Pamela Adlon to Star in FX Comedy Pilot Directed by Louis C.K.

FX is going back into business with Louie’s Pamela Adlon.

The network used its platform at the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour Sunday to announce it has picked up to pilot comedy Better Things, created by and starring Adlon and directed by Louie star Louis C.K. Additionally, FX also announced that it closed a deal to televise C.K.’s next stand-up comedy special, which will again debut on the comedian’s website. 

Better Things stars Adlon as Sam, a working actor trying to earn a living, navigate her three daughters’ lives, having fun with a friend or two, and also — just maybe — squeezing in some sex once in a while. Her life is funny to watch, but you wouldn’t want to live it (except sometimes).

 Adlon (Louie, Californication) and C.K. will write the pilot and executive produce alongside 3 Arts Entertainment’s Blair Breard and Dave Becky. The pilot hails from FX Productions and C.K.’s Pig Newton Productions. (FXP has an overall deal with C.K.’s production company, which is also behind Louie and upcoming comedy series Baskets, starring Zach Galifianakis.)

Adlon is a two-time Emmy nominee for her role on Louie and took home the prize for her voiceover performance as Bobby Hill on King of the Hill. Her work on Louie has also resulted in a WGA Award and two PGA Award nominations.

The pickup joins an FX pilot slate that also includes animated comedy Bigfoot, comedies Death Pact, Donald Glover’s rap comedy Atlanta, Bill Burr’s Pariah and Kurt Sutter‘s The Bastard Executioner.

FX, meanwhile, also announced that the eight-episode fifth season of Louie will bow on Thursday, April 9 at 10:30 p.m., after the series debut of Billy Crystal starrer The Comedians at 10 p.m. 

As for C.K.’s comedy special, that will air in the spring and will be written and directed by the Louie star. C.K. and M. Blair Breard will exec produce the special, which is being produced by Pig Newton.

The cable network — and younger-skewing sibling FXX — have a roster of originals that include anthologies Fargo, American Horror Story and American Crime Story, as well as dramas The Americans, The Strain, Taboo, Tyrant and comedies Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll, Archer, Baskets, Louie, Married, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Man Seeking Woman and You’re the Worst.

Adlon is repped by 3 Arts.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
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