While FX's Louie won't return until spring 2014, Louis C.K. will be back on cable next year via an HBO comedy special.
The premium cable network on Monday announced that the Emmy winner will return to HBO for an all-new stand-up comedy special set to air in 2013.
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The special will be taped during one of Louis C.K.'s 16-city tour stops and mark his fourth hourlong effort at HBO. Like he does with his FX comedy, Louis C.K. will direct the special.
"I'm delighted to welcome the gifted Louis C.K. back to HBO,” HBO programming president Michael Lombardo said in announcing the news. "This comic genius remains one of the freshest voices on the scene, and HBO is proud to provide an uncensored forum for his provocative humor."
The HBO special marks his latest on the network, following 2007's Louis C.K.: Shameles and half-hour gigs as part of 1997's HBO Comedy Half-Hour and 2005's One Night Stand: Louis C.K. He also created and starred in HBO's 2006 series Lucky Louie, the network's first multicamera comedy series.
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The special comes just two months after Louis C.K.'s Live at the Beacon Theatre digital download special -- which the comedian self-distributed via his website for $5 -- earned an Emmy for outstanding writing for a variety special. The special was edited and released a mere four weeks after it was recorded during a November 2011 performance. FX ultimately aired the special.
FX and Louis C.K. in early October announced that Louie would go on an extended hiatus before unspooling its fourth season in spring 2014. The comedian hinted during a call with reporters that his current tour would "probably" be turned into a stand-up special.
The HBO vehicle will ultiamtely be available as a $5 download on the comedian's website shortly after it airs, Louis C.K. said via Twitter.
Louis C.K., Dave Becky and Blair Breard will executive produce the special.
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