So, you’re looking for Louie. You probably remember it as that weirdly brilliant, often uncomfortable FX show that basically redefined what a "sitcom" could look like back in the early 2010s. One minute he’s eating a croissant in a bathtub, and the next, he’s having a deeply philosophical debate with a doctor played by Ricky Gervais. But then, things got complicated. Very complicated.
If you’ve checked Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ recently, you’ve likely noticed a giant, gaping hole where the show used to be. It’s gone. Scrubbed. Vanished from the big-name streamers.
Honestly, finding where can I watch Louie in 2026 feels a bit like looking for a bootleg tape in the 90s. It isn’t just floating around on your standard $15-a-month subscription anymore. If you want to see the show that won three Emmys and two Peabody Awards, you have to go straight to the source.
The Only Place Left: The Louis CK Website
You won’t find Louie on Hulu. It isn't on Amazon Prime Video for free either. Since 2022, the series has lived almost exclusively on Louis CK’s personal website. He actually bought the rights back from FX. This was a pretty massive move because, usually, networks hold onto those rights like a dog with a bone.
Here is the current breakdown of what it costs to watch:
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- A single season: $10.00
- The complete series (All 5 seasons): $30.00
- The "Mega Bundle": $35.00 (This includes all of Louie plus his other series, Horace and Pete)
It’s actually way cheaper than it used to be. Back when it was on iTunes or Vudu, a full season would run you $25 or more. Now, for the price of a couple of pizzas, you own the whole thing—sort of.
The "Five-Year" Catch
When you buy the show on his site, you aren't exactly buying a physical DVD that lasts forever. You’re buying a five-year streaming license. If you bought it back in 2022, your clock is ticking. But if you buy it today, you have five years of unlimited streaming access.
Wait. Why only five years? It basically comes down to server costs. Since he isn’t a massive corporation like Google, paying to host those giant video files forever for every single customer gets expensive. It’s a bit of a bummer, but that’s the trade-off for the "exclusive" access.
Why Can’t I Just Stream It on Hulu?
It’s easy to forget that Louie was the crown jewel of FX for years. It was the show that paved the way for Atlanta and Better Things. But after the 2017 reports regarding Louis CK’s misconduct, the industry distance was immediate.
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FX severed ties. Netflix cancelled his specials. The show was pulled from almost every major digital storefront. For a while, it was literally impossible to watch legally unless you owned the old DVDs.
Eventually, as the dust settled and he returned to touring, he negotiated a deal to take the show under his own wing. This is why you see it on his site but not on Disney+ (which owns FX). Major streamers generally don't want the headache or the social media backlash that comes with hosting his content. They’d rather just let him sell it himself.
What About Physical Copies?
If you hate the idea of a "five-year license," you might be tempted to look for DVDs. Good luck.
They exist, but they are becoming increasingly rare. You can sometimes find Season 1 or Season 2 at a used record shop or on eBay for $15, but finding a complete set of all five seasons is tough. They didn’t print nearly as many copies of the later seasons.
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- Pros of DVDs: You own it forever. No internet required.
- Cons of DVDs: Standard definition (mostly). Hard to find. No Season 6 (because there isn't one).
Is It Still Worth Watching?
That is the big question, isn't it? Art vs. Artist.
If you can separate the two, Louie remains a masterclass in filmmaking. It’s avant-garde. It’s lonely. It’s hilarious in a way that makes you feel slightly bad for laughing. The episode where he goes to Afghanistan to perform for the troops is still one of the most surreal hours of television ever produced.
But it’s definitely a time capsule. Watching it now feels different than it did in 2012. You notice things. You cringe at lines that used to fly under the radar. Whether that makes it better or worse is really up to you.
How to Watch Louie Right Now
If you’ve decided you want to dive back in, here is exactly how to do it:
- Head to LouisCK.com: Don't bother searching the App Store on your TV; you won't find an app.
- Pick your bundle: The $30 complete series is the best value unless you also want Horace and Pete.
- Check your tech: You can stream it directly in your browser. If you want to watch it on your TV, you’ll need to use AirPlay or a Chromecast from your phone or laptop.
- Download if you can: Some versions on the site allow for a direct MP4 download. If you see that option, take it. That way, you actually own the file on your hard drive and don't have to worry about the five-year streaming limit.
There are no shortcuts here. No secret Netflix "hidden code" will make it appear. It’s a direct-to-consumer world for Louie now. If you want it, you go to him.
Check your local library’s digital catalog through apps like Libby or Hoopla. Occasionally, some library systems still hold digital licenses for older FX shows, though many have purged their collections recently. If that fails, your most reliable and legal path is a direct purchase via the official website to ensure you get the high-definition versions and full subtitles.