Earlier today, FX announced that Louis C.K.’s Louie series wouldn’t be returning until Spring 2014. A tweet later noted, “We announced today that #Louie @louisck is taking an extended break and season 4 of the series won’t debut spring of ’14. #timeflies”
Apparently the delay is at C.K.’s request so that he’ll have more time to produce and execute the new episodes. He joked, “I don’t want it to be making the doughnuts” — referring to an old Dunkin Donuts commercial about mindlessly churning out donuts.
Though Louie isn’t a big ratings success for FX, it is very popular with critics and a small but devout audience. FX reportedly pays C.K. $200,000 an episode and allows him full creative control.
The third season finished airing on Sptember 27th and averaged a 0.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 800,000 viewers. Compared to the previous season, Louie was down by 20% in the demo and down by 44% in viewership.
FX renewed for season four and another 13 episodes in late July.
What do you think? Are you a fan of the Louie series? Are you disappointed by the delay?
I’m very glad too, especially glad to hear Louie is keeping full creative control over the content. That sense of freedom is what makes this show so unique.
I’m just glad it was renewed.