FX Renews Louis C.K.’s “Louie” for a Fifth Season

Louis C.K. is still an FX man…

FX  has been picked up the 46-year-old Mexican American actor/comedian’s critically acclaimed comedy series Louie for another season.

Louis C.K.

FX Networks and FX Productions CEO John Landgraf announced a seven-episode fifth season of Louie Monday, noting that the run is slated for spring 2015.

“Louie’s fourth season was once again groundbreaking,” said Landgraf. “Sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking – always thought-provoking. The show went to narrative and cinematic places no comedy has gone before, and we look forward to seeing what Louis comes up with next.”

The latest round of Louie episodes earned five Emmy nominations — including outstanding comedy series, lead actor, writing, directing and casting. In 2012, it was the first basic cable series in history to score a best comedy nom.

After a two-year lapse between seasons three and four, one C.K. took because he said he wanted the show to feel new again, Louie most recently aired 14 new episodes. Those aired mostly back-to-back on the FX parent network even though many comedy offerings from the cable network are now shifting to spinoff FXX.

Louis C.K., Blair Breard and Dave Becky serve as executive producers on Louie.

Armisen to Guest Star on Maya Rudolph’s NBC Variety Special/Pilot

He’s already the bandleader for his former Saturday Night Light cast mate Seth Meyer’s band on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers… And, now Fred Armisen is about to reunite with another SNL alum.

The 45-year-old half-Venezuelan actor will guest star on Maya Rudolph’s upcoming variety special/pilot for NBC.

Fred Armisen

Revisiting the variety-show format, The Maya Rudolph Show special will air at 10:00 pm ET on Monday, May 19.

In addition to Armisen, the project will also feature appearences by Andy Samberg, Kristen Bell, Chris Parnell, Craig Robinson, Sean Hayes and Janelle Monae.

Raphael Saadiq will serve as the bandleader for the project, which is being produced by Rudolph, David Javerbaum, Erin David and Dave Becky, with Lorne Michaels serving as executive producer.

Rudolph and Armisen often collaborated together on SNL, including memorable skits as Beyonce and Prince in the recurring sketch “Prince Show.”

The pair also shared the stage on the SNL sketch “Bossa Nova” as a bossa nova band with host Alec Baldwin appearing as a sleaze bag.