Sarah Cooper: Everything's Fine

She demonstrates what her comedic taste really is—and it’s somewhat surprising to learn that it’s deeply weird. It’s also invigorating to watch. Although Cooper does lip-synch to Trump in some segments, the best material in Everything’s Fine brings to mind Adult Swim programming, fever-dream-like productions that make just enough sense to keep you mesmerized.

In spite of the famous faces surrounding her, Cooper is the undeniable star of the special (although Jon Hamm is pretty hilarious in a parody of the My Pillow commercials). ... It's hard not to compare Cooper to late night comedians and recent "Saturday Night Live" episodes made under pandemic conditions, but "Everything's Fine" feels so much more natural than those shows (although made under considerably less time pressure).

Often funny, always striking document of what living feels like in this fraught and febrile year.

On balance it’s worth the 50-minute investment on the strength of Cooper’s undeniable comedic skill set and her enormous likability, and an almost overwhelming number of guest contributors.

Even for a fan, “enjoy” might not be quite the right verb. “Everything’s Fine” is a dark and uncomfortable hour, in its glitchy mix of the banal and the bizarre something more likely to show up on Adult Swim or IFC than Netflix. It’s funny, but it won’t necessarily make you laugh.

The more enjoyable aspects of the special came during the bits that had nothing to do with Trump but everything to do with how weird 2020 is. ... Other sketches hit or missed as much due to the celebrity co-star’s willingness to throw him or herself into the character. So, much like SNL, then.

It looks like a non-stop parade of celebrity cameos and leftover “Saturday Night Live” sketches that often feel too long. As a special that showcases Cooper’s talent and actual voice, it’s even less successful. Cooper is often overshadowed by the celebrities who surround her.