the first episode of the season premiered with the lowest number of u.s. viewers since it has been tracked for the show. this was primarily due to the new channel, fxx, being unavailable from many television providers. many suddenlink communications franchises, although carrying the channel, have required the subscriber to buy a "sports package" in order to receive the network. nonetheless, fx network president john landgraf said that "the numbers last night [...] far exceeded our highest expectations" and that "to have just launched the channel three days ago and get these ratings is thrilling."