December 12, 2007

Special FX

Name: John Landgraf
Title: President/GM, FX Networks
Age: 45
Years in Industry: 19
Years left in the industry: “Ask the DVR.”

Why Him? Perhaps memories of Howard Stern’s “Son of the Beach” linger, but for some reason FX and John Landgraf still don’t get the respect they merit for a slew of hits. They should. With some exceptions, Landgraf and FX haven’t missed in years, beginning with “The Shield” (March ’02). This past season was no exception as FX cleaned up with Courteney Cox in “Dirt,” whose premiere delivered 3.4mln adults. That helped Dirt to a renewal; also renewed was offbeat series “The Riches.” Season five of “Nip/Tuck” (Oct 30) was the night’s top cable show (adults 18-49). Landgraf could lament the Glenn Close vehicle “Damages,” which wowed critics but didn’t post commensurate ratings. Still, it averaged 5.1mln total viewers, good enough for a 2-season renewal and giving FX six concurrent drama series, the most for a cable net. With success and a gorgeous wife (actress Ali Larter, pictured above), Landgraf isn't lamenting much these days.  SA

John Landgraf
What is your favorite word? “Any word that is the truth.”
What is your least favorite word? “Any word that is a lie.”
What turns you on? “My wife”
What turns you off? “Partisanship”
What sound do you love? “The wind blowing through a forest.”
What sound do you hate? “Ann Coulter's voice (a different kind of wind).”
What profession other than yours would like to attempt? “Education”
What profession would you not like to participate in? “Politics”
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? “You're late!”


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