SmartLess: On the Road

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.

You are bright, funny and quick and you have incredible guests. And therein lies the problem. It seems that your guests are just there to provide a foil for your humor. I get so frustrated when one of you asks a really good question, the guest starts to answer and another of you jumps in w either a comment, a joke or your own story. What is the point of having great guests if you won't let them talk? You three have plenty of time in the open and close, could you possibly devote the interview portion to an actual interview. And, Jason, what is it with asking a question like "do you have issues w questions, YES?" really weird. I realize I am probably in the minority, but as a broadcaster myself, you sometimes hurt my ears. So though I love you 3, I can barely listen to the podcast anymore.

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.

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.

I love all three of these guys and I had never heard of the podcast but I LoVE Will Ferrell (saw an as with him on the show which is why I watched) so I watched ep1 and then couldn't stop! Binged them all and had a great time!!! It's a fun romp, so when you want to be entertained, do yourself a favor and check out this show. It made me laugh, I thought it was sweet to see the relationship of the three main guys and all the guests were fun and I liked the behind the scenes and the getting to know the backstory of each of their lives and I enjoyed having their partners/ spouses/ kids/ friends interact also. That depth touched me. Overall I enjoyed this show very much.