Pamela Adlon’s Better Things returns for a Louis CK-free third season
The fate of one of the best shows on television was thrown into question last fall amid Louis CK’s downfall. Once FX cut ties with the disgraced comedian after he admitted to masturbating in front of women without their consent, the third season of Better Things, the Pamela Adlon-led dramedy about a single mother and actress, looked uncertain. Adlon addressed her creative partner’s sexual misconduct, saying she was “devastated and in shock” of his “abhorrent behavior.” But still, what would the future of the show—co-created by CK, who also wrote or co-wrote most of the first season—look like? Thankfully, Better Things was never really CK’s show. It was Adlon’s baby, and it will carry on.
On Thursday, FX announced in a press release that Better Things will finally return next month, without CK’s involvement. The third season debuts on February 28 with 12 new episodes—two more than usual—and similar to season two, Adlon will direct every episode. She’ll also write, executive produce, and serve as showrunner in addition to starring as Sam Fox, a Los Angeles mother attempting to juggle her acting career, three daughters, and a kooky mother (Celia Imrie) who lives across the street.
CK may have been a big contributor to Better Things, but ultimately Sam is all Adlon’s creation. She expertly carried the semi-autobiographical show on her shoulders, one that’s as profound and sensitive as it is achingly funny in its unfiltered discussions around femininity, sexuality, and parenthood. It’s exciting to imagine where the show will go from here now that it will fully be Adlon’s vision.
Even more better things are on the way in season three: The next set of episodes will feature a lengthy list of guest stars, including Sharon Stone, Matthew Broderick, Doug Jones, Glynn Turman, Judy Reyes, Cree Summer, Charlie Robinson, Janina Gavankar, and Marsha Thomason. The third season of Better Things arrives on FX on February 28 at 10 p.m. ET.