Step Right Up! Louis CK Comedy Special For $5!

Comedian Louis CK has performed all over the country, on various late night shows, HBO, and Showtime. He is currently acting, writing, and directing his own show, Louie, on FX. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the showrunner who broke ground with expansive control over his television show is asserting even more autonomy by offering up his next comedy special directly to fans through his website, LouisCK.net, for $5.00.

Louis announced during his recent visit with Conan O’Brien that, beginning December 10th, anyone who wants to see his latest stand-up special will be able to view it online and pay through Paypal. He joked, “I won’t really make any money, but it’s more fun that way.” He could potentially make money though, and that should have cable channel executives watching closely. If Louie’s average of 2 million viewers tune in online that would be roughly $10 million. Taking into account the superfans who will probably watch it at least twice and the possibility (and freedom) of a simple link to the website making its way around e-mails, tweets, and Facebook posts, Louis could be looking at his most successful venture yet.

Artists are always looking for new forms of exposure; any way to get their name and talent out there is beneficial. Using the internet is certainly not a new idea, but it has always held a kind of For-Amateur-Use-Only feel. This move could create a feeling of legitimacy for both beginning artists who are already using the internet and established artists who would like greater creative control and more direct access to their audiences.

Audiences might like the personal feel as well. Once again, their schedules won’t have to revolve around when their television program comes on. Yes, most people have DVR, but now the viewer doesn’t have to be home in front of their TV screen. They can watch it waiting at the airport, on a long car ride, even just from another room when the big game is on. This may be another step towards independence for Louis CK, but it is also a step for his fans – no longer beholden to the showing times of Showtime.

Premium cable channels have always presented themselves as being the Holy Grail of comedy specials (with Comedy Central acting as the basic-cable representative). Although many have cut back their coverage of stand-up specials, the idea of those shows still holds an air of prestige. Subconsciously, most people view television as the ultimate achievement, so seeing someone get to perform his comedy set to a premium-paying audience indicates that that artist must truly have something to show. Whether or not having your comedy set showcased on HBO means anything beyond lucky circumstances (as many comedians will insist that it is), audiences often see it as an indicator of who is on top of their game.

The results could go either way for Louis, who’s known as a bit of a risk taker. There’s the possibility that people will see this as a step down, a sign that he is no longer wanted or welcome on the stage of the Home Box Office. Or they see it as another step in the progression of stand-up comedy’s evolution from records to television to website. No matter the media, Louis CK is sure to entertain his audience, and hey, if it doesn’t work out, it’ll just be more material for his next HBO special.

- Jordan Lints

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November 19th, 2011 | Mara | Comments Off |