#FIRSTLOOK: “IS THIS THING ON? COMING TO DISNEY+ MARCH 20, 2026

Follow an emotional story of how love is no joke when Searchlight Pictures’ Is This Thing On? begins streaming on Hulu on Disney+ on March 20, 2026.

Searchlight Pictures’ Is This Thing On? explores the complexities of long-term relationships under the direction of Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born, Maestro). Set against the backdrop of New York’s stand-up comedy scene, the film follows Alex (Will Arnett), who turns to late-night comedy clubs as an unlikely form of therapy while navigating a faltering marriage. To prepare for the role, Arnett spent roughly six weeks writing and performing stand-up material in real clubs nearly every night. Arnett also co-wrote the film with Cooper and Mark Chappell (See How They Run), from a story by Arnett, Chappell, and John Bishop (The John Bishop Show), whose life inspired the character of Alex.

Is This Thing On? delivers a hopeful and deeply human story through the performances of an all-star ensemble cast that includes Laura Dern, Andra Day, Bradley Cooper, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes (one of Arnett’s partners in the popular podcast Smartless) and Scott Icenogle, (real life husband of Hayes, adding to the authenticity of their roles).

Film Synopsis
As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene, while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family – forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.