Mulaney on Kimmel and Letterman, Ron Taylor Wins Funny AF, and Chappelle Talks Trans Jokes with Michelle Obama

May 8, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

John Mulaney reflects on late-night peers and chats with Letterman. Jimmy Kimmel hosted Mulaney, who recalled praising Stephen Colbert as the "kindest, coolest man in late night" during Colbert's suspension, prompting Kimmel's reminder that Mulaney once lived in Colbert's house. Separately, at a live Letterman event in LA, Mulaney joined Dave for career reminiscences. Letterman announced executive producing a documentary on Paul Shaffer, who performed "That's Life" to close the show. Letterman shared early photos and stories, including a pivotal encounter with Richard Pryor after bombing at the Comedy Store. Mulaney discussed his Vietnamese in-laws—joking about supporting "ten on the books and two that take cash"—and called expanding his family "the smartest thing I ever did." He highlighted directing Robbie Hoffman's Netflix special, comparing her bold style to Sam Kinison and noting her unadjusted act even for couples at an outdoor gig. Letterman praised contemporary comics like Mulaney and Hoffman for elevating the craft. Mulaney dodged questions on reviving his Netflix talk show, citing a tour through 2027. They also touched on SNL, Wrigley Field, Graceland trips, and Years non-alcoholic beer ownership, while both passed on the new Michael Jackson film, deeming it aesthetically unappealing.

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What you'll learn

1 (02:12) **Show Intro** - Johnny Mac kicks off daily comedy news briefing
2 (02:22) **Mulaney on Kimmel** - Clip of John Mulaney praising Colbert as kindest/coolest in late night, leading to banter about host suspensions
3 (04:15) **Mulaney with Letterman Live** - Detailed recap of Vancouver-style show with Paul Shaffer, career highlights, Pryor anecdote
4 (08:37) **Mulaney's Future Projects** - Non-answer on talk show return, SNL memories, skips Michael Jackson movie
5 (09:24) **Funny AF Finals** - Ron Taylor wins Kevin Hart competition over Caitlin Pelufo, Samu Sidiki, Reg Thomas
6 (12:52) **Chappelle on Michelle Obama Podcast** - Dave defends trans jokes as corporate culture clash, not vs. gay community
7 (15:36) **Louis CK's Recent Show** - Yahoo notes themes of aging, death, regret; bits on life being too long, living in present from fear

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

Johnny Mac recaps a busy comedy week: Jimmy Kimmel interviews John Mulaney, joking about Stephen Colbert leaving TV and Mulaney having lived in Kimmel’s guesthouse. Mulaney also appears on David Letterman’s This Better Be Funny, featuring Paul Shaffer (standing ovation), news of Letterman executive producing a Shaffer documentary, and Letterman’s career retrospective including a Richard Pryor compliment; Mulaney discusses family, projects, and praises Robbie Hoffman as a fearless original, while giving a noncommittal update on his Netflix talk show and calling the new Michael Jackson movie “stupid and bad.” Kevin Hart’s Netflix competition Funny AF crowns Detroit comic Ron Taylor, who wins a Netflix special titled Elevate. Dave Chappelle on Michelle Obama’s podcast defends comedy-room context for controversial jokes. The episode also covers Louis C.K. themes, Netflix festival strategy, “comedy stock market” picks, and highlights Netflix Is A Joke festival shows plus mystery around the Roast of Kevin Hart lineup.

00:21 Kimmel and Mulaney Bit
02:15 Letterman Show Recap
05:01 Robbie Hoffman Talk
06:36 Mulaney Talk Show Future
07:23 Funny AF Finals Winner
08:56 Nikki Glaser Roast Debate
10:52 Chappelle on Obama Podcast
13:35 Louis CK New Material
14:28 Comedy Stock Market Picks
16:07 Netflix Festival Insights
18:05 Festival Tonight Guide
19:54 Roast of Kevin Hart Mystery
20:37 Wrap Up and Knicks

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This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.