Aziz Ansari Follows Louis C.K. DIY Model, Offers Comedy Special Directly to Fans

Following in the footsteps of Louis C.K., comedian Aziz Ansari said Tuesday that he will offer his new stand-up special, Aziz Ansari: Dangerously Delicious, as a digital download.

In what should be a worrying sign for comedy labels looking to remain the middleman, the 60-minute stand-up special will be immediately available to the Parks & Recreation star’s fans at www.AzizAnsari.com. The uncensored show was filmed last year during a stop on his Dangerously Delicious tour at The Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. It was directed by longtime collaborator Jason Woliner and, like Louis C.K.’s successful experiment, is being sold for $5.

The news comes as Ansari’s stand-up career heats up. The multihyphenate recently said he will embark on another theater tour, titled Buried Alive, this spring. The set will feature entirely new material from the actor-comic.

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Louis C.K. generated a tremendous amount of press when he employed the DIY model back in December. The spotlight remained on him and his experiment as he earned more than $1 million within days of offering Louis C.K.: Live at the Beacon Theater directly to fans on his site. Comedian Jim Gaffigan announced in mid-February that he’d be following suit, serving up his Jim Gaffigan: Mr. Universe on his website with the same $5 price tag. 

Email: Lacey.Rose@THR.com; Twitter: @LaceyVRose