The Good Life is Mike Birbiglia’s latest Netflix special, and it’s essentially the antithesis of the "blessed" parenting hashtag. Dropping May 26, this isn't a collection of cute anecdotes or advice on how to cherish every moment; it’s a blunt, neurotic, and genuinely hilarious deep dive into the existential crisis that is modern fatherhood. If you’ve ever looked at your child and thought, “I love you, but you have completely dismantled my identity,” Birbiglia is speaking your language.
The Good Life is a raw, funny look at the mess of being a dad, swapping parenting platitudes for real talk about legacy and ego. It’s best for parents of all stages and maybe older teens who can handle some "honest" language and mature themes about mortality. For more grown-up comedy that actually gets the family dynamic, check out The New One or browse our best movies for kids list for shared viewing options.
Most "dad comedy" falls into two buckets: the "kids these days" grumbling or the "I’m a bumbling idiot who can't find the diapers" trope. Birbiglia avoids both. In The Good Life, he treats fatherhood as a high-stakes psychological thriller where he is both the protagonist and the person most likely to trip over a LEGO.
According to early buzz on sitcomsonline.com, the special leans heavily into the idea of legacy—not the "I want to pass on my name" kind, but the "what have I actually done and what am I leaving behind?" kind. It’s blunt. It’s raw. And it’s exactly what intentional parents need when they’re tired of being told to "soak it all in."
The core of The Good Life is Birbiglia’s ability to take the mundane—a doctor's visit, a conversation with a five-year-old, the realization that he is no longer the most important person in his own house—and turn it into a meditation on what it means to be a "good" person.
He isn't interested in being a hero. He’s interested in being honest. This makes the special a great solo watch for parents after the kids are in bed, or a solid "date night in" choice. It’s the kind of content that makes you feel less alone in your own anxieties.
If you like this vibe, you’ll also like:
- The New One: Birbiglia’s previous special about the reluctant journey into parenthood. It’s the prequel to the chaos.
- Sleepwalk with Me: His breakout film/story about his sleepwalking disorder and the fear of commitment.
- Hunt for the Wilderpeople: A fictional, slightly absurd, and deeply moving look at an unconventional father-son (ish) bond.
- Don't Think Twice: A Birbiglia-directed film about an improv troupe that captures the bittersweet reality of growing up while your friends find success.
This isn't "family content" in the Disney sense. It’s a comedy special for adults. While there isn't anything "harmful" in it, the themes of mortality, medical issues, and the general wear-and-tear of marriage might bore younger kids to tears.
For teens (14+), it’s a different story. If you have a kid who appreciates dry humor or is interested in storytelling/stand-up, The Good Life is a masterclass. It’s also a pretty good way to show them that, yes, parents have inner lives and anxieties that have nothing to do with whether the chores got done.
The "friction point" here isn't violence or sex—it’s the bluntness. Birbiglia talks about his health, his fears of dying, and the specific ways that being a parent makes those fears 10x more intense. If you're in a season of high anxiety, this will either be the cathartic laugh you need or a bit too close to home. Most Screenwise parents find Birbiglia’s brand of honesty refreshing, but it’s worth knowing he doesn't pull his punches regarding the "mess."
If you watch this with an older teen or just want to discuss it with your partner, skip the "wasn't that funny?" questions. Try these instead:
- On Legacy: Birbiglia talks about what we leave behind. What’s one thing (not a physical object) you actually want to make sure stays with the next generation?
- On Identity: How much of "you" changed when we became parents? What’s the one part of your pre-kid self you’re most glad you kept?
- On Honesty: Why do we feel like we have to pretend parenting is always great? Why is it so hard to be as blunt as Mike is?
Q: Is The Good Life appropriate for a 10-year-old? Not really. While it's not "offensive," the humor is incredibly adult-centric. A 10-year-old will likely find the ruminations on marriage and legacy boring. Stick to our best shows for kids list for that age.
Q: Does Mike Birbiglia swear a lot in this special? Expect some "hells," "damns," and the occasional f-bomb for emphasis. It’s standard stand-up fare—not gratuitous, but definitely not "clean" comedy. It’s used to punctuate the frustration of life, which most parents can relate to.
Q: Do I need to watch The New One before watching The Good Life? You don't need to, but it helps. The New One sets up his transition from "I never want kids" to "Oh no, I have a kid." The Good Life is the "What now?" phase.
Q: Is this a "moms vs. dads" comedy special? No, and that’s why it’s good. Birbiglia doesn't resort to "wife-nagging" tropes. His comedy is about his own internal failings and the shared absurdity of the human condition.
Mike Birbiglia’s The Good Life is the comedy special for parents who are tired of being sold a version of family life that doesn't exist. It’s smart, it’s self-deprecating, and it’s a great reminder that the "mess" isn't a sign that you're doing it wrong—it’s just proof that you’re doing it.
- Watch the trailer for The Good Life on Netflix.
- Check out our digital guide for elementary school if you're currently in the thick of the ages Mike talks about.
- Find more "smart" comedy for your next night in
