Louis C.K.’s next two comedy specials will debut exclusively on Netflix, Variety has learned.
The first of the specials, titled “2017” and filmed in Washington, D.C., will premiere April 4 globally on Netflix.
C.K. is no stranger to the streaming world; he released his 2011 special “Live from the Beacon Theater” exclusively on his own website for $5, and several of his other specials have been available on Netflix for years — “2017” will merely be the first to debut as a Netflix original. His latest series, “Horace and Pete,” was distributed solely through louisck.net; after its first run on his site, Hulu picked up the syndicated streaming rights.
“Louis has been one of the most innovative comedy voices in this new era of stand up. He has also been a thought leader in the business of comedy. We have marveled at his creativity and his ability to invent comedically and commercially, and are thrilled that he is bringing his newest specials to Netflix,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer.
Netflix has been shelling out serious money for comedians of late. While the number of stand-up specials debuting on the service has been steadily increasing since about 2014, Netflix most recently locked up Chris Rock’s next two specials for a reported $40 million, picked up Amy Schumer’s latest to debut in March, snagged a special from Jim Gaffigan, made a deal with Dave Chappelle for three new specials, and stole Jerry Seinfeld away from Sony’s Crackle streaming platform.
C.K. has a fairly full plate at this moment. In addition to these specials, he’ll also serve as one of the main voice actors and executive producers on forthcoming TBS animated comedy “The Cops,” which he co-created with Al Brooks; and, through his Pig Newton production shingle, he serves as an executive producer on Tig Notaro’s Amazon comedy “One Mississippi” and FX comedies “Baskets” and “Better Things.” All this is to reiterate that, no, we’re not like to see any new episodes of C.K.’s breakout FX series “Louie” any time soon.
