The “Smartless” guys are all established, excellent creators of entertainment, have known each other for a long time, and they truly enjoy each other. These qualities are showcased in the pace and the banter of each one of these podcasts. They also attract really interesting people to come talk about their projects in entertainment, or whatever is going on. Conversation will arrange from different aspects of the industry to whatever deep thought someone is happening to have. Of course, any “deep thought” is levened nicely with a lot of humor. The guys mock themselves and each other deftly and keep the comfort level going. They are kind to their guests. It is a good show, and these guys do a good job of not taking themselves too seriously. Enjoy!

I wanted to like SmartLess, but after giving it multiple chances, it just isn't for me. The show feels derivative rather than original, borrowing the same celebrity interview format that's already been done by countless other podcasts without bringing much of a fresh perspective. The biggest issue is that the hosts spend so much time talking over their guests. Conversations constantly wander into unrelated tangents, and instead of learning something interesting about the person being interviewed, you end up listening to the hosts entertain each other. The recent Jennifer Lopez episode was a perfect example. Rather than letting her tell her story, they repeatedly steered the conversation back to themselves. As a listener, it became frustrating because the guest often felt like a secondary character on her own episode. The humor also doesn't land for me. Will Arnett, in particular, comes across as relying on the same style of banter over and over. What may feel spontaneous often sounds repetitive, and the jokes don't add much to the conversation. There are plenty of interview podcasts where the host knows when to step back, listen, and let the guest shine. *SmartLess* seems more interested in showcasing the chemistry between its hosts than delivering compelling interviews. If that's what you're looking for, you may enjoy it. If you're hoping for thoughtful conversations that reveal something new about the guest, there are much stronger options available.

I think the concept may be done. When the show new in COVID I didn’t miss an episode. I stopped today by after not checking in half a year. Still some good laughs in intro but the hyperbolic sucking up to guests reminded me why I stopped.

We absolutely love the Podcast. Super funny and fantastic guests. If we can offer some loving criticism to Jason, please, please, please don’t ask a question then give them 4 or 5 possible answers. The original question is great, so leave it at that. You don’t need to ramble on giving them possible responses. After you ask the original question, we often hit the fast forward 30 second button and you’re still going strong. Sean and Will used to do it as well but they’re slowly getting better. The more assertive guests recognize the pedantic nature of the question and start responding, but most are reluctant to cut you off. Again, a fantastic podcast, but it could be a lot better if you let the guest talk more!

Sean Hayes is great, the other two fluctuate between too much and not enough. If there's a guest I really like, I'll download the episode and give it a listen, but it's not a podcast I listen to every time, like Lewis Black's rantcast or the Mythfits. those podcasts focus on content, whereas this one lives and dies by the guest.

Here’s your review…

This podcast has so much potential. The wit and banter between such introspective men from diverse background and experiences from the heart of Hollywood means we’re getting some deep insight and casual conversation that truly feel like an ‘Everyman’ conversation in someone’s backyard with brats on the grill and kids on the slip and slide. But Will Arnett is a boulder in the middle of the stream. Steer clear. Jason Bateman drives the current. Questions are insightful and open ended. He draws from the past of a guest, but leaves the microphone free for the guest to maneuver wherever the conversation feels best. Sean Hayes is the deep pools for diving. Quiet and listening, when he asks a question, stand back and wait for the joy to expound. Bateman is on standby to bring the conversation back into flow, but Sean’s depth is worth pausing for and exploring some incredible depth. Meanwhile, Will interrupts the flow. He rolls into the deeps pools and crushes or hides the treasures there. If he asks a question, it’s not really a question, it’s an opportunity for the guest to give him a yes/no answer and confirm the tangent Will wanted to go down to make it more about him than actually showcasing the guest. If you need buffoonery to balance Jason’s focus and Sean’s depth, there are other options who don’t bully the flow or redirect the conversation to be all about him. Lose Arnett and you could have a perfect podcast.

Very sorry for your loss. I loved listening to your interview with him. Wish I had had the chance to meet him in person.

You spent a whole hour talking to Amy Adams and didn’t talk about Julie and Julia. smh

After a few dozen episodes, I’m tired of Jason’s support-the-family-as-a-child and school bus story, and Will’s no-sleeves, tanning and smoking, walking with ankle weights story. Every freaking episode. But the worst is how derogatory and disrespectful they are to Shaun. Repeatedly interrupting him, implying and outright saying he’s ignorant (obvs not), and not even letting him to take the lead when interviewing his own guests! Really old, and hard to listen to. So while Jason and Will have a reputation as nice guys, the mean-boy spirit is clear here. A dig between friends is fun and fine, but the repetition of how they treat Shaun on the podcast is telling. Unsubbing. Will look for the guests on other shows, because anyone here will be on a dozen others, since today’s PR relies on the carpet-bombing method of marketing.

