Murphy (the guy behind American Horror Story), there’s a catch. A big, gruesome, body-horror catch.
The buzz is deafening because of the cast:
- Ashton Kutcher (playing a villain, which is a vibe)
- Evan Peters (a Murphy staple, obviously)
- Rebecca Hall
- Bella Hadid (making a guest appearance that reportedly involves a "vicious rampage")
It’s going to air at 9:00 PM on the FX channel, but—and this is the key—it’ll be on Hulu at the same time. This "FX on Hulu" setup is basically how we live now. If you’re searching for FX whats on now and can't find a show on your cable box, it's almost certainly because it’s a Hulu-exclusive original under the FX banner.
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Current Heavy Hitters: The Lowdown and Alien Earth
If you missed the boat on The Lowdown last year, you’ve got time to catch up. FX just officially renewed it for Season 2 a few days ago (January 7, to be exact). It was easily one of the best things on TV in 2025. Ethan Hawke plays this citizen journalist in Tulsa, and it’s got that gritty, Sterlin Harjo feel that made Reservation Dogs so good.
All eight episodes of the first season are sitting on Hulu right now.
Then there’s Alien: Earth. Noah Hawley (the Fargo guy) finally brought the Xenomorphs to our planet, and it lived up to the hype. While we’re waiting for the second season—which was just greenlit in late 2025—the first season is still the "big" drama everyone is discussing. It’s dense, it’s scary, and it’s very "FX."
What’s Leaving and What’s Staying?
The churn is real. While the FX library is pretty stable, movies rotate in and out of the "FX on Hulu" hub every single month. This January, they added a bunch of classics like O Brother, Where Art Thou? and the original Predator movies.
If you’re into the documentary side of things, Welcome to Wrexham is still a massive pillar for the network. Season 5 is officially coming later this year as the team tries to climb the English football ladder. It’s crazy to think a show about a small Welsh town became one of FX's most consistent hits, but here we are.
How to Actually Watch FX in 2026
The confusion usually stems from the "FX" vs "FXX" vs "FX on Hulu" branding. Here is the breakdown:
- FX (The Main Channel): This is where the big movies and the linear premieres of shows like The Beauty or Fargo happen.
- FXX: The home of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Archer. If it’s animated or a "half-hour" comedy, it’s usually here.
- FX on Hulu: This is the streaming hub. Almost every FX show premieres here simultaneously with the cable broadcast, and some shows (like Shōgun or The Bear) are essentially built for this platform first.
If you’re sitting on your couch right now, your best bet is to check the FX app or the Hulu "FX" brand hub. That's where you'll find the most up-to-date schedule.
Upcoming 2026 Release Calendar
| Date | Title | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 21 | The Beauty | Series Premiere (3 Episodes) |
| Feb (TBA) | Love Story: JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette | Limited Series |
| Spring 2026 | The Lowdown Season 2 | Production Starts |
| Summer 2026 | The Bear Season 5 | Expected Return |
There’s also some chatter about American Love Story finally hitting the schedule in February. It’s supposed to cover the John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette story. Ryan Murphy is doing double duty this winter, which is honestly impressive even for him.
Actionable Steps for the FX Super-Fan
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, don't just wait for the cable guide.
First, check your Hulu "My Stuff" list. Most FX premieres are now "next-day" or "same-day" streaming. If you’re a cable-cutter, you aren't actually missing anything as long as you have the Hulu base plan.
Second, set a reminder for January 21. The Beauty is going to be the kind of show that gets spoiled on social media within thirty seconds of airing. If you want to be part of the conversation, you’ll want to watch those first three episodes the night they drop.
Finally, keep an eye on FXX on Thursdays. While tonight is a movie night for the main channel, FXX usually runs its newer comedy blocks later in the week. If you need a break from the "prestige drama" gloom of The Equalizer or The Beauty, that’s where you’ll find the laughs.