The Wrap reported today that FX Networks has decided to push the launch date for Louis CK's new comedy series, Louie, from April 1 to an unspecified date in June, allegedly so it can coincide with the next season of Denis Leary's Rescue Me as its lead-in. The FX site for Louie, which had been playing a promo clip, also appears to be done for the moment. Which means that April Fool's Day launch really was a bit of a joke. Louis CK just taped about an hour of stand-up and several scenes yesterday at the Comedy Cellar in NYC for the series, which is looking more and more like our 21st century dream of a more realistic Seinfeld. (The Wrap)
UPDATED: Here's a quote and brief explanation from FX in a press release on the matter. Plus, note that Louie will air at 11 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. now. Ready, set, read!
“Louie is a brilliantly funny and original series, and we are excited by the critical response to the show,” said John Landgraf, President and General Manager, FX Networks. “Even though it is a drama, Rescue Me has always been regarded as one of the funniest shows on television and it will provide an outstanding, compatible lead-in for Louie. We successfully used Rescue Me as a lead-in for the majority of the first season of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. We believe in Louie and want to provide it with the best possible platform for success.” Louie is a comedy filtered through the observational humor of Louis C.K. Each episode puts a spotlight on Louis’ hectic life as a successful stand-up comedian and newly single father raising his two daughters. The single-camera comedy is a mix of Louis C.K.’s stand-up comedy and scripted stories.