Nine days before the highly anticipated premiere of Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney, Mulaney and his talented writing staff convene around a table at the show’s Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood. The atmosphere is lively as the writers brainstorm potential ideas for the inaugural episode, which Mulaney has designated to focus on the intriguing topic of lending money. Almost immediately, they begin to share hypothetical scenarios and personal anecdotes, setting the stage for a unique blend of humor and relatability.
Mulaney poses a provocative question to the group: “If you lend a relative money to build a greenhouse, and they end up building an addition to their home instead, is that acceptable?” This scenario, it turns out, is inspired by a recent incident involving Mulaney’s mother-in-law, affectionately referred to as Miss Kim. The writers quickly chime in, revealing the complexities of family lending, with writer Langston Kerman humorously asserting, “I don’t mean to sow division, but she fucked you.” This candid dialogue captures the essence of Mulaney’s approach to comedy—combining personal experiences with sharp wit.
Everybody’s Live marks Mulaney’s bold reinvention of the late-night talk show format, streaming live on Netflix. In his opening monologue for the March 12 premiere, he describes it as “my live, jazzlike, unpredictable talk show.” This new venture is an extension of a six-episode experiment conducted in May 2024, showcasing Mulaney's unique comedic perspective on contemporary culture. “Netflix has given me an hour to introduce my fans to the baby-boomer culture that has made me the unsettled weirdo that I am today,” he adds, emphasizing the personal touch that permeates the episodes.
The show serves as a canvas for Mulaney’s unmistakable comedic instincts, allowing him to explore themes that resonate with his own life experiences. After marrying actress Olivia Munn and welcoming fatherhood, Mulaney’s evolving persona finds a space to flourish within the show’s framework. However, the live format also brings its challenges, exposing Mulaney to the unpredictable nature of audience interactions and the pitfalls of maintaining a deliberately loose structure.
The premiere episode of Everybody’s Live features live calls from viewers, adding a layer of authenticity and spontaneity. However, some of these calls—touching on serious issues like drug addiction and housing instability—create a poignant contrast, placing Mulaney in a delicate position between empathy and his trademark playful detachment. Additionally, the episode encounters pacing issues, notably during a surprise appearance by Tracy Morgan, forcing Mulaney to rush through final segments to adhere to the hour-long time limit.
Despite these challenges, the show’s potential for unexpected magic shines through. Viewers are treated to delightful moments, such as actor Michael Keaton engaging with tracks from Fred Armisen’s upcoming album of sound effects. A brilliantly absurd parody involving a Body Double telescope, where Mulaney witnesses murders from afar, adds to the episode’s charm. The climax of the premiere is an unexpected dance-off featuring Joan Baez and Richard Kind to Cypress Hill’s “Hits From the Bong,” showcasing the rich tapestry of guests and performances that define the show.
The creative dynamics within the Everybody’s Live studio are equally fascinating. Mulaney’s office is adorned with a turntable and a plethora of vinyl records, alongside a collection of notes on yellow legal pads. A bulletin board brimming with planning cards hints at the myriad ideas being developed, some of which are straightforward, while others, like “Richard Hair Transplant,” evoke curiosity. Mulaney emphasizes the importance of hiring writers who have previously run their own shows, fostering an environment reminiscent of Saturday Night Live, where creativity thrives.
Key writers like Fran Gillespie and Anna Drezen bring their extensive experience from SNL, while others, like Vanessa Ramos and Langston Kerman, contribute their unique voices. Mulaney’s decision to hire Dave Ferguson as head writer reflects his focus on the administrative aspects of running a writers’ room, ensuring that the creative process remains smooth. Each writer is encouraged to produce content as if they were in front of the camera, enhancing the collaborative spirit of the show.
The show’s evolution is marked by Netflix’s initial vision, which was to create a streaming tie-in for the Netflix Is a Joke Festival in 2024. What began as a six-episode nightly show has transformed into Everybody’s Live, with a broader scope and an emphasis on live performances and engaging topics. Mulaney’s vision is clear: he aims to explore themes that spark lively discussions and resonate with a wide audience.
As the writing team brainstorms future episode themes, including “Cruises,” “End-of-Life Planning,” and “Real ID,” Mulaney’s personal grievances often inform the topics. He candidly expresses his confusion over government regulations, prompting humorous reflections on society. The creative process allows for open dialogue, where writers can voice their opinions on Mulaney’s pitches, ensuring that only the most compelling ideas make it to the screen.
While Mulaney enjoys the thrill of hosting Everybody’s Live, he is also keenly aware of the demands on his time. He is actively involved in multiple projects, including shooting a film and developing a TV project with legal scholar Neal Katyal. Despite the excitement surrounding the show, Mulaney is not looking to settle into a long-term hosting role; he maintains a balance between his career and family life, with his wife Munn and their two young children.
Ultimately, Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney stands as a reflection of the comedian’s journey, blending his musical tastes, writer collaborations, and nostalgic references. The show captures Mulaney at a crossroads, merging elements of his past comedic persona with the complexities of his current life. As the premiere reveals, the show is not just about polished entertainment; it thrives on the unpredictability and authenticity that come with live performance, ensuring that each episode offers something unique and engaging for viewers.
