Hugh Laurie's first House M.D. directing credit was the episode “The C-Word.”
“The C-Word” is an episode from the show's eighth season. Laurie, who played Gregory House, directed the installment as well as continuing in the lead acting role. The story focuses on a young patient whose illness challenges the hospital team and places emotional pressure on the doctors.
Laurie was not the series' only director: several episodes were directed by members of the show's established production team, including executive producers. His directing work is therefore distinct from his performance as House. The title “The C-Word” can also be confused with “Cursed,” another early House episode, but they are separate installments.