The HBO Original two-part documentary MEL BROOKS: THE 99 YEAR OLD MAN! celebrates nearly a century of comedy, courage, and pure showmanship from one of Hollywood’s boldest satirists. Directed by award-winning filmmakers Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, the film debuts Thursday, January 22 (8:00–9:45 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO, with part two following on Friday, January 23. Both parts will be available to stream starting January 22 on HBO Max.
The story
The documentary explores the life, career, friendships, and great loves of Mel Brooks. He was a writer, director, producer, performer, and a comic voice. He reshaped American humor from early television to Broadway. Through Apatow’s candid conversations with Brooks, the film shows how Brooks turned personal pain into fearless satire. It depicts postwar trauma and the absurdities of everyday life as unforgettable laughs using rare archival footage spanning decades.
Part 1
Part one explores his Brooklyn childhood, service in World War II, and his years on the Borscht Belt circuit. It covers the birth of modern sketch comedy alongside Sid Caesar, Neil Simon, Larry Gelbart, and Carl Reiner. This includes the creation of the iconic character “The 2000 Year Old Man.” It follows his evolution into a boundary‑pushing filmmaker. He created works like “The Producers” (1967), “The Twelve Chairs” (1970), and “Blazing Saddles” (1974). He also found an emotional anchor in his marriage to Anne Bancroft. She stood by him through critical backlash and lean years.
Part 2
Part two charts Brooks’ rise to full superstardom and his lasting impact on generations of comedians and filmmakers. He was inspired by classic cinema and big Hollywood musicals. He created “Young Frankenstein,” “Silent Movie,” “High Anxiety,” “History of the World, Part I”. As a producer, he championed dramas like “The Elephant Man.” He also delivered comedy cult favorites like “Spaceballs” and “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.” In his seventies, he conquered Broadway with the stage adaptation of “The Producers.” He earned a record‑breaking 12 Tony Awards. This solidified his legacy as a one‑of‑a‑kind creative force.
Interviews
The film features fresh interviews not only with Brooks himself but also with the many artists he influenced. These artists include Ben Stiller, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, Nick Kroll, and Patton Oswalt. Others are Dave Chappelle, Conan O’Brien, Josh Gad, and Jimmy Kimmel. Additionally, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, and Tracey Ullman are featured. The film also includes filmmakers Rob Reiner, Robert Townsend, Peter Farrelly, Jerry & David Zucker, Barry Levinson, David Lynch. Additionally, there are actors Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, Cary Elwes, Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane. Members of his own family are in the film — his children Stefanie, Nicolas, Eddie, Max and granddaughter Samantha.
Production
Produced by HBO Documentary Films and Apatow Productions, MEL BROOKS: THE 99 YEAR OLD MAN! is more than a career retrospective: it’s a masterclass in how humor can become courage, how satire can deepen empathy, and how one artist’s imagination can leave an enduring mark on culture.
Mel Brooks: The 99 year old man will be release on HBO Max on January 22nd.
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