Louis C.K.: 2017

The usual C.K. show--fresh, funny, smart, bleak, offensive, entertaining--with one minor demerit, for an overlong finish.

2017 [is] a snapshot not so much of our time but of Louis C. K. in his prime, a tight hour and 15 minutes revealing a dizzying number of ways to get a belly laugh: misdirection, juxtaposition, silly voices, act-outs, rambling personal stories, sex jokes.

C.K.’s return to the stage showcases the confidence, charisma, and unflinching opinions you’ve come to love, and his material remains surprisingly off-kilter.

He’s very good at making jokes that are carefully constructed and timed down to the syllable sound like ordinary conversation. He adds to his growing catalogue of acute observations about marriage and raising children, and articulates some differences between middle-aged Louis and his more youthful self.

Ultimately, while not necessarily being one of Louis’ all time greats, 2017 is another welcome addition to the Louis C.K. catalogue and a definite thumbs up for the Netflix stand-up comedy library.

Along the way, Louis C.K. toggles between grouchy and apologetic, his two most oft-used standup comedy gears. He does this to such perfection that even the few moments when the content is weak or a tad forced, he still has his audience on the floor.

A lot of this material is hilarious, but it’s hard not to be struck by how dire much of it is.