FX Digs In For More ‘Dirt’, ‘Riches’ & More Also Renewed

Basic cable network FX has announced the return of seven original shows for their 2007-2008 programming schedule, including freshman dramas “Dirt” and “The Riches.”

“We’re very proud to have managed, in the toughest possible competitive environment, to launch ‘Dirt’ and ‘The Riches’ – two highly original series that have resonated with our audience as strongly as ‘The Shield’ and ‘Rescue Me,’” said President and GM of FX Networks, John Landgraf. “FX now has six original dramas, more than any network in the history of cable television, cementing the network’s status as a leader in quality original series. We congratulate all the wonderfully talented actors, writers, directors and producers who worked so hard on these shows.”

“Dirt,” a racy drama co-executive produced by Courteney Cox and her husband, David Arquette (along with Matthew Carnahan and Joel Fields) stars Cox as a tabloid editor who’ll do almost anything to get the scoop.

“The Riches” stars Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver as the heads of a nomadic family on the run for stealing, who wind up assuming the identities of a well-to-do suburban family in a posh neighborhood.

The ratings for “Dirt” and “The Riches” are comparable to those of “Rescue Me” and “The Shield” in the coveted demographic of young adults, and both have created strong buzz for FX since their debuts.

Other announced returning dramas are the established hits “Nip/Tuck,” “Rescue Me,” and “The Shield,” along with the Danny DeVito comedy “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and the documentary series “30 Days,” hosted by Morgan Spurlock (“Super Size Me”).

The new drama “Damages,” starring Glenn Close as “the nation’s most revered and reviled high-stakes litigator,” has had 13 episodes ordered by the network.

“The Riches” is still in its first season, airing on Mondays at 10:00 pm (ET) through June 4.

“Rescue Me,” returns on June 13 at 10:00 pm, and “Damages” premieres July 24 at 10:00 pm.

All other announced shows will return in the fall of 2007 and into 2008 (schedules TBD).