Podcast Summary: "Seth Meyers Will Miss Late Night Television When It's Gone"

Good One: A Podcast About Jokