Louis C.K. FX show 'Louie' season four delayed to 2014

Count us among the comedy nerds who are really bummed out this week: First, NBC announced that season 4 of Community will be delayed, and now Louis C.K. says his FX show Louie will take an extended hiatus until the spring of 2014, when it will return for its fourth season.

During a conference call with reporters today, the comedian said that the decision to take a break was his own. “The last three seasons have been this surge of fun and work and stories and it’s been great, but I want the show to keep getting better,” he said. “That’s my goal, and I don’t want it to be making the donuts, I want it to be something that comes from somewhere important and stays funny.”

It’s been an especially busy year for C.K. In addition to writing, producing, and starring in Louie, getting invited to the White House, winning this year’s Emmy for comedy writing, and selling Tig Notaro’s comedy album on his web site, he’s also touring nonstop through February 2013, which may have also prompted him to take this hiatus. In June, C.K. told EW that most of his income comes from stand-up. “I’m going to make a s–load of money on the road,” he said. “I make fine money on the show, but the road is a hell of a lot more.” (His most recent tour sold $4.5 million in tickets, over just two days.)

He also believes that his reputation as a stand-up comedian has earned him more creative freedom on television. “I always looked at Woody Allen as a great guide: [He] had his own voice that was sought after because of his stand-up,” he explained. “And because of his stand-up, when he wanted to do something this way, they would let him do it.” FX certainly seems to be willing to let him experiment. We’re anxious to see how the show changes after two years.

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Louis C.K. destroyes me, and I can’t get enough