Mel Brooks, the legendary comic force behind some of the most beloved films and stage productions of the last century, is about to be celebrated in a way only he could inspire: with a laugh-filled, star-studded, two-part documentary event. Titled Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, this documentary will premiere on HBO Max on January 22 and 23, 2026, giving audiences a front-row seat to a remarkable journey through nearly a century of comedy, creativity, and cultural impact, according to FirstShowing.net and CNN.
Directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, the film promises an intimate and expansive look at Brooks’ life, career, and enduring legacy. The project is produced by Apatow Productions, with James A. Smith and Miranda Soto at the helm, and executive producers including Apatow himself, Bonfiglio, and Kevin Salter. The documentary is anchored by candid new interviews with Brooks, now approaching his 100th birthday, alongside rare archival footage and heartfelt tributes from the many comedians, filmmakers, and actors he has inspired.
It’s hard to overstate the influence Mel Brooks has had on American comedy. From his early days working the Borscht Belt circuit and collaborating with television legends like Sid Caesar, Neil Simon, Larry Gelbert, and Carl Reiner, Brooks helped lay the foundation for modern sketch comedy. His creation of the character "The 2000 Year Old Man"—a collaboration with Reiner—became an enduring comedic staple, showcasing Brooks’ unique ability to blend sharp satire with universal humor, as highlighted by Playbill.
Brooks’ film career is a parade of hits that have left audiences in stitches for decades. He won his first Oscar in 1964 for writing and narrating the animated short The Critic, and his second for the screenplay of his directorial debut, The Producers, in 1968. That film not only became a cult classic but also spawned a Broadway adaptation that ran from 2001 to 2006, smashing records by winning the most Tony Awards ever for a single production. Brooks followed that with other unforgettable films, including Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, Spaceballs, and Dracula: Dead and Loving It.
“I was born to make people laugh, so I do that,” Brooks says in the documentary, a sentiment that feels both simple and profound. His comedic philosophy—using laughter as a path to resilience, connection, and joy—has guided his work through decades of cultural change and personal challenge. The new documentary, as described by FirstShowing.net, doesn’t shy away from exploring how Brooks turned personal pain, postwar trauma, and the absurdities of life into bold, hilarious satire that subverted norms and reshaped American comedy.
The film is also a celebration of Brooks’ vibrant collaborations and the ripple effect of his influence. It features new interviews with an impressive roster of comedians and filmmakers, including Ben Stiller, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, Nick Kroll, Patton Oswalt, Dave Chappelle, Conan O’Brien, Josh Gad, Jimmy Kimmel, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, and Tracey Ullman. Filmmakers such as Robert Townsend, Peter Farrelly, Jerry and David Zucker, Barry Levinson, David Lynch, and the late Rob Reiner also share their perspectives, as do actors Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, Cary Elwes, Matthew Broderick, and Nathan Lane. Brooks’ own family—children Stefanie, Nicolas, Eddie, and Max, along with granddaughter Samantha—offer personal insights, adding another layer of warmth and authenticity.
Gene Wilder, the beloved actor who starred in several Brooks classics, is also remembered in the film. Wilder’s comedic chemistry with Brooks was legendary, and his passing in 2016 at the age of 83 is acknowledged as a poignant chapter in Brooks’ life and career, according to CNN.
Brooks’ talents extend far beyond the screen. His Broadway adaptation of The Producers remains a high-water mark for musical theater, and his follow-up, Young Frankenstein, enjoyed successful runs on both Broadway and London’s West End. In fact, the first major West End revival of The Producers continues at London’s Garrick Theatre as of January 2026, a testament to the enduring appeal of Brooks’ brand of humor and heart.
Recognition for Brooks’ achievements has come from the highest levels. In 2009, he received a Kennedy Center Honor, followed by the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award in 2013. In 2016, President Barack Obama presented him with the National Medal of Arts, cementing his status as a national treasure whose work has shaped the contours of American entertainment.
The documentary, as previewed in its official trailer and covered by outlets like FirstShowing.net and CNN, chronicles not only Brooks’ professional milestones but also the friendships, loves, and personal stories that have colored his remarkable life. Directors Apatow and Bonfiglio are known for their ability to draw out candid, revealing moments from their subjects, and early reviews suggest that Brooks is as lively and sharp as ever, sharing anecdotes and reflections with trademark wit.
For those eager to dive into the story, HBO Max will begin streaming the two-part documentary on January 23, 2026. The project arrives at a time when Brooks’ influence is perhaps more relevant than ever. In an era marked by social and political upheaval, his insistence on using comedy to confront pain and absurdity—always with an eye toward bringing people together—feels like a lesson we could all use.
“Meet the man behind the laughs,” the trailer urges, and it’s hard not to feel a sense of anticipation. After all, how many artists can claim to have made the world laugh for nearly a century—and still be at it, sharp as ever, as they approach their 100th birthday?
As Playbill and CNN both note, Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! is more than just a retrospective; it’s a living testament to a life spent in joyful, relentless pursuit of laughter. For fans new and old, it’s a rare opportunity to celebrate a true original—one joke, one story, one unforgettable moment at a time.