'Nip/Tuck' begins its endgame in October

FX is loading up for a fairly busy fall with the return of "Nip/Tuck" and two other shows and the possible launch of a new comedy.

"Nip/Tuck" will begin its sixth season in October, beginning the countdown to a series finale that will come in 2010 or '11. The continuing professional, personal and sexual adventures of plastic surgeons Sean McNamara (Dylan Walsh) and Christian Troy (Julian McMahon) will unfold for 10 episodes this fall, setting the stage for a nine-episode final season further down the line.

FX announced last year that it would end the show after 100 episodes, at the time saying that the final two seasons would air starting in 2010. That timeline has moved up a little, but fans of the show will still have plenty of time to say goodbye. The show has already finished filming the series finale.

The other returnees on FX in the fall are "Sons of Anarchy," which will move into the Tuesday-night spot that was the long-time home of "The Shield" on Sept. 8; and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," which returns for its fifth season on Thursday, Sept. 17.

"Sons of Anarchy" was one of the top draws on cable for adults 18-34 last season. The second season will feature new guest stars Henry Rollins and Adam Arkin entering SAMCRO's orbit.

"It's Always Sunny" may also pair with a new comedy in the fall. FX says it "has plans" to debut a new show on Thursday nights but doesn't go into any more specifics.

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