Mike Birbiglia Returns to Netflix with ‘The Good Life’

NEW YORK, NY — Mike Birbiglia, a comedian renowned for his storytelling, is back on Netflix with his fourth special, ‘Mike Birbiglia: The Good Life.’ Released on May 26, 2025, the special follows the success of his 2023 Emmy-nominated show, ‘The Old Man & The Pool.’ This latest offering promises to be his most intimate performance yet, exploring themes of family, aging, and fatherhood spurred by his father’s recent stroke.

Birbiglia’s comedic style is characterized by poignant self-reflection mixed with humor. His earlier works, such as the one-man show and film ‘Sleepwalk with Me,’ set the stage for his distinctive autobiographical approach. Subsequent specials like ‘The New One‘ and ‘The Old Man & The Pool’ tackled topics like health and parenthood, continuing his exploration of personal narratives in comedy.

‘The Good Life’ takes a closer look at family relationships and shifts in parental dynamics. Through his signature observational humor, Birbiglia reflects on the lessons he aims to teach his young daughter. He humorously remarks about his father’s busy career as a doctor and lawyer, highlighting the complexities of their relationship.

A significant theme in this special is the impact of his father’s stroke. This event shapes much of the material, leading Birbiglia to confront mortality and the delicate balance within family roles. He examines what ‘the good life’ means amidst life’s challenges, using his experiences to connect with audiences on a personal level.

Birbiglia sees comedy as a mechanism for coping. He has described his performances as ‘a string of loosely connected stories’ that aim to blend laughter with deeper questions of existence. His ability to address painful topics—like aging parents and the pressures of parenthood—reveals his view that humor can emerge from hardship.

His unique comedy style, often referred to as ‘personal comedy theatre,’ combines long-form storytelling with confessional elements. ‘The Good Life’ is a continuation of his journey into personal storytelling, navigating sensitive themes with humor and vulnerability.

Birbiglia’s comedy resonates with audiences looking for depth in humor. His ability to transform specific experiences into broader narratives makes his work relatable, touching on universal themes that many face today. With ‘The Good Life,’ Birbiglia invites viewers to reflect on their own lives while providing an hour of thought-provoking entertainment.