When three Hollywood mates launched a podcast mid-pandemic, nobody anticipated it to turn out to be one of many greatest comedy reveals on the planet. However SmartLess, hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, did precisely that: turning spontaneous conversations, shock company, and ridiculous banter into audio gold.
You’d assume a podcast the place the visitor is a shock to 2 of the hosts can be a chaotic mess. As an alternative, SmartLess thrives on that unpredictability, displaying there’s nothing much less sensible about both the podcast or the hosts and pulling in hundreds of thousands of listeners every month.
We’ll cowl:
- What SmartLess is absolutely about and why it really works
- Background on the hosts: Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes
- Smartless in numbers: what number of listeners, internet value, and extra
- Behind-the-scenes tales from the SmartLess On The Highway tour
- The very best SmartLess episodes to begin with
- What followers and critics assume in regards to the present right now
What’s Smartless About?
SmartLess is the podcast equal of crashing a cocktail party with three hilarious celebrities and by no means wanting to depart. Hosted by actors and real-life mates Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, the present thrives on shock, spontaneity, and absurdly entertaining banter. However there’s a higher twist!
Every week, one host secretly brings on a visitor, and the opposite two don’t know who it’s till they present up.
That visitor may very well be a Hollywood A-lister, a bestselling writer, a scientist, a politician, or somebody you did not even know you needed to listen to from till 45 minutes in. This retains issues contemporary, unpredictable, and surprisingly heartfelt.
However SmartLess isn’t simply an interview podcast. The actual magic lies within the chemistry between Bateman (the dry one), Hayes (the cheerful one), and Arnett (the chaotic one). Their relentless teasing and occasional oversharing give the present its signature vibe: a wonderfully imperfect mixture of humorous, heat, and simply unhinged sufficient to really feel such as you’re in on the within jokes.
At its core, SmartLess is about curiosity, with a aspect of sarcasm, a pinch of ego, and a number of laughs. It doesn’t attempt to be deep, however by some means finally ends up being sort of profound anyway.
Who’re the Hosts of Smartless
The brains and mischief behind the SmartLess podcast are Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. Sure, that’s proper: it’s a podcast hosted by three Emmy-winning actors who by some means handle to be wildly profitable and fully ridiculous on the identical time.
Jason Bateman might be greatest recognized for enjoying the endlessly stressed-out straight man in reveals like “Arrested Improvement” and “Ozark”. On SmartLess, he brings the identical dry wit, typically enjoying the voice of purpose… nicely, till he doesn’t.
Sean Hayes, beloved for his iconic function as Jack on “Will & Grace”, is the center of the group. He’s endlessly enthusiastic, fast to giggle, and never afraid to ask the questions the others are too cool (or too distracted) to ask. Consider him because the man who brings snacks to a bunch venture.
After which there’s Will Arnett, the lovable rascal with the gravelly voice. You may acknowledge him because the voice of BoJack Horseman or from his completely sarcastic flip as Gob Bluth. On the podcast, he’s equal elements chaos and allure, always stirring the pot and retaining everybody on their toes.
Collectively, they’re an odd however good trio: longtime mates with zero filter, fast comebacks, and simply sufficient vulnerability to maintain issues actual.
SmartLess Internet Price, Listeners, and Extra
Since its launch in 2020, SmartLess has turn out to be a powerhouse within the podcasting world, constantly rating among the many prime reveals globally.
With over 98,000 glowing opinions throughout platforms and a mean score of 4.7 stars, the podcast has struck a chord with hundreds of thousands. From successful Greatest Comedy Podcast on the iHeartRadio Awards to topping charts on Apple and Spotify, its momentum hasn’t slowed.
The present has launched over 300 episodes as of June 2025. Every month, podcast downloads proceed to rise, not too long ago surpassing 700,000. Whole listener numbers fluctuate by estimate, however the podcast is believed to draw between 100,000 and 500,000 month-to-month listeners. It constantly ranks among the many prime podcasts globally, even being known as the “third largest podcast on the planet” by Australian tourism officers.
The recognition of the podcast and its affect are mirrored in its business worth: Amazon and Wondery acquired unique rights to the present in 2021 for a reported $80 million, and by 2024, SiriusXM picked it up for a whopping $100 million.
In 2022 SmartLess went on a reside tour, which grew to become a six-part documentary on Max, additional cementing its standing as a popular culture phenomenon.
Followers rave in regards to the chemistry between Jason, Will, and Sean, every with a reported internet value of round $25-30 million.
Smartless on The Highway
Launched as a six-part docuseries on Max, “SmartLess: On the Highway” follows the enduring hosts as they hit a number of cities for a reside tour, bringing shock company and a complete lot of character to packed theaters. However this isn’t only a spotlight reel of reside reveals. It’s a behind-the-scenes have a look at their actual friendship, awkward silences, inside jokes, middle-aged bickering, and all.
You get to see them as roommates, highway journey companions, and occasional babysitters for one another’s quirks. There are quiet moments of reflection, chaotic moments of “who booked this lodge?”, and naturally, loads of backstage antics. If you happen to love the podcast, this collection makes you are feeling much more just like the fourth buddy tagging alongside within the backseat.
Briefly: it’s half journey diary, half buddy comedy, and half masterclass in how to not plan a tour, and it’s weirdly great.
What are the Greatest SmartLess Episodes
With tons of of episodes beneath its belt, SmartLess has delivered unforgettable conversations with a number of the world’s most attention-grabbing (and infrequently hilarious) individuals. The podcast thrives on its shock visitor format, however some episodes have really stood out, both for his or her laugh-out-loud moments, emotional honesty, or cultural buzz. Listed here are the highest fan-favorite SmartLess episodes which might be completely definitely worth the pay attention:
1. 3 Presidents
Sure, the SmartLess crew by some means managed to wrangle not one, not two, however three U.S. Presidents. In a particular reside episode that broke podcast charts, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Invoice Clinton be part of forces for a surprisingly relaxed, typically humorous, and sometimes deep dialog. From coverage to private anecdotes, and sure, some playful roasting, this episode appears like a once-in-a-lifetime feast you by some means received invited to.
2. Ryan Reynolds
If you happen to’ve ever questioned what it’s wish to be absurdly good-looking and absurdly humorous, this episode has your reply. Ryan’s trademark dry humor retains the gang on their toes, and his banter with Will Arnett (an in depth buddy) is comedy gold. There’s even a bit about parenting that’s surprisingly touching.
3. Jennifer Aniston
America’s sweetheart brings allure, candor, and simply the correct amount of sass. This episode appears like eavesdropping on previous mates catching up over cocktails. Jen dishes on fame, friendship, and what it was actually like engaged on “Buddies” (sure, they ask). A complete deal with for Aniston followers.
4. Steven Spielberg
When one of many biggest administrators of all time reveals up, you pay attention. Spielberg talks about his childhood, the ability of storytelling, and what it’s wish to deliver goals to life on display screen. The hosts are clearly in awe, and so are we. You’ll in all probability cry somewhat from how healthful it will get.
5. Paul McCartney
You’ll be able to virtually hear jaws hitting the ground as Sir Paul casually drops Beatles tales prefer it’s no large deal. This episode is a mixture of historical past, music geekery, and pure pleasure. He even performs somewhat guitar on air. It’s not only a dialog, it’s a monumental expertise with the legend himself.
Smartless Evaluations
Since its launch in 2020, SmartLess has turn out to be a powerhouse within the podcasting world, constantly rating among the many prime reveals globally.
With over 98,000 glowing opinions throughout platforms and a mean score of 4.7 stars, the podcast has struck a chord with hundreds of thousands. From successful Greatest Comedy Podcast on the iHeartRadio Awards to topping charts on Apple and Spotify, its momentum hasn’t slowed.
Every month, podcast downloads proceed to rise, not too long ago surpassing 700,000. Followers rave in regards to the chemistry between Jason, Will, and Sean, praising the easy humor and surprisingly candid conversations.
Nonetheless, not all suggestions is glowing: some listeners want the hosts would give their high-profile company extra room to talk, citing episodes the place interruptions overshadow the interviews.
Right here’s what listeners are saying about SmartLess:
“They misplaced me. Between the bizarre visitor decisions, lack of preparedness, fixed interruptions of company, repeated unfunny jokes, fixed Sean bullying and now this WEIRD cell service plan enterprise? I’m out!” – j186017
“Been listening since day 1. Wonderful content material, mild humor and don’t let these guys idiot you; they’re very sensible!” – NJRain
“Sometimes they’ve company I might care much less about. However grateful they align with me morally and can proceed to like these guys due to it. Their interviewing expertise aren’t nice, and seeing the identical company seem between this and FotW reveals they’re simply biking through the identical record of celebs. Will and JB are my favourite nonetheless, not on this present they aren’t.” – gonefishcaking
“you guys speak an excessive amount of…why have company if you CONSTANTLY discuss yourselves…” – cmdm
“I really like this present a lot. It’s a welcome break from the intense or extra formally structured pods… and likewise often makes me giggle out loud. My favourite reveals are after they get different improv comedians on … Amy P and Paul Rudd are two favs.” – ETeeHee
Continuously Requested Questions
Does SmartLess pay company?
Nope, SmartLess doesn’t pay company to seem on the present. Like most big-name podcasts, company be part of for the dialog, the publicity, and actually because they’ve one thing new to advertise, like a movie, guide, or tour. Plus, with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett internet hosting, it’s not precisely a troublesome promote. Most company appear genuinely excited (and generally stunned) to be on.
The place to look at SmartLess: On the Highway?
You’ll be able to watch “SmartLess: On the Highway” on Max (previously HBO Max). It’s a six-part docuseries that takes you behind the scenes of the trio’s reside tour throughout North America. Count on a mixture of hilarious backstage banter, emotional moments, and candid conversations with shock celeb company. It is a enjoyable have a look at what occurs if you take a success podcast on the highway, with loads of laughs alongside the way in which.
What number of listeners does SmartLess have?
SmartLess has constantly ranked among the many prime podcasts globally and reportedly brings in over 20 million listeners per thirty days. Whereas precise numbers fluctuate, it’s secure to say the present has a large and constant viewers, and for good purpose. The spontaneous interviews, dry humor, and real chemistry between the hosts hold followers coming again week after week.
hearken to the SmartLess podcast?
Listening to SmartLess is tremendous simple. You could find it on Amazon Music (the place new episodes drop early), in addition to on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most main podcast platforms. Simply search “SmartLess” and hit play, or higher but, subscribe so that you by no means miss an episode.
