FX is expanding the scope of its ad-free programming hub, FX+, making it available to all of its 90 million U.S. subscribers. Previously, it had been an add-on option only for Comcast and Cox cable customers.

The announcement came as the Fox-owned (for now) network kicked off its day of presentations at TCA summer press tour.

Opting in to the platform will still cost $5.99 a month for all subscribers, who will get all new seasons of FX originals as well as nearly every library series from the network vault. Subscribers can get FX+ through FXNetworks.com and view via web, iOS and Android mobile devices, or stream via Apple TV or Roku.

The move is the latest by traditional programmers aiming to secure their place in a rapidly re-bundling TV ecosystem. AMC Networks yesterday touted the progress of its similar AMC Premiere service, as did CBS with All Access and other streaming networks. CBS expects to have 16 million subscribers to CBS All Access and Showtime’s stand-alone OTT by 2022. FX and other companies are looking to the subscription revenue to counter the downward pressure on advertising as viewership continues to fragment.

Early availability of original episodes is one key lure for subscribers. On September 1, FX+ subscribers will get early access to the pilot of Mayans M.C. before its linear premiere.

In addition to exclusively offering complete, in-season stacking rights to all of its current original series without ads, FX Networks said it is the first basic cable portfolio to offer every season of almost every title in its original library. FX+ features every season of 35 FX original series, totaling more than 1,400 episodes of originals spanning the past 16 years.

The FX originals not available on FX+ are Justified, The Bridge and the first two installments of American Crime Story.

On August 21, 2019, the FX+ service will no longer be available. You can continue to enjoy your subscription through August 20, 2019.

There is no need to cancel your subscription as it will automatically end on August 21, 2019.

Current seasons of FX Networks original series will continue to air on the FX and FXX channels and will be accessible for on-demand viewing in the FXNOW app or online at FXNetworks.com when available.

Thank you for being a loyal customer. Please contact us with any questions.

Sincerely,
The FX+ Team

FX never disclosed how many subscribers FX Plus had signed up, but signs were that it wasn’t getting traction.

In an interview with Variety published last month, Landgraf acknowledged that FX Plus was limited by cable carriage agreements to existing pay-TV subscribers and said it was “a rugged path” given that FX Networks has only a dozen or so current programs at any time.

According to FX’s customer-service site, FX Plus subscriptions will automatically end on Aug. 21, 2019. “There is no need to cancel your subscription. If you subscribe through your TV provider, your TV provider will discontinue billing you for the service,” the notice says.