Great, if not surprising news, was announced today from FX: the (recent Emmy powerhouse) channel will be renewing its freshman comedies Atlanta and Better Things for second seasons. Though only a few episodes have aired, both series have made an impression on viewers (here's my review of Atlanta's first four episodes) for their funny and frank depictions of lives not typically explored on TV.

In Atlanta, creator Donald Glover plays a young man who is trying to just not be broke anymore, and ends up connecting with his cousin who is starting to gain some profile as a local rapper, in the hopes of working as his manager. The series is strange, emotional, funny, and often surreal, and even though it only tells the story of one part of Atlanta, it encapsulates a picture of the larger city through universal themes and specific locations.

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Image via FX

Pamela Adlon, who most FX viewers will know from her time on Louie, is another creator/star for her series Better Things, which is a fictionalized account of her life as a single mother of three girls. Like Atlanta, the series is beautifully affecting in both the truth of its plots and dialogues and in the beauty of its visual aesthetic. The two series compliment each other hugely, and it's great news that FX is going to continue investing in them.

Nick Grad and Eric Schrier, Presidents of Original Programming, FX Networks and FX Productions, said of the renewals:

“It’s really gratifying to launch two new comedies that have received overwhelming critical acclaim right out of the gate and that are emblematic of FX's award-winning brand. It is clear to us that Atlanta and Better Things have struck a nerve with viewers, which is a credit to Donald Glover’s vision for Atlanta and Pamela Adlon’s vision for Better Things. They, along with their spectacular casts, writers and directors, have created exceptional shows that we are incredibly proud to produce."

Both series will return with 10 episode seasons next year, but if you haven't caught up with the first seasons yet, they've only just begun. Give 'em a chance and let us know what you think!

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Image via FX
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Image via FX

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Image via FX