John Mulaney: Baby J

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.*

This is John Mulaney's first show since his personal scandal surrounding his drug addiction, rehab experience, and divorce. Following these tragedies he got serious with the amazing Olivia Munn, and had a baby. He seems to be past the worst parts of his life. This very funny and, sometime shocking, special is about the darkest times and more. He is painfully funny and honest about the darkness of the experience and his dealing with it. This is raw and honest and funny because it is authentic. Many comedians evolve from chaos and, quite honestly, are not funny at all. This is not true here. He is as funny as ever. Evolved as can be, but funny as ever. See this one, even if this is your first Mulaney special.

Quick answer? Yes. In my opinion it is. I have always been a fan of Mulaney's and he is a master speaker without a doubt. And that still stands. He is very smart and knows how to sell it. But what has changed? Well.. He did. There is no more jumping arround, no more dancing, yelling.. It is not like I didn't like that kind of delivery but this John Mulaney just feels more real. He was blown by the wind and a bit waethered. Something huge happened and changed the way he acts and Mulaney feels much more open and truthfull. And that to me is what stand up is about a lot. As a person who had some rough years fighting addiction, anxiety or depression I really can relate to the new Mulaney much more and it puts him in a different angle for me. Now I feel like I get him. Just like that watch shop in New York.

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 would have given a higher rating if not for the seemingly endless "Al Pacino" phone call skit. That was not funny at all, and it went on and on and on. But everything else was really good. My husband and I had a lot of fun watching this. I think my favorite skit was when he "misunderstood adult dating dynamics." Don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just leave it at that. Probably not the funniest part of the show for most people, but it had me laughing hard. I think the Al Pacino bit is my only complaint.

Some of these skits were pretty brilliant really, in my opinion. Some were too much of a stretch, but they still work if you're not a nit-picker like me.

Not quite as good as Comeback Kid and the other Netflix one, but definitely not a disappointment in the least.

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