John Mulaney’s New Live Show is a Surreal Late-Night Hit

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John Mulaney initially gained fame as a sketch writer and occasional performer on Saturday Night Live, while also excelling in stand-up comedy which earned him Emmy Awards. Post his public struggles like divorce and rehab, Mulaney reemerged into the limelight with stand-up shows, but it was his 2023 comedy special, “Baby J,” that marked his first significant TV project following those challenges. Now, he’s determined to make a complete comeback on television with his own late-night show.

John Mulaney has a strong desire for live performances, and he’s been satisfying this craving quite effectively. The comedian initially showcased his unique perspective in a live talk show titled “Everybody’s in L.A.” during the 2024 Netflix Is a Joke festival, which ran for six episodes. This project proved successful enough to be transformed into the new Netflix series “Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney.” Since March 12, 2025, episodes from this series have been airing live on Wednesdays on the streaming platform.

‘Everybody’s Live’ Is Shaking Up Late-Night

Similar to its predecessor, Everybody’s Live maintains the classic elements of late-night programming, such as a host, an announcer, and entertaining sidekicks (Richard Kind and Saymo the robot). The show opens with the host delivering a monologue, followed by celebrity interviews and musical performances. However, it distinguishes itself from traditional late-night shows by incorporating elements of surrealism, including bizarre skits and pre-recorded acts.

Instead of inviting celebrities to talk about their endeavors or focusing on current events, each episode explores a unique theme and gathers A-list personalities along with an expert in that field (for instance, a financial journalist, funeral director, and supreme court leader). The discussions between guests are unpredictable; moreover, John Mulaney engages in live calls from viewers, contributing to a lively and unscripted ambiance that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats while being thoroughly entertained.

John Mulaney Is Defiantly Irrelevant

It appears that Mulaney confidently embraces the quirks of his show, not hesitating to potentially lose some viewers by venturing too far from the norm. During a Next on Netflix event, the comedian hinted at the future development of Everybody’s Live to the audience.

“Our content will stream live worldwide instantly, never missing a beat. We won’t be your go-to source for news or reliable information. Instead, we pride ourselves on being daring and unconventional. Netflix consistently provides us with data that goes unused. Here, you can find Arnold Schwarzenegger alongside Nikki Glaser, a family therapist, all set to music by Mannequin Pussy. This is an exciting endeavor, not since Harry and Meghan has Netflix invested such a large sum without a clear-cut strategy.”

This version maintains the original tone while making it more accessible and easier to read for a general audience.

John Mulaney admits that his foray into live late-night television may not appeal to everyone, a sentiment backed by mixed reviews from industry critics. For instance, Rolling Stone commented that while there’s no real necessity for the show, it shares Mulaney’s unpredictable and endearing charm with its audience. Similarly, Variety praised it as a nostalgic platform for Mulaney to delve into his personal interests, playing the part of a self-deprecating yet composed host. Conversely, The A.V. Club criticized the show’s “random disorder” and found it to be both manic and sluggish.

Mulaney’s Zany Talk Show Has Promise

It appears that Netflix considered Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney a worthwhile investment, suggesting they are placing emphasis on live programming for their future. The series received a vote of confidence from Netflix with a two-season commitment, indicating they expected the project to thrive. Although it might take some time for the talk show to find its rhythm, it has a robust structure based on proven late-night components and a skilled comedian in charge who has previous experience in live TV and has already faced extensive media criticism.

Anyone who presents their own show might face public criticism, and Mulaney has shown he can handle it gracefully. Given the unusual atmosphere of Everybody’s Live, he’s likely to receive some backlash. As Mulaney told Vulture, “I can shield myself from criticism by implying that we find it peculiar, so people can’t critique it in the same way.” He further stated, “Whether something is good or popular is so fleeting. If they could predict what would be successful with data, they’d have more successes.

To sum up, the initial episodes of Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney have been warmly received by the public. Notable sketches, interviews, and hilarious moments such as John Mulaney hanging up on a caller with an uninteresting story, Joan Baez dancing to Cypress Hill’s “Hits From the Bong,” and Tracy Morgan portraying “King Latifah” are already gaining popularity. The show’s consistent dry humor, improvisation, John Mulaney’s endearing self-deprecation, and its bizarre fantastical elements keep viewers engaged as it works out any issues. It appears poised for success; in fact, this new version could potentially revolutionize late-night television. You can catch it on Netflix via the link provided below:

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2025-04-07 02:32