John Mulaney: Baby J

The answer is YES (although differently so). Ok, okay.. Now I love Mulaney, I think he'll be long considered one of the greats - he's HUGELY fun and dynamic and of course wildly clever as well as hilarious (ya thought I better add that last one just to cover the bases) - Now, I would never want him to forsake his health for his art or selfishly so, for our entertainment and guess what? He doesn't have to because he's just as entertaining as ever and I couldn't be happier for the guy - I wish him well and look forward to many more specials over the years ( at least 3more than he would have had he continued down that path right? Haha, nah but I get it, trust me.. I get it)

It's John Mulaney. He's funny. I laughed.

But compared to his other specials? This was underwhelming.

Not bad by any stretch and certainly worth the watch.

Part of what I enjoy so much about him is that, yes, his stories are ridiculous and, yes, his takes are unique, but his ability to describe things creates such hilarious imagery that his humor can make use of. The variety of topics he'd hit in his first few specials were incredible and let that whole dynamic work it's magic.

Here, he's still funny as hell, but he confined his material entirely to his addiction and recovery. That's totally fine in and of itself, since that's been his life in recent years. But the grim subject matter takes the variety out of the show, making it really monotonous. It was like an hourlong story with plenty of events, but it just kept going and going.

I won't be able to rewatch this special. I'm a longtime fan and I hate to see him in this light, especially since I can't imagine him actually doing any of these things. Maybe that makes me more biased than average. Do with that what you will. Regardless, I hope we get more content like his previous stuff, except without his previous *sources of inspiration.*

I've been a fan of John Mulaney for years. But on my first viewing of this special, I started it and then stopped it. His rhythm is different. His tone and manner are different. I felt guilty at the notion that I may have preferred him as a comedian when he was using. I thought more about it and something hit me. I needed to grieve the loss of who I thought he was and make space for the truth of who he is. I went back and watched the whole thing thinking I may just need a moment to be reintroduced to him. So glad I did. He'll never be the same but wow he's still hilarious and this time it's sustainable. This special is really insightful, honest and genuine. It's rare for a comedian to leave me both laughing and reflecting. Definitely worth the watch.

This might be John Mulaney's most honest appearance to date. He comes off as arrogant, bitter and deranged... And it's great!

I can honestly say it's the hardest I've laughed in a while. I've always liked Mulaney, and this turn into a darker comedy is unexpected but very pleasant. In allowing himself to be unlikeable he also allows himself to be relatable, more profoundly moving. I feel I am laughing with him, at him and at myself at the same time.

It's also impressive how he manages to talk about rehab and drugs, and generally very heavy topics, while remaining elegant. He doesn't ressort to being crass, he's just a drier version of his former self.

This special has made me excited for what the future holds for Baby J. He looks healthier, and I thank the 12 people who saved his life for the many years of chaotic laughter yet to come.

I approached John Mulaney's "Baby J" with a different expectation, anticipating a profound exploration of his journey through rehab based on the clips I had seen. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself thoroughly entertained. As a recovered addict, I strangely found myself relating to some of the experiences he shared and understanding where he was coming from.

Had I approached this special purely as a comedy show, I might have rated it a 3 or 4, as many of the topics Mulaney delves into are truly terrifying rather than humorous. Nevertheless, he skillfully weaves jokes into his narratives, creating a unique blend of darkness and laughter. I can imagine that those who haven't experienced addiction might feel uncomfortable or confused by his approach, but from my perspective, it strikes a chord deep within my heart.

Mulaney assumes a sort of villainous persona throughout the special, leading some to claim that he seems detached from the severity of his past struggles. However, I believe this is merely his way of coping with the trauma he endured. As a recovered/recovering addict, I may be biased in my review, but every word he utters resonates with me on a profound level. I read a review suggesting that the reviewer couldn't fathom Mulaney actually experiencing any of what he described, and I find that notion incredulous. It seems that the reviewer fails to grasp the immense gravity of addiction.

While I acknowledge that non-addicts might find great enjoyment in "Baby J," I can only provide my perspective, which might be off-putting or uncomfortable for some. However, I view the special as a powerful message infused with dark humor from start to finish.