Hold on folks because things got real on John Mulaney's new Netflix talk show " Everybody's Live with John Mulaney ". Music legend and activist Joan Baez showed up and she was not just there to be a charming guest. Baez used her moment to deliver a passionate message about the state of America and it was definitely not what you might expect on a comedy show.
"Democracy is Going Up in Flames!" Joan Baez Takes a Bold Stance on Mulaney's Debut
Right as her segment started Baez made it clear she had something important to say. She even paused the show to "set the context" as she put it. After Mulaney assured her she could say whatever she wanted Baez did not hold back.
"You said I could say anything I want out here" Baez began. "We’re all here to be silly and have fun and as long as we recognize the fact that our Democracy is Going Up in Flames… we’re being run by a bunch of really incompetent billionaires."
Whoa. The audience went wild cheering and applauding. Baez did not name names but it was pretty clear who she was talking about probably Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Mulaney himself totally backed her up saying "Joan thank you for saying that and please anyone say whatever you want on this show." Talk about a powerful opening!
Tesla Trouble and "A Sign": Joan Baez's Car Mishap Adds Fuel to the Fire
Baez did not stop with just the general political statement. Later in the show she brought up Elon Musk again in a very funny way. She told a story about how her assistant told her to buy a Tesla . Baez admitted she "hated that thing" but felt like she was "supposed to like it."
So she got a Tesla and what happened? "Within 45 minutes I had smashed it into an oak tree on my property" Baez revealed. And her reaction? "I was thinking 'That’s a sign.'" The audience and Mulaney cracked up. It was a perfect blend of humor and subtle shade towards Musk and perhaps the tech billionaire culture she was criticizing earlier.
Beyond the Politics: A Hilarious Story About Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Dirty Jokes"
It was not all serious political talk though. Baez also shared a lighter anecdote about Martin Luther King Jr. She wanted to show that even serious figures have a fun side. She recalled picking up King Jr. and his team from the airport before a conference. She was ready to hear all about their strategies for marches and civil disobedience.
But instead of serious talk Baez said "they all start telling dirty jokes" in the car. She even admitted she still remembers some of them but "I can’t tell them here." It was a funny way to humanize a legend and show that even while fighting for serious causes humor and laughter are important.
"Everybody's Live with John Mulaney": More Than Just Comedy - A Platform for Real Talk
Joan Baez's appearance really set the tone for what John Mulaney's "Everybody's Live" show seems to be aiming for. It is not just jokes and silly segments. It is a place where guests can be themselves be funny but also speak their minds on important issues. The debut episode also featured Michael Keaton Fred Armisen and Jessica Roy plus musical guests Cypress Hill. It is a mix of entertainment and unexpected moments.
Key Moments from Joan Baez's Appearance on "Everybody's Live"
- Fiery Opening Statement: Baez declares "our democracy is going up in flames… we’re being run by a bunch of really incompetent billionaires" setting a serious tone.
- Audience Applause: The studio audience strongly reacts and applauds Baez's political commentary.
- Mulaney's Support: Mulaney backs Baez's statement emphasizing the show is a platform for free speech.
- Tesla Crash Story: Baez shares a funny story about crashing her Tesla and seeing it as "a sign" subtly criticizing Elon Musk and his products.
- MLK Jr.'s Dirty Jokes: Baez reveals a humorous side of Martin Luther King Jr. sharing an anecdote about his unexpected humor.
Mulaney's Show: Comedy with a Conscience?
Joan Baez's appearance on "Everybody's Live with John Mulaney" definitely made a statement. It showed that Mulaney is creating a show that is willing to go beyond just typical talk show fluff. It can be funny and lighthearted but also tackle real issues and give guests a chance to be genuinely outspoken. If this debut episode is anything to go by "Everybody's Live" could be something pretty unique in the late-night landscape a place where comedy and social commentary can mix in unexpected and engaging ways.