You Missed Out. Review: John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s In LA
By Joe Shuron
I had no idea what to expect from a live Netflix talk show hosted by comedian John Mulaney. “Everybody’s in LA” appeared as a recommendation after I watched a candid interview with Mulaney about his drug addiction on David Letterman’s “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.”
“Everybody’s in LA” is a sit-down talk with multiple guests at a time as well as breaks for pre-recorded sketches. Every show has a musical guest and topic related to LA. For example, the first night comedian Jerry Seinfeld and LA wildlife representative Tony Tucci were tasked with solving the coyote crisis in LA and St. Vincent performed.
Adding to the element of live-TV and odd parings Mulaney took live calls from LA residents for their thoughts on the coyote situation in LA. Seinfeld plays perfectly into the odd paring with Tony Tucci. Their banter over how to protect yourself from a coyote attack are better than any pre-taped skit during the first episode. Seinfeld even remarks “This is the weirdest show I have ever been on in my entire life.”
Before going forward, the opening monologue delivered by Mulaney during the first episode perfectly capture the tone of the hyper-local show while allowing for viewers like myself to get a quick understanding of LA culture. He does this by taking the viewers on a map tour of Los Angeles.
Mulaney’s guest host Richard Kind brings the old-school “sidekick” feel of Late Night TV, he comes as a mix between Paul Shaffer and Ed McMahon. Kind is crucial to the show and added excellent side comments and jokes whenever their felt as if there might be a lull in conversation. However, Kind, clashes with the other side-kick of the show the Saymo delievery bot who brings soft-drinks to the panel throughout each episode. Especially in episode six when Saymo tries to “steal” Richard Kind’s girlfriend.
The set 70’s set design adds to the bizarre feel of the show. It’s as if the set designers want to throw the viewers off with the odd setting to help them buy into the odd structure of the show.
The guests for the following episodes include David Letterman, Bill Hader, Jon Stewart, John Carpenter, and a special appearance from the bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers Flea where two selected audience members searched for Flea across LA in hopes of getting a $200 prize.
The live element of “Everybody’s in LA” made the show feel fresh and made me excited for live television. Never have I been more energized to watch a TV show live. The spontaneous live element added to the charm of the program. It pushed the boundary of what’s acceptable on late-night TV because of its association with Netflix instead of mainstream provider like ABC or NBC.
Even if the live-chats about LA such as episodes four theme of the paranormal culture within LA fail to pique your interest than the pre-taped sketches are just as good.
My personal favorites are a prank on unsuspecting fans of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler who are surprised with Patton Oswald instead of their favorite comedic actresses, a reprise of John Mulaney and Nick Kroll’s characters from “Oh, Hello on Broadway” characters George St. Geegland, and Gill Fazion who wish to spread their friends ashes across famous location associated with the “Manson Family” in LA, and a segment focused on getting the “worst drivers in LA’s” advice for the graduating class of 2024 like Mercedes Guy inspirational advice “Follow yo Dreams”
“John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA” is one of the sharpest comedy shows this decade. Only having six episodes adds to the appeal or as Mulaney says “we are only doing six episodes, so this show will never hit its groove.” “Everybody’s in LA” is a must watch for fans of Mulaney and anyone looking for a fun escape for a few hours.
Reviewer Score:
10/10
