Without fanfare, ballyhoo or pomp, Louis C.K’s “Louie” is coming back for a fourth season in May. The popular comedian, director and actor – amongst other things – needed time to build upon the critical success of the first three seasons, hence the 19-month hiatus.

LouieLouie is coming back to FX on May 5

Fans of the show will know about the unique way in which it is made: C.K writes, directs, stars, edits and hold autonomous control over his show, which is a rarity in and of itself. What’s more, FX receive a DVD each with the episode on and can either put it on the air, or not. Louis is also paid a diminutive budget for the comedy, which he has to pay himself out of.

It’s a truly unique way for a network and talent to combine, and is concurrent with ‘Louie’ – one of the most original comedies on television, focussing on the not-so-alter ego of its creator as he tries to navigate living in a vibrant city, his career, parenthood and relationships.

"I want Season 4 to go somewhere new," Louis C.K told the press when season 3 wrapped and talk of a fourth was in the air. "I'm looking back to when I did the first season and the time I took to do the show and decide which directions to go in and I want that back again," he added. "I want a little breathing room."

C.K was the recipient of several Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his acting, writing, and directing, and he won for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards. It featured cameos from such giants as Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Chris Rock and David Lynch.

'Louie' season 4 will premiere on May 5. All 14 episodes will air over 7 weeks in back to back pairings

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