John Mulaney Shares Hilarious Daily Show Throwback

A Nostalgic Throwback To The Daily Show Days

Comedian and writer John Mulaney recently turned his Instagram feed into a mini time machine. On [post date], Mulaney (@johnmulaney) dropped a series of backstage snaps with former Daily Show host Jon Stewart, all under the caption: “Jon and I managed to deliver 20 minutes of the Daily Show that had absolutely no substance.” The tongue-in-cheek admission has fans recalling the duo’s effortless comic rapport.

Mulaney’s post features multiple images of the two men on the Comedy Central set—Mulaney in a sharp suit and Stewart in his signature blazer—caught mid-laugh behind the studio desk. The candid shots capture the playful energy that fueled many Daily Show monologues during Stewart’s 16-year run at the helm.

Comic Chemistry On And Off Camera

Before launching his own stand-up specials and Netflix series, Mulaney cut his teeth as a writer. According to his Wikipedia profile, he contributed jokes to Late Night with Seth Meyers and served as a guest writer on The Daily Show. His on-screen appearance alongside Stewart was a standout guest spot, blending observational humor with rapid-fire banter.

In the Instagram caption, Mulaney pokes fun at the pair’s conversational detours. “Absolutely no substance” is classic self-deprecation—an acknowledgment that not every segment needs a political takeaway, sometimes it’s just about the laughs.

Fans And Fellow Comics Join The Laughs

Once the post went live, followers flooded the comments. One fan wrote, “This clip needs to go viral again!” while another tagged late-night personality Seth Meyers, remarking, “Can we get a crossover like this?”. Comic peers like Demetri Martin chimed in with emojis, and news outlets reposted the images, spotlighting Mulaney’s lighthearted look back.

The throwback also dovetails with Mulaney’s current projects. He headlines a Netflix variety special later this year, and recently wrapped filming for Everybody’s Live, a sketch-comedy series. Though those formats demand tight scripting, Mulaney’s Instagram reminder proves that the best moments can come from unfiltered back-and-forth.

The Lasting Impact Of Stewart’s Era

Jon Stewart stepped down from The Daily Show in 2015, leaving a legacy of satirical news commentary. His influence endures, inspiring writers and performers—including Mulaney—to blend humor with social insight. Yet in that shared photo series, it’s clear both men relish the off-mic silliness as much as the scripted punch lines.

For Mulaney, who has earned multiple Emmy nods for his comedic timing and writing, revisiting this memory is more than nostalgia. It’s a testament to mentorship—Stewart’s willingness to let a young writer leap into the spotlight—and to the spontaneity that defines stand-up and sketch work alike.

Fans can revisit the original Instagram post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLA8UGUzDaU/ and relive the moment that reminds us even late-night veterans know how to keep it delightfully unsubstantial.

As Mulaney continues to roll out new specials and series, this glimpse behind the scenes underscores one truth: in comedy, substance sometimes takes a backseat to chemistry.

John Mulaney’s recent Instagram flashback proves that when two comics click, twenty minutes of nothing can feel like everything.

Trivia

John Mulaney has been influenced by comedians such as George Carlin, Steve Martin, and Richard Pryor.

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Ratika Pai

 

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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