Now, John Mulaney is no stranger to Netflix comedy specials. As a matter of fact, “Baby J” is his fifth special on Netflix. He has had the opportunity to make so many due to their unmatched popularity, mainly among teenage girls. One of these specials, Kid Gorgeous at Radio City, did so well that it actually won an Emmy back in 2018. However, Mulaney’s comedy style has changed since then largely due to drastic changes in his personal life.

Towards the end of 2020, Mulaney checked himself into a rehabilitation center in order to beat his long-time addiction to prescription drugs. He checked out three months later and has been sober since. A year later he had his first child, Malcom Mulaney. Due to Mulaney’s new life, it is only reasonable that his comedy style would change, which is something that he jokes about in his new special.

Mulaney believes this change was inveitable. He says that the reason that he no longer has the same over excited energy or runs around the stage is because he is now sober. However, this does not make Mulaney any less funny than he was before.

After returning from rehab, Mulaney quickly got back to stand up by hosting shows in New York where he could test out new material. Soon after he went on a massive sold-out tour across North America and then Europe. He called this tour “From Scratch.” It was this tour that his newest special, “Baby J,” was filmed from.

Due to his recent attendance at rehab, Mulaney does not shy away from content about his substance abuse issues or rehab process. He even goes so far as to tell the story of his intervention. This raw material really makes one feel connected to Mulany, which only serves to make everything he says that much funnier. At some points it even feels like a conversation with a close friend. The way he is able to take the most sensitive topics and have everyone laughing is amazing. However, the best part about the special is Mulaney’s ability to laugh at himself.

To end off the special, Mulaney reads a hilarious interview that he has no recollection of doing, and I have genuinely never laughed as hard as I did listening to him. When asked about any upcoming work, Mulaney goes on tangents about his experience with the paranormal, all while munching on a bowl of cereal. The fact that it actually happened is priceless.

Although some may miss the old Mulaney, the new Mulaney is just as hilarious, if not more so. The content may be a little raunchy, but “Baby J” is definitely worth watching.

No matter who you are or what age, I guarantee that “Baby J” will have you rolling on the floor with laughter. There were many moments when I thought that I would wet myself because I was laughing so hard. “Baby J” is the perfect thing to watch to bring a smile to your face and put you in a good mood.