Here's why Louis C.K. didn't want to promote 'Horace and Pete'

Remember back in January when Horace and Pete dropped, and we were all caught off guard?

Sure, Louis C.K. has released direct-to-consumer comedy specials via his website before, but a whole series that we knew nothing about? It's still pretty shocking.

The creator and writer of the show currently available online stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live on Wednesday to give a little insight as to why he wanted to drop the show without any promotion.

"I just wanted it to suddenly appear," he said. "I thought this is a gift to the viewers because I hate when I see a billboard. They tell me everything before I see a show. You see a preview for a movie--like I just saw the (bleeping) movie. Why did you tell me everything?"

(Warning: This clip has some language that might be considered foul in the workplace.)

The comedian also had to get his co-stars for the project, Steve Buscemi, Edie Falco, Alan Alda, and Jessica Lange, and their agents to be mum.

"To me the exciting idea was for people to see this without having any idea what it's gonna be like--without having an expectation or idea. And, I thought that's exciting," he said.

Without prior notions, Louis C.K. thought that the audience wouldn't feel tricked into watching the show and regret investing their time and money. What a stand-up guy! We know you see what we did there.