Netflix is taking stand-up seriously and have signed up arguably the greatest comedic voice of this generation to an exclusive deal.
Louis C.K. joins the likes of good friends and fellow legends, Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld, who recently agreed deals with the streaming service.
C.K.’s next two specials will debut exclusively on Netflix with the first, titled 2017, set for an April 4 premiere, according to Variety.
“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 marvelled at his creativity and his ability to invent comedically and commercially, and are thrilled that he is bringing his newest specials to Netflix,” Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said on Wednesday.
The deal confirms Netlix’s status as a major player in the stand-up comedy market, with the latest acquisitions proof that it stands alongside the likes of Comedy Central, HBO and Showtime in the United States.
Most recently, C.K. self-released the dark 10-episode series Horace and Pete through his website, having told nobody that the show was even in production while the 49-year-old is also keeping himself busy as one of the main voice actors and executive producers of the animated series The Cops. He is also an executive producer of the popular comedies One Mississippi, Baskets and Better Things.
With all of that on his plate, it’s looking less likely that we’ll see his Emmy award-winning semi-autobiographical show Louie returning to our screens in 2017.
