FX Is Putting Louis C.K.’s Sitcom On Hiatus Until 2014

On the same day we report that Community’s return date has been postponed indefinitely, we are also learning that FX is giving the Louis C.K. sitcom, Louie, an extended hiatus, as well. But, like with Community, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s what Louis C.K. wanted.

“The last three seasons have been this surge of fun and work and stories and it’s been great, but I want the show to keep getting better,” Louis C.K. said in a conference call with reporters today. “That’s my goal, and I don’t want it to be making the donuts, I want it to be something that comes from somewhere important and stays funny. It’s a luxury I asked for … season four is my job right now, but I’m going to take a whole lot of time to turn it in.

“I want season four to go somewhere new, even if it’s only a slight shift.”

He also said that he thinks in trilogies and that the first three seasons completed one such trilogy, and so he wanted to take some time to set up the next trilogy. He speculated that, “pie in the sky,” the show might go nine seasons — i.e., three trilogies.

The sitcom is in no danger of cancelation or anything. It will return in May of 2014. FX president John Landgraf is simply abiding by Louis’ wishes:

“This is certainly one of the finest television series I’ve ever had the opportunity to work on,” FX prexy John Landgraf said.”It’s been unbelievable to see what Louis’ been able to do when left to his own devices … My goal from the very beginning is not to force Louis to adapt his skills to a specific structure of story,” Landgraf said. “Why does it have to be one thing? Why can’t it be anything Louis wants it to be? Louis will do whatever he wants to do, and we’ll try to figure out from a channel standpoint how to support that.”

Again, it’s unfortunate that we’ll have to wait longer to see one of our favorite shows return, but it’s a lot better than rushing a series of half-assed episodes back to air, especially one in which only one man is controlling so much of the show. Louis — who has stated in the past that most of his income still comes from stand-up performances — can’t be expected to drop everything to devote his entire existence to the show, and it wouldn’t be good for the sitcom, anyway, since so much of the series revolves around Louis’ own experiences, which he’ll need to spend time collecting before he can turn them into episodes.

Take your time, Louis. We’ll be waiting when you get back.

(Source: Variety)