I do like the interactions among the guys. But, I was disappointed with the Bowen Yang interview. They talked over him, didn’t let him answer at times, and dominated the conversation. Please guys, be more mindful of your guests, and your listeners who want to hear the guests.

Sometimes I’m laughing so much l’m in tears. I started listening recently and it’s helped me laugh through a challenging time so thank you for that. Your respect and admiration for your guests and the questions you ask are insightful. My one criticism - sometimes the making fun of each other, especially Sean, borders on shaming. Not a fan of that. And the range and diversity of your guests has gotten better as well. Great job overall Jason, Sean and Will.

Just discovered this podcast this week and have listened to two different episodes. I love the banter and interview questions between Jason, Sean, and Will. ❤️

Love the episodes that aren’t a therapy session for uber wealthy celebrities. Normal people aren’t interested in hearing that.

A caged animal forced to fight is horrific. JB laughs and wonders if this still exists anywhere anymore. How cool! No one had the sense to edit this part out? Shameful

I LOVE this show in the beginning, they spoke to a variety of people. Scientist, astronauts etc. now it’s just celebrities pushing there next project. Opening banter is still great

No matter who the guest is they don’t always talk about their latest movie or television show or record. It’s usually interesting and I’m always wishing it was a little bit longer

I haven’t found many podcasts that could keep my interest so I decided to give this one a try. I was hooked from the first episode I listened to! They seemed like genuinely good friends, which is my favorite part! They have guests that are interesting! I like that it sounds like people hanging out rather than a formal interview! I find myself smiling and actually laughing out loud while listening! So fun!

Hey guys, love the show! Just recently listened to the Bowen Yang episode and you talked about his “I Don’t Think So Honey!” segment on Las Culturistas. It gave me an idea on a new segment for the show - Sean complains about food served to him missing key ingredients (no whipped cream on the sundae) - but they each end with him eating whatever it is anyway. You could call it “Light Mayo? I Don’t Think So Honey!”

This show is a fantastic listen. Gives just enough escape & relaxing entertainment with a good mix of meaning & truth. Their banter is great and I LOVE how they ALWAYS masterfully remind the listener just how completely out of touch celebrities are with real-world/real-life experiences.

The Smartless Trio fosters great convos by comfortably sharing personal stories and praise to loosen up even the most reserved guests. The best interviews are funny, entertaining, informative, or enlightening. But dang, Jon Bernthal was all these things and more without checking Roget. I shared the show link with my sister (retired teacher), my kids, close friends, a random cousin, and then left this review, a first for me. I saved to listen again.

I think for stans this might be interesting but it’s just three friends wandering aimlessly and without particular interest. I listened to the first five minutes of the Bernal show and it was a dud. Also they don’t introduce themselves, who they are, their background. Dud.

All of you are hilarious, love the show. But for the love of god Arnett, please stop saying “hundo-P”. 🙏🏼 ❤️

This show had a good start. It was funny and entertaining. Now it’s mean with Will and Jason constantly interrupting Sean or the guest, they’re bullies. They’re too far left and rude. I’ve unfollowed and unsubscribed.

What an absolute phony. Do watch MSNBC? Don’t like Trump? Love the gays? Don’t worry he’ll be sure to tell you all about it. One of the most “Hollywood” (derogatory) people I’ve had the displeasure of encountering. Climb that ladder Jason, you’re a hero! Some people genuinely should have imposter syndrome.

Hey guys. Hate to say it but I may have to give up on SmartLess. Will Arnett, you think that making fun of everything that comes out of Sean and Jason’s mouths is humor. It’s not humor. It’s bullying. And it gets really old, really fast. Sean and Jason, you are the real deal. Will Arnett, take notes and please be professional.

Yesterday I woke up sucking a lemon today I woke to Bateman getting his Radiohead on. Been reluctant to dip a toe into the cesspool of celebrity podcast but with this being my first foray into smartless call me interested.

I’ve been an avid listener for years now, but I’ll be unfollowing. Jason Bateman pushing Ai during interviews and conversation is tone deaf. Really annoyed by him and the rest of the crew not pushing back. They’re all artist, they should all be concerned.

Thanks for the recommendations on what to watch Sean. You’re the best and so sweet!!!

I’ve generally enjoyed this podcast — a kind of free for all of funny talented guys interviewing interesting guests. However, on the Sting episode, was bummed to hear Jason promoting the AI doc that interviews “experts” like Sam Altman (obvious bias w/ vested interest). Why push the propaganda, Jason? While the credible threat is being correctly identified by people like his sister, Justine…makes Jason seem like he’s either being paid or is just extremely gullible. Activists, artists, unbiased experts, and countless regular folks are desperately trying to sound alarms and in one swoop you undermine by plugging propaganda. Please consider cutting the AI ads as well. You can make money another, more ethical way.

To me, Message In a Bottle and Don’t Stand So Close to Me sound similar

I love you guys and never miss an episode. However, your chat with Sting was so tedious in the beginning. When it comes to questions shorter is better. Jesus Jason, some of your questions were so long I realized I didn’t have enough breadcrumbs to get back home😂😂😂

Bravo! 🎊🪅🙌🎉👏

Love the show and have been a forever listener. Do you guys NEED that AI money?! Bummed you did this ad.

Enough hemming and hawing.” I was gonna ask, I just wanna say” just ask! We’re all waiting for you to ask. Re Sting - just ask him about one song, why waste saying you wish you could ask abt all the songs, why not ask about one?! We want to hear that. All the preamble, contextualizing , qualifying the question, spit it out! You talk longer than they answer, and there’s very little to say accept “yes”. Cmon bros

These three giants should be making the most addictive podcast available but every time I click to give it another try I’m reminded that despite tons of reps the kinks stay kinky. Great podcasts usually follow one of two formats, one- very interview and interviewee focused, other- hosts chucking it up. This one tries to combine both which you’d think would be magic with this cast of characters but it just ends up muddled and jumpy. I’m always left being like “stop talking over them! Let them answer the question.” I want the ribbing of the hosts and the actual interview. This weird mishmash just leaves me frustrated and never finishing an episode.

Amazing these silly guys are all time…. Please please do a follow along episode for Sean’s first time riding the ny subway hahahaha :)

I loved the show before it went all Hollywood … love the guys but the show is missing something.. not sure what it is. :(

Kareem Rahma was a waist of my hour…..

I’ve been an avid SmartLess listener for years and fully acknowledge that the show is light, funny, and not intended to be hard-hitting journalism. That said, I was disappointed by the Jonah Hill episode. Given the public controversy surrounding him, it felt strange not only to have him on, but also to avoid addressing the accusations entirely. Jonah himself mentioned taking a break from work and “being depressed,” but there were no follow-up questions or acknowledgment. Avoiding the topic altogether felt out of touch and came across as another example of men not being held accountable for how they treat women.

Fun show, but they do best when interviewing fellow white guys. They spent about half of the Awkwafina interview asking her about her “rap name”. I love the theme song, and most of the conversations are great. The Max special was fun to watch. I liked listening to the rest of the conversations featured there on the podcast since they had to cut some of it for the Max show. It gets tiring to hear Jason teasing Sean. It seems he has an unhealthy relationship with food. There’s more to a healthy lifestyle than chicken breast & lettuce! Also, allow Sean to get excited about some things. I’m sure the guests appreciate it. I’d like if they get back to gleaning a life lesson from each guest. I believe that was the original intent and it’s a nice concept to differentiate this show from other celebrity talk shows. Overall a good show. Need to have more Black guests on the show.

Extraordinarily wealthy people doing awful ad reads interrupted by boring smug banter.

This podcast feels like an endless loop of Jason Bateman and Will Arnett recycling the same jokes and laughing at themselves. Meanwhile, Sean Hayes is stuck with the thankless job of trying to conduct a real interview—only to be cut off every time it starts to get interesting. Guests end up as background noise in what’s basically an overindulgent inside joke.

I used to love listening to this but it has become more of a roast session and less of learning about the guest.

Think of me when you hold it! What a way to end an episode. Hilarious!

MBmBam is better

Not funny, but I think they think they are.

That’s it that’s the tweet.

I’m on acid and can’t remember why I can hear this frozen box of spinach..

I always have to listen to this whether I’m driving, working out, etc. It’s always such a great time listening to these 3 pick on each other and talk to the guests! I love them so much, and I aspire to have a friendship as natural as theirs! ☺️