Despite observations that we are currently experiencing the ‘death of TV’, television shows no sign of giving up the ghost to newer media. The ubiquitous presence of TV—in our living rooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens—demands critical attention. This class will use a variety of approaches to assess the material, rhetorical, and cultural impact of a medium that many people seem eager to dismiss. But is it? Why do people continue to tune in? How has television adapted to the new media environment? What does the future of TV look like? This blog will consider all these questions and more.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Like Awkward?, Watch Louie.

FX adds another comedy to its absurd genre of comedies. However, Louie doesn’t contain all of the frank, sexual dialogue and strong language that we see from Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, and Archer. Louie is about a successful stand up comedian, recently divorced father to two young girls who is trying to get his feet back on the ground. The show is produced, directed, written and edited by Louie C.K., a successful stand up comic over the past 20 years and has been a successful director, submitting the first ever stand-up concert film at Sundance. He adds a new kind of funny to FX, with some solid stand up and scripted short films to complement the routine. It’s a refreshing take on comedy that we don’t see in a lot of shows recently.


I think the first episode did a good job introducing what the show is going to be about. The show is centered on him and what’s going on in his life. Louie’s take on life is fairly comical and it shows in his stand up. The most recent event that has really changed his life has been his divorce, so in the first episode he jokes about how a divorce is like stepping out of a really shitty time machine, his relationships with his daughters, and his struggles with dating after being married for 14 years. His attempt at taking someone out on a date is down right pathetic because he is one of the most awkward people in dating situations. His cool, calm and funny personality onstage does not translate over well into his offstage experiences. He puts himself in really awkward situations and somehow manages to make these situations even more awkward (which in my opinion is very comical).



From his awkward smiles, denied make out sessions, and strange encounters with other people on the show, Louie provides some much needed awkward funny comedy that diversifies FX’s comedy line-up. Though I think it’s too early to tell how successful the show is going to be in the long run, but the first episode was funny, entertaining, and different from most other comedies. I think has the recipe for a successful TV series.

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3 comments:

  1. lauren ashleyJune 30, 2010 at 9:43 PM

    This show sounds interesting. It seems like a departure from the usual raunchy FX tv shows. Louie's life will probably be more relatable to viewers than the over-the-top high jinx at Paddy's Pub!

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  2. brosenJuly 1, 2010 at 2:00 PM

    Louis CK has gotta be the best stand up comedian in America-even Ricky Gervais said so. Im really looking forward to this show, and I hope it picks up where 'Lucky Louie' left off. I wonder though if censorship might dumb down his comedy, even if it is on FX, its still network cable.

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  3. Scott RyanJuly 2, 2010 at 5:03 PM

    Thanks for posting this! I missed the pilot but was really looking forward to it. I watched Louis CK's short lived HBO series Lucky Louie and I became a huge fan. Im glad to hear that this show seems like it has a similar feel and quality. I'll definitely have to check it out!

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