John Mulaney: Baby J

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.

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)

I generally like John Mulaney's standup so was curious to see how he was going to talk about the tumultuous times he's had recently. It was thoughtful and showed that he's really worked on understanding who he is, but mainly it was hysterically hilarious! I sitting was at home by myself and laughed out loud with tears streaming down my face throughout the set. I definitely plan on watching it again very soon. One thing I've not liked about about his comedy in the past is that he can sometimes come across as a little bit snotty but that was not the case with this show, I think it's his best one yet!

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.

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.*