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Season 1 – Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!

Play trailer 1:25 Poster for Season 1 – Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! Jan 2026 Biography Comedy Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 23 Reviews 96% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Directors Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio explore the life and legacy of Mel Brooks, one of the most enduring comedic voices of our time.
Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! — Season 1

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Blessed with an enthralling raconteur as its subject, The 99 Year Old Man! is an affectionate and hilarious retrospective as well as a wistful reminder that even a long life well-lived has its fair share of heartbreak.

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Critics Reviews

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Craig Mathieson The Age (Australia) Feb 3
4/5
It’s touching watching [Mel Brooks] age on screen while maintaining such impeccable timing. Go to Full Review
Judy Berman TIME Magazine Feb 2
Brooks is a delightful storyteller, as quick with punchlines as he was in his prime. Go to Full Review
Robert Levin Newsday Jan 29
3.5/4
Mel Brooks gets the biographical documentary treatment he deserves. Go to Full Review
Cory Woodroof For the Win at USA Today Feb 9
The fact that we have [Mel Brooks] so thoroughly taking us through his work and life at large just feels so essential. Go to Full Review
Emiliano Basile EscribiendoCine Jan 30
8/10
Beyond the lore, the documentary also delves into Brooks' personal life... This approach humanizes the man without diminishing his greatness, showing a man who, at 99, still understands laughter as a bridge to connection and joy. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
Marty Brown Common Sense Media Jan 27
4/5
What sets The 99 Year Old Man! apart from the current glut of entertainment icon docs is that Brooks' comedic ideas were incendiary 60 years ago and they're just as incendiary now, even though the culture has evolved dramatically in that time. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Roscoe H @High-Five Feb 9 The obvious movies by Mel Brooks, I knew of, but the involvement of Richard Pryor, the commentary by Dave Chappelle, learning about his time in the service, his friendships with fellow comedians, famous movies that he produced that I had no idea that he produced, made the experience of watching this documentary, very special. His bravery and comedic delivery and confidence to tackle untouchable topics, I laughed when someone said, they couldn't believe he did what he did back then, but admitted, it probably couldn't be done today. Thanks you Mr Brooks for making me laugh. See more David W @Sternhammer Feb 7 My list of cinema's best comedies of all time would look much different without the great man's classics. Thanks for all the belly laughs Mel. See more William K. @Koolbill Feb 5 What a fabulous man and career. He was a true game changer. A genius of sorts. See more Stephanie S. @steffi87 Feb 5 A legend! Very touching. See more Ken J. @Kenwjobe Feb 4 Mel Brooks is a true treasure. His life and his accomplishments are amazing. Had actually forgotten about the serious movies he produced. And IMHO, Blazing Saddles is the funniest movie ever made. See more Spencer M Feb 3 Fascinating. Mel Brooks is brilliant. Really made me miss Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn and Cloris Leachman. See more Read all reviews
Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jan 22, 2026 Primera Parte Chronicling the early experiences that shaped Brooks' comedic voice, from his childhood in Brooklyn, to his combat service in WWII, and the highs and lows of working in the Borscht Belt and the dawning era of television. Details Episode 2 Aired Jan 23, 2026 Segunda Parte Charting Brooks' rise to superstardom and the enduring impact of his work on audiences and future generations of comedic writers and performers. Details

Season Info

Director
Judd Apatow, Michael Bonfiglio
Executive Producer
Judd Apatow, Michael Bonfiglio, Kevin Salter, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller
Network
HBO
Rating
TV-14
Genre
Biography, Comedy, Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jan 22, 2026