Louis C.K.’s Horace and Pete is an important milestone in the history of how we consume media. The decision to distribute the show himself has made Louis a pioneer in creator/fan relations, directly supplying content to his audience himself without having to worry about network interference. It doesn’t hurt that the show he produced is gut-wrenching, experimental, powerful, cruel, poignant, and ultimately devastating. It’s not easy to watch and the reward might seem horrific, but as my editor Nick Nunziata said, “Horace and Pete is painful, required viewing.”
The show has finally begun to turn a profit for Louis and now he’s considering a return to the tragic stage play concept he has already excelled at. Speaking with Deadline, Louis mulled over another go-around at Horace and Pete‘s:
“I have ideas on how to continue this series. but the test is always — does it write? I did this myself without a network because I didn’t want to (be committed to) do it again. I only want to do it if it’s really compelling.”
I’m all for more of this show, but without spoiling anything (so stop reading if you don’t want to infer what I’m getting at), there’s a finality to Horace and Pete that could be undermined by another trip to that century-old bar. I trust Louis implicitly though should he decide to take another swing at Horace and Pete, and it’s refreshing to hear an artist say that he’s only committed to something if it feels right. There’s no pressure on him to do another season of Horace and Pete, only the necessity if Louis feels it’s the right thing to do.
If you haven’t watched Horace and Pete, I strongly urge you to do so. It’s probably going to be divisive for some of you, but the best art often elicits such strong opinions. Understand that it is a tragedy through and through, so if you don’t think that kind of harshness is something for you then I understand completely. But, if you want to support creator-owned art that doesn’t neatly fit into any current societal standard, watch Horace and Pete and keep your fingers crossed for another season.