John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch

John Mulaney's delightful, kid-filled variety show

Watch on Netflix
About John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch

Released: 2019

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-PG

Run time: 1h 10m

Cast
John Mulaney, Alexander Bello, Tyler Bourke, Ava Briglia, Cordelia Comando, Camille De La Cruz, Oriah Elgrabli, Jake Ryan Flynn, Orson Hong, Isabella Iannelli, Jacob Laval, Suri Marrero, Zell Steele Morrow, Jonah Mussolino, Lexi Perkel, Linder Sutton

About John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch

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About

John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch is a comedy television special that premiered on Netflix in 2019. It is a unique family comedy that blends sketch comedy, musical numbers, and celebrity guests to create a hilarious and heartwarming experience for viewers of all ages. The special is hosted by comedian John Mulaney and features a group of talented child actors known as "The Sack Lunch Bunch." Together, they navigate through a variety of comedic sketches and musical performances, exploring themes and topics that resonate with both kids and adults alike.

The plot of John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch revolves around the fictional concept of a children's variety show. The special presents itself as a one-time television event, with John Mulaney as the host guiding the audience through various segments that make up the show. These segments include original songs, skits, interviews, and even a mock sponsor message. The humor in the show is often witty, absurd, and self-aware, making it not only entertaining for children but also for adults who appreciate clever humor.

Making / Production

John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch was created and written by comedian John Mulaney in collaboration with Marika Sawyer and Eli Bolin. The special was directed by Rhys Thomas, known for his work on Saturday Night Live, and executive produced by Kroll & Co. Entertainment. The production aimed to capture the spirit of classic children's variety shows while infusing it with a modern and edgy comedic sensibility. The show was filmed in front of a live audience, adding to the energy and authenticity of the performances.

Actors

  • John Mulaney as Himself / Host
  • Jake Ryan Flynn as Jake
  • Amelia Fowler as Amelia
  • Tyler Bourke as Tyler
  • Olivia Perez as Olivia
  • Irene Kim as Irene
  • Jacoby Lauderdale as Jacoby
  • Essie Bautista as Essie
  • Jonah Mussolino as Jonah
  • Tyler Wladis as Tyler

Each child actor in The Sack Lunch Bunch brings their own unique charm and talent to the show. They play themselves, using their real names, and seamlessly interact with John Mulaney and the guest stars. Their performances are filled with energy, comedic timing, and a delightful sense of innocence, adding to the overall appeal and authenticity of the special.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • The Sack Lunch Bunch is a reference to John Mulaney's childhood experience of being a part of a similar group in elementary school.
  • Guest stars in the special include David Byrne, Richard Kind, André De Shields, Natasha Lyonne, and more.
  • The special pays homage to classic children's variety shows such as Sesame Street and The Electric Company.
  • John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch received critical acclaim for its unique approach to family comedy.

Awards

John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special in 2020.

Quotes

  • "Life is a lot of work. Sometimes an adult is telling you what to do, and other times a kid is telling you what to do." - John Mulaney
  • "You can do anything with comedy, as long as you're not worried about your parents, friends, and future." - Olivia Perez
  • "Being alive is so weird. Especially when you think about it too much, you start to realize people are telling you things all the time." - Amelia Fowler

Music

The music in John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch is a highlight of the special. Original songs, composed by Eli Bolin, are cleverly written and catchy, appealing to both children and adults. The musical numbers cover a range of genres, from upbeat pop songs to heartfelt ballads, all performed by the child actors and guest stars. The music adds depth and emotional resonance to the show, elevating it beyond typical comedy specials.

Soundtrack

  • "Grandma's Got A Boyfriend" - performed by Jake Ryan Flynn
  • "Do Flowers Exist at Night?" - performed by Amelia Fowler
  • "Pay Attention" - performed by John Mulaney, André De Shields, and The Sack Lunch Bunch
  • "Plain Plate of Noodles" - performed by Jon Hamm
  • "Music, Music Everywhere!" - performed by John Mulaney and The Sack Lunch Bunch