Last week, Fox announced that FX’s tentpole comedy, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” will move to FXX, a new comedy network that will replace the sports network, Fox Soccer Channel. “Sunny” will be joined by fantasy football comedy “The League” and talk show “Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell.”

The creation of FXX may come as a surprise, but it certainly shakes up the television landscape.

This programming strategy raises the question of whether FX’s critical darling “Louie” — a show that refuses to be exclusively classified as a comedy or a drama — will shift over to the new network as well. Fox has not disclosed whether FXX will offer dramatic programming, or if it exists exclusively for comedies.

This move is not without precedent, as network splits have proven successful in the past. While not normally contenders at the Emmy Awards, TBS and TNT still have developed strong followings by sticking to comedy and drama, respectively.

FX is a beloved basic cable network, but, unlike AMC — another much respected basic cable network — FX has been able to balance comedy and drama programming in recent years. This doubling down on FX’s part will supposedly allow for 25 more scripted shows on the channel. This rush of additional programming might give FX the opportunity to finally edge out AMC in the ratings.

FX is home to programs that are equal in quality to those on AMC when it comes to drama, but even John Landgraf, the president of FX, has admitted that their dramas are all variations of the anti-hero story. With comedies out of the way, FX can focus on broadcasting the dramas that give the network a more diverse appeal.

In a way, FX has segregated its shows between comedies and dramas already. Comedies are mostly relegated to Thursday, and the network tries to spread out their dramas throughout the week. This has already created a split-view effect on FX.

When fans think about “Sunny,” for instance, viewers can easily relate it to “League” and “Legit.” But if they consider the gun-toting “Justified,” the motorcycle drama “Sons of Anarchy” comes to mind. Rarely are the comedies associated with the dramas, making it hard to recall that “Louie” airs on the same channel as “American Horror Story.”

This news should be exciting for FX fans. The channel has thus far only built on its quality since being known solely as the home of “The Shield.” Even the syndicated shows on FXX are appealing, with reruns of “Parks and Recreation” and “How I Met Your Mother” already scheduled to air. This move may have come at a random time, but FXX certainly has a shot at success based on what the network promises to offer.

A version of this article appeared in the Wednesday, April 10 print edition. Marcus Jones is a staff writer. Email him at [email protected].