If you haven’t been watching Zach Galifianakis’ new FX show, Baskets, then you should check it out as soon as possible. Anti-product placements notwithstanding, the show is quite good and comes from a great comedy pedigree, as Louis C.K. co-created it and serves as executive producer. Galifianakis shed some light on how the series came about during his Tuesday visit to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
The Hangover and Birdman star told the talk show host that it began with a phone call from Louis. Galifianakis also inadvertently revealed a great, yet simple, joke about Louis’ preferred nominal designation that had never before occurred to this writer (who will now be using it whenever the occasion calls for it).
“He calls me and he’s like, ‘Are you interested in writing a TV show?’ And I said, ‘F U, C.K. I’m too busy.'”
It’s a basic, schoolyard-level insult, but it wonderfully slides off the tongue in such an elegant manner. And considering the slight smirk Galifianakis emits after Fallon’s predictably overzealous reaction, it’s probably a joke that Louis has heard way too often throughout his life.
Then again, Louis himself decided to go by “Louis C.K.” in all of his professional matters, so it’s really his own fault. Galifianakis was just the messenger.
