John Mulaney, Everybody's Live with John Mulaney: Best of John Mulaney’s comedy shows ranked

From his unique storytelling ability to brilliant comic timing, John Mulaney has etched his name in modern-day television as a writer and a performer. With his many memorable shows, Mulaney is a force to be reckoned with in the world of comedy.

John Mulaney is a three-time Emmy Award-winning actor and stand-up comedian. Mulaney, who started his career as a writer on Saturday Night Live, went on to produce, write, and perform in several television shows and movies. Whether it is voicing Spider-Ham/Peter Porker in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Andrew Glouberman in Big Mouth, becoming a part of the five timers club for hosting on Saturday Night Live, or producing and performing in the children’s musical show special on Netflix, John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch, Mulaney has showcased a wide range of on-screen prowess.

His comedy is a perfect mix of old-timey entertainment to a more modern-day outlook on life around him. We take a look at some of John Mulaney’s most memorable comedy shows.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.

Best of John Mulaney’s comedy shows

5) John Mulaney: New In Town

The stand-up comedy special from 2012 was one of his first ventures post his stint at Saturday Night Live. With this special, he showcased his sharp observational skills, and the ability to take the most mundane elements and turn them comical.

The show was an amalgamation of subjects that ranged from crime, Ice-T, his encounters with homeless people, and his takeaways from one of his favourite television shows Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

4) John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid

In his Netflix special in 2015, Mulaney comes as a more nuanced stand-up comedian. He talks about completely unrelated topics ranging from the time he met President Bill Clinton, his marriage tell-tales, Back to the Future franchise plots to his issue with babies. His experience of returning to the Catholic Church and learning the new ways is one of the more hilarious highlights of the show.

3) John Mulaney: Baby J

John Mulaney’s Baby J in 2023 was a stand-up comedy special that came after a few tumultuous years for him that included intervention and rehab. As a result, he used the special to reflect upon his experiences with honesty and perfectly timed comic relief. He addressed all the controversies surrounding him and used the perfect tool in his hand to do so—comedy.

2) John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA

This unique live show on Netflix was an experimental project for Mulaney. In the show that aired in 2024 as part of the Netflix is a Joke Festival, he explored everything about the city of Los Angeles and had some of the most popular names in the world of comedy.

From pre-taped segments to live chats, the show seemed chaotic yet had a structure to it. The six live shows on Everybody’s in L.A. were a hit among critics and fans. The show had guests such as Jerry Seinfeld, Will Ferrell, Jon Stewart, and David Letterman.

1) John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous At Radio City

This Emmy award-winning comedy special in 2018 saw Mulaney get more personal for the first time. The stand-up show was recorded live in Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Mulaney spoke of his upbringing, his antics while in college, and even his experiences while writing for Saturday Night Live for famous guests.

The show also featured the now-famous joke about comparing President Trump to a ‘horse loose in a hospital,' which went on to become a popular recall from the segment. This particular comedy special showcased a more experienced side of Mulaney who by now had established himself as a worthy stand-up comedian.

Mulaney is back on screen with a special live show. Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney will premiere on Netflix on March 12, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. The live show will air for 12 consecutive weeks every Wednesday. The guests for the first episode will include Michael Keaton, Joan Baez, Fred Armisen, Cypress Hill, and more. Richard Kind will take on the role of the show’s announcer.