Watch John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch

John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch is an American comedy musical television special that premiered on Netflix in 2019. The special is hosted by comedian John Mulaney, who appears alongside a group of child actors, known collectively as The Sack Lunch Bunch. The show is essentially a parody of children's television programming from Mulaney's own childhood in the 1990s. The special is shot with a live audience and features songs, sketches, and interviews with children on a range of topics, from the concept of death to the intricacies of geography.

One of the main themes of the show is the juxtaposition of adult themes with childish innocence, and the children are used as a vehicle to portray a more grounded perspective on many of the topics discussed. The characters include a number of quirky and eccentric individuals, such as a boy who is obsessed with the moon and a girl who is convinced she is dying of a terminal illness.

The special also features a number of musical numbers, which range in tone from comedic to heartfelt. Many of the songs are written by Mulaney and his collaborators, including composer Eli Bolin. The musical style is reminiscent of the classic '70s era of Sesame Street, but with a more contemporary spin.

The production values of the show are high, with elaborate sets and costume designs that are as playful as they are visually striking. There is a clear dedication to the aesthetic of the era that the show references, with a deliberate use of grainy film stock and lo-fi special effects.

Throughout the special, Mulaney's signature dry wit and understated humor is evident, and the comedians at times can be seen breaking character and laughing along with the children. The result is a charming and self-aware approach that never takes itself too seriously.

Overall, John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch is a delightful and entertaining special that will appeal to fans of Mulaney's unique brand of comedy, as well as those who enjoyed the classic children's programming of the '70s and '80s. With its mix of witty humor, memorable characters, and catchy songs, it manages to deliver a timeless message about the importance of being true to yourself, no matter how weird or unusual that may be.

John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.