Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! is a two-part HBO documentary celebrating the comedy legend’s nearly century-long career and life. Directed by Judd Apatow and Mike Bonfiglio, it premiered on January 22 and 23, 2026, offering an intimate look at Brooks’ triumphs, losses, and enduring humor.
Tracklist
Born in Brooklyn during the Great Depression, Brooks lost his father at age two and was raised by his resilient mother alongside three brothers. His early years shaped a humor rooted in survival, leading to his break on Sid Caesar’s Your Show of Shows.
– More: The Beauty Soundtrack: Every Song in the Series
Brooks skyrocketed with the “2000 Year Old Man” sketches alongside Carl Reiner, spawning hit albums and defining improvisational comedy. Films like The Producers and Blazing Saddles cemented his status as a boundary-pushing icon.
Episode 1 Songs
- Rhapsody in Blue – George Gershwin
- I Found A Million Dollar Baby (In A Five And Ten Cent Store) – Bing Crosby
- After You’re Gone – Benny Goodman
- Burke & Sybil’s Act – Georges Delerue
- Overture – The Producers Orchestra
Episode 2 Songs
- I Wanna Be a Producer – Matthew Broderick
- The King of Broadway – Nathan Lane
The series delves into Brooks’ deep bonds with wife Anne Bancroft and best friend Carl Reiner, poignantly addressing their deaths and the loneliness of longevity at age 99. Archival clips and new interviews reveal vulnerability beneath his mirth.
Critics hail the doc for its heartfelt tribute, blending joy with sorrow through Brooks’ storytelling prowess. It captures his EGOT-winning legacy while pondering mortality ahead of his 100th birthday in June 2026.