SmartLess is a podcast hosted by the American actors Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Canadian actor Will Arnett. Its first episode was released on July 20, 2020, and new episodes are released weekly each Monday.[1][2] Every episode begins with one of the hosts revealing a mystery guest to the other two hosts. Once revealed, the three hosts begin interviewing the guest.[1]
In May 2021, the podcast signed with Creative Artists Agency.[3] In June 2021, the podcast was acquired by Amazon for around US$80 million. With the deal, the podcast was made available on Amazon Music and Wondery+ one week before other podcast and streaming platforms.[4][5] SiriusXM acquired the podcast from Amazon in 2024 for a reported US$100 million.[6]
On May 23, 2023, Max premiered a six-episode documentary-style special following the podcast's North American six-city tour, which began in February 2022, featuring behind-the-scenes footage and celebrity interviews.[7][8]
Episodes
Reception
SmartLess won "Best Comedy Podcast" at the 2022 iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.[9]
In a positive review for The Irish Times, Fiona McCann stated that "the camaraderie between hosts and guests often works to disarm the latter and allow for something fresher than your usual famous-person-talking show".[10] In November 2024, Apple announced that the podcast was the fifth most popular show on its platform in 2024.[11]
Accolades
SmartLess Media
SmartLess Media also produces the podcasts Staying Alive, Just Jack & Will, Bad Dates, GoalLess, I Need You Guys, and Owned.[13]
External links
References
- Peter White. Jason Bateman, Will Arnett & Sean Hayes Launch 'Smartless' Podcast Deadline Hollywood, July 7, 2020, retrieved June 29, 2021^
- Natalie Jarvey. Will Arnett and Sean Hayes Talk Turning Decades-Long Friendship Into Podcast 'Smartless' The Hollywood Reporter, July 16, 2020, retrieved June 29, 2021^
- Peter White. 'SmartLess' Podcast From Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes & Will Arnett Signs With CAA Deadline Hollywood, May 24, 2021, retrieved June 29, 2021^
- Lucas Shaw. Amazon Acquires Rights to 'SmartLess' Podcast for as Much as $80 Million Bloomberg News, June 29, 2021, retrieved June 29, 2021^
- Peter White. Jason Bateman, Will Arnett & Sean Hayes Podcast 'Smartless' Acquired By Amazon Music & Wondery Deadline Hollywood, June 29, 2021, retrieved June 29, 2021^
- Lucas Shaw, Ashley Carman. Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes Take Podcast to SiriusXM for $100 Million-Plus Bloomberg News, January 29, 2024, retrieved Feb 2, 2024^
- Brittany Bowker. Some fans grumble that one of the Boston SmartLess Live shows 'was a swing and a miss' The Boston Globe, Boston Globe Media Partners, 9 February 2022^
- Denise Petski. Discovery+ Orders 'Smartless' Docuseries With Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes & Will Arnett Deadline Hollywood, August 16, 2021, retrieved August 16, 2021^
- J. Clara Chan. iHeartRadio Podcast Awards: 'You're Wrong About' Wins Top Prize The Hollywood Reporter, PMRC, February 4, 2022^
- Fiona McCann. Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett: Three guys, a mic and €80m cheque from Amazon The Irish Times, February 25, 2023, retrieved 2023-08-13^
- Apple shares the most popular podcasts of 2024 Apple Newsroom, retrieved 2024-12-13^
- Ian Youngs. Golden Globes: The full list of nominees BBC, December 8, 2025, retrieved December 8, 2025^
- 'SmartLess' Podcast Moves to SiriusXM in $100M Multiyear Deal The Hollywood Reporter, 29 January 2024^