Esquire, Revolt, FXX: A look at TV’s newest networks this fall

Didn’t anyone learn from Oprah?

Launching a network isn’t as easy at it looks, even with a built-in, devoted fan base. But a slew of television executives — and a celebrity — are taking a chance anyway, starting up new channels in today’s fractured media landscape and looking to capture some elusive pockets of viewers, from upscale men to those mischievous millennials. Emily Yahr has a primer on this season’s newest channels.

Esquire Network

Owner: NBCUniversal and Hearst Magazines

Replaces: Style

How to find it in D.C.: Comcast 58, Verizon 160, DirecTV 235, Dish 115, RCN 218

Availability: 75 million homes

Launch date: Sept. 23

Target audience: Upscale men, ages 18 to 49

Sample shows : Reality shows “Knife Fight,” “Brew Dogs” (Sept. 24); “The Getaway” (Sept. 25)

Why it exists: To cater to the under-appreciated “upscale men” demographic, of course.

What to expect: A channel that, in its own words, “champions the pursuit of a well-played life” and, taking after its men’s magazine namesake, is the “definitive network for the modern, multifaceted man.” So, all you multifaceted guys out there, get ready for lots of reality shows about travel, food and high-tech gadgets. For example, gritty cooking competition “Knife Fight,” hosted by former “Top Chef” winner Ilan Hall, challenges chefs to create meals at a fancy Los Angeles restaurant. Meanwhile, “Brew Dogs” sends U.K. beer experts across America while “The Getaway” flies NBC stars (Joel McHale, Aziz Ansari) around the world to party on the network’s dime.

FXX

Owner: Fox Networks Group

Replaces: Fox Soccer Channel

How to find it in D.C. : Comcast 725, DirecTV 619, DISH 390, RCN 362

Availability: 72 million homes

Launched: Sept. 2

Target audience: Young adults, ages 18 to 34

Sample shows: Comedies “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “The League” (Wednesdays); “Totally Biased With W. Kamau Bell” (nightly)

Why it exists: Advertisers always want to reach young viewers. Those young viewers almost always lack the attention span to watch TV. Kids these days! Sister network FX wasn’t quite doing the trick, but the network hopes that luring 18-to-34-year olds with their favorite FX programming (“Sunny,” “League,” etc.) will motivate them to stick around. Also making the move to the new network is comedian W. Kamau Bell’s late-night talk show.

What to expect: Comedies, mostly; that highbrow FX is keeping the dramas. While the early days of FXX will feature lots of acquired series and movies, the network will eventually expand to more serious fare. In the meantime, enjoy reruns of shows such as “Parks and Recreation,” “Arrested Development” and “How I Met Your Mother,” along with ’90s favorites “Mad About You,” “Spin City” and “Sports Night.”

Pivot

Owner: Participant Media, an independent film company

Replaces: Documentary Channel

How to find it in D.C. : DirecTV 267, Dish 197

Availability: 40 million homes

Launched: Aug. 1

Target audience: Millennials, ages 18 to 34