Watch Horace and Pete

Horace and Pete is a groundbreaking independent drama series created, written, and directed by Louis C.K. The show revolves around the lives of Horace (played by Louis C.K.), Pete (played by Steve Buscemi), and their extended family as they run a century-old dive bar in Brooklyn, New York. The show is set in real-time and explores themes of family dynamics, mental illness, addiction, and the struggles of the working class.

Every episode of Horace and Pete takes place inside the bar, with each installment featuring different characters who come in and out of the establishment. The show's unique structure allows for a more intimate viewing experience, as the audience becomes invested in the lives of the characters within the bar's walls. The show's low-key atmosphere is a stark contrast to the glitzy, high-stakes world of other television dramas, which makes it stand out as a true masterpiece of its genre.

One of Horace and Pete's most captivating aspects is its ensemble cast. Alongside Louis C.K. and Steve Buscemi, the show features performances from industry stalwarts such as Edie Falco, Alan Alda, and Jessica Lange. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, and the show highlights each performer's strengths, making for a dynamic and compelling viewing experience.

Despite the show's humorous moments, Horace and Pete is not a comedy in the traditional sense. Its dark themes of depression, suicide, and substance abuse give it a somber tone, but the central characters' family bond provides a glimmer of hope throughout the series.

Aesthetically, Horace and Pete is visually stunning. Shot in a single-camera format, the show's camera work highlights the bar's gritty feel, serving as a reflection of the characters' rough-and-tumble lives. The show's attention to detail is seen in the bar's decor, which is filled with artifacts of its rich history, providing a sense of tangible history in the series.

The soundtrack of the show is its own character, with music and sound effects adding to the narrative's emotional depth. The show's closing theme song, "Mister Kelly," written and performed by Paul Simon, is haunting, and its lyrics provide a perfect complement to the series' melancholic tone.

Horace and Pete gained attention for its unique distribution model, with Louis C.K. distributing the show on his website direct-to-consumer. This decision allowed the show to be truly independent, and its lack of a network or studio backing opened up creative freedoms that traditional television would not provide. Moreover, it allowed the show to exist as a unique and singular work, free from studio tampering.

In conclusion, Horace and Pete is a character-driven masterpiece that explores the lives of a family and their dive bar. The show, with its unique distribution model, features a stellar cast of actors, visually stunning cinematography, and a haunting soundtrack. Louis C.K.'s dedication to creating a show that was wholly independent and unique from traditional television makes Horace and Pete a pioneering example of the potential for streaming and independent media.

Horace and Pete is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between January 30, 2016 and on LouisCK.net