The FX Network

[Matthew_S]

There are scores of channels to which I've never even considered paying much attention.

Then there are channels, well, it just hasn't worked out, I just haven't gotten around to it, something or other... like FX.

I saw Rescue Me at its beginning and thought it was okay.  My wife saw an episode or two of Dirt and it was horrendous.

But then there are a bunch of other shows on it that I've never seen (a single minute of).  Am I really missing anything?

The Shield, Nip/Tuck, Damages, It's Always Sunny... , Rescue Me ?

[bruce]

I enjoy It's Always Sunny. Look for the Sweet Dee Dates a Retard episode.

[Dorvid Barnas]

The Shield, Nip/Tuck, Damages, It's Always Sunny... , Rescue Me ?

No, no, haven't seen it, hell-no, dear-god-no.
FX specializes in programming that makes one want to sit in a bathtub, scouring oneself with a Brillo pad.
The shows often start out strong, with compelling anti-heroes and decent production values.
After a few weeks, though, it inevitably devolves into a dirtball parade.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is so awful, I try to avoid the channels on either side of it.

[Sarah]

I've watched all the shows you mention, mainly, I think, because I'm prone to self-destructive behavior but have few opportunities to indulge this bent these days.  I don't recommend any of them, unless you like feeling mildly disgusted with yourself and the rest of the human race.

[TL]

I'm gonna throw my hat in the ring here as being "pro" It's Always Sunny...

[Andy]

It's Always Sunny in Philadlephia is one of the funniest shows on TV if you enjoy darker humor than the normal sitcom (I'm not willing to call it dark humor, it's just darker than most of the crap out there.)

[Sarah]

I think it is much more determinedly nasty than other sitcoms, but because this is deliberate, to me it is less offensive than many that are less intentionally obnoxious.  Still, all the characters are so hateful that I am sometimes disgusted with myself for being entertained by them.

[Andy]

Just embrace the dark side, Sarah.

Seriously, though, I'm a lot more offended by shows like The Bachelor or The Hills (that my wife watches) because of exactly what (I think) Sarah is saying.  It's Always Sunny is dark, but it's over the top, ridiculous dark humor.  I think that most people who watch it understand this and don't think that's it's really acceptable to take a baby that you found in a dumpster to the tanning bed in hopes of darkening it's skin in order to get it a modeling job as a Latin American baby model.

I think the effect that shows like The Hills and shit have on young ladies is a lot more damaging.

[Ason]

There's a "X" in the title so it MUST be edgy.

[Sarah]

shows like The Bachelor or The Hills

See, these shows and their ilk I never, ever, ever watch.  If Sunny represents a dark side my enjoyment of which I sometimes find troubling, reality TV is the product of a black, endless, soul-destroying, mind-numbing cynicism that I seem to be completely unable to appreciate let alone embrace.  I'll take FX's self-consciously edgy sleaze over that poison any moment of any day.

[Chris L]

shows like The Bachelor or The Hills

See, these shows and their ilk I never, ever, ever watch.  If Sunny represents a dark side my enjoyment of which I sometimes find troubling, reality TV is the product of a black, endless, soul-destroying, mind-numbing cynicism that I seem to be completely unable to appreciate let alone embrace.  I'll take FX's self-consciously edgy sleaze over that poison any moment of any day.

How do you think Drew Carey's doing on The Price is Right, Sarah?

[Sarah]

I get so confused.

[ughwhy]

I've had some good times with that The Riches program.

[Miss]

The Hills After Show from Canada is very funny sometimes.