Smartless: On the Road

I have been a fan of the Smartless podcast for years. I do a lot of DIY home projects, and these guys have kept me company with their banter and enlightening guests for hours on end. The docuseries takes us behind the scenes, and nothing has entertained me as much in a very long time.

I constantly analyze what makes these 3 guys so compelling as a group. Try getting three friends together, and there is crosstalk, conflict, and egos. Most of the time it doesn't work. Many will argue that there is a lot of ego in this group, but it is the obvious love and respect that they all have for each other that makes conversations flow, and hilarity ensue. No one is offended, and the timing is always impeccable. Everyone allows for the others' thoughts and contemplation and quickly celebrates it, or chides them for it. What could be more fun?

Yes, there are witty and sometimes cutting remarks between Will, Jason and Sean, but absolutely no one ever takes it personally or gets offended which is a true gift. That is where the love comes in, because they all know deep in their hearts it is all done in fun. Sean gets the biggest award of this group at being able to laugh at any jabs or (joking) insults thrown his way.

I laughed hysterically at the docuseries. Jason calls out the camera person once for laughing and shaking the camera, but if you pay close attention, it happens over and over again. Audience or no audience, these three guys have a love and friendship that brings them endless joy and laughter. If only we all could be so lucky.

I have to confess I knew nothing about the podcast, Smartless, when watching this. Also, I probably only tuned in because there is a lull in programming due to the time of year and the writers' strike. I am so glad I did. A look at a traveling tour for the podcast, Smartless, starring Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. It has both backstage footage and scenes of the Live Stage show, with special guest stars like David Letterman, Will Ferrell, Conan O'Brien and more. Shot in Black and White, this is well constructed, well edited, and well directed. I really enjoyed the chemistry and the humor between these guys. Worth checking out. I expect if you are a fan of the podcast it has more layers to enjoy.

I can't stop obsessing about this series of 6 appearances in large theaters by podcast hosts Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman and Will Arnett. Why? Because it's such a horrid idea to put a podcast on a stage! And yet...never having heard any of the shtick on the podcast, I enjoyed so much of the ribbing. Parts of the documentary, beautifully presented in black and white, were cringe-worthy, parts were bare-naked, revealing insecurities and personal hygiene habits. Parts were embarrassing to the hosts, as it was obvious they were over-compensating for dull spots in the show/s. Each host displayed amazing quick wit in spots. Each revealed, probably inadvertently, hurts in their past. I was uncomfortable (especially with guest Kevin Hart) - I was tickled, I was repelled, I was riveted and binged the whole 6 episodes. Stars in the entertainment industry are NOT like us. And yet they kind of are, so you can dislike some of their personality traits. Parts of the episodes were SO awkward. I may change my opinion... but first look? Absolute daring...revealing, I say "don't do it anymore." I felt the pressure in my living room.

If you like the podcast, you'll like this series. The banter between the three is always great but Bateman comes off as a jerk at times. Maybe he tones it back after episode 1, but he's a little much during that one and he's that way at times on the podcast as well. When Will does it, it comes off a little better where you know he's joking but with Bateman it seems like he means what he's saying. That's my only gripe, otherwise it's pretty funny. There are times where it's just them chit-chatting amongst themselves while traveling and while I haven't watched the rest of the episodes yet, I would imagine they would need to include more of some of the interviews with guests so it doesn't get repetitive.

SmartLess On the Road is a great miniseries that offers a fun and captivating journey with hosts Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes. Directed by Sam Jones, the series is a must-watch recommendation. The trio's chemistry is a blast, and their humor shines throughout, and you really get to know these tree amigos in this series.

The amazing cinematography beautifully captures the diverse locations. With entertaining conversations and a delightful cast, SmartLess On the Road is a joy to watch.

Kudos to the talented director, Sam Jones, for bringing this fantastic series to life!

We want more !