Since premiering in 2013, FX’s “The Americans” has consistently earned critical acclaim. It has just as consistently delivered unremarkable ratings.
Those ratings ventured into particularly concerning territory in the current third season. While an improved year-over-year DVR boost helps to close the gap, the third season’s live+same-day viewership pales in comparison to that of the previous seasons.
Several season three episodes — including last Wednesday’s telecast — drew fewer than one million viewers. No season one or two episode slipped beneath that mark.
Despite that reality, FX remains committed to its critically acclaimed drama. It announced Tuesday that it has renewed the series for a thirteen-episode fourth season.
“Remarkably, this season of The Americans has achieved even greater acclaim than that of its first two seasons,” says FX’s Nick Grad. “The series has cemented it status with critics as television’s best current drama and arguably the best show on TV, and we couldn’t agree more.
“That universal critical praise is a tribute to the talents of Joe, Joel, Keri, Matthew, Noah and the entire cast and crew. We look forward to the final four episodes of season three, and beyond, in Philip and Elizabeth Jennings’ riveting journey.”
