CHICAGO (thefutoncritic.com) -- FX's "Lucky" is not living up to its namesake as the cable channel's original series continued its slide in the ratings last week. Its April 20 episode managed a paltry 0.7 rating in households, down an astonishing 68% from its debut numbers (2.2 household rating on April 8).

More disturbing however is that 0.7 rating is off 36% from FX's recent primetime average (1.1 household rating). Considering "Lucky's" $1.5 million per episode price tag, that's not a good return on investment when its ratings come under FX's usual fare. Through seven episodes this season the comedy has averaged a 1.3 household rating.

An FX spokeman blamed the decline on the broadcast networks' May sweep period and the overall growth of cable news channels as of late due to the Iraq war. FX will wait for the numbers on the final six episodes of "Lucky" before making the final call as to its future. With the broadcast season officially over, the cable channel is hoping for an uptick in the ratings.

Meanwhile, FX has announced the official start date for its other new original series. "Nip/Tuck," which stars Dylan Walsh and Julian McMahon as a pair of Miami-based plastic surgeons, will bow Tuesday, July 22 at 10:00/9:00c.