Comedian John Mulaney is presenting a live talk show format that steps away from the traditional late night focus on current events. His series, Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney, opts instead for questions like "Should I Lend People Money?" or "What Kind of Funeral Should I Have?". This approach differs from hosts who historically used monologues tied to the daily news cycle to connect with audiences.
The decision to avoid constant political or news commentary distinguishes Mulaney's show from others that rose to prominence partly through dissecting daily developments. While early figures like Johnny Carson anchored their shows with topical jokes, and later hosts like Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert turned news analysis into a central element, Mulaney’s format leans into the absurd and personal. Bill Carter, who has written on late night history, notes that while topicality became dominant, creative segments and guest interactions often prove more memorable over time.
A key element of the show is its musical programming, curated by Mulaney and music booker Kevin O’Donnell. The show features a wide range of artists, from well-known names like Randy Newman to acts like Mannequin Pussy. Mulaney emphasizes a desire for performers who are visually dynamic on screen..Booking music involves extended lead time, allowing for specific choices and sometimes including personal song requests from Mulaney. Performances have included a live rendition of Sonic Youth’s “Little Trouble Girl” by Kim Gordon and Kim Deal
and a reunion performance by Canadian punk band METZ. Some artists also play an additional song exclusively for the studio audience, a detail that adds another layer to the live experience, such as John Cale performing "Barracuda".The program also highlights guest interactions, including showing audience members and other guests dancing along to performances. A moment featuring Joan Baez dancing to Cypress Hill drew particular notice.
Actor Richard Kind, a frequent presence, is often seen dancing.The show's live nature allows for spontaneous moments, including taking phone calls from the public. Guests have included not just celebrities like Henry Winkler and Marc Maron but also professionals like a financial columnist and a funeral director, who participate in discussions and interact with callers. While rehearsals occur, the calls themselves are unscripted. Jessica Roy, a finance columnist who appeared on the show, noted the unusual mix of participants.
This non-topical approach may resonate with audiences experiencing news fatigue and navigating a media landscape less defined by appointment television. The focus on building a loyal audience rather than maximizing broad viewership aligns with shifts in media consumption patterns. Mulaney's established comedic style, known for absurd anecdotes and an apolitical stance, fits this model. The show offers a form of escapism from the daily news cycle. Comedic voices, including figures such as Robby Hoffman, contribute to the diverse landscape of entertainment today, and Mulaney's program finds a distinct place within it.
Production has faced challenges; Mulaney recounted a complicated attempt to book hip-hop group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony that involved confusion with a fake manager..Raymundo Perez-Plascencia, a licensed funeral director who appeared on the show, described the atmosphere as welcoming.
"Everyone was just so down to earth," Perez-Plascencia said. "During the skit breaks, a lot of them were just talking as regular humans...It made everything feel like, hey, we’re just a bunch of cool people and cool friends hanging out just talking. There happens to be cameras here. So I did appreciate that."
