Paul Shaffer, the legendary band leader and former Late Show sidekick, made a special appearance at Netflix's 'This Better Be Funny' event, hosted by David Letterman. The event, held at the Montalban Theatre in Los Angeles, was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many. Shaffer, who is also the subject of an upcoming documentary, 'Say Hello to Our Good Friend Paul Shaffer', shared the stage with John Mulaney, a comedian and writer known for his work on Saturday Night Live.
The evening began with a light-hearted exchange between Letterman and Shaffer, reminiscent of their on-air banter. Shaffer's humorous anecdote about meeting Mel Gibson at Moonshadows set the tone for the night. As the show progressed, Letterman's opening set took a reflective turn, showcasing his early days in television and his rise to fame. He played clips from his early appearances, including his time as a weatherman and his work on Mork & Mindy and The Mary Tyler Moore Hour. The audience's laughter and applause confirmed the lasting impact of his early career.
The highlight of the night was the conversation between Letterman and Mulaney. They shared amusing stories about their lives, careers, and families. Mulaney's unique relationship with his Vietnamese relatives, including his financial support and frequent text messages, provided a humorous and heartwarming insight into his diverse background. He also discussed his directorial debut, Robby Hoffman: Wake Up, and his collaboration with Netflix. Mulaney's honesty about his initial financial struggles and the value of the experience was refreshing and relatable.
The event also marked a reunion of sorts, as Letterman appeared on Mulaney's Netflix series, John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in LA. They discussed Mulaney's career, including his writing for Saturday Night Live and his role in the Lorne Michaels documentary. The two comedians shared their thoughts on the film industry, with Mulaney dismissing the new Michael Jackson biopic as 'dumb ass dog shit'.
In conclusion, the Netflix event was a delightful blend of nostalgia, humor, and candid conversations. Shaffer and Mulaney's presence added a layer of warmth and authenticity to the evening, making it a memorable experience for the audience and a testament to the enduring friendship between the hosts.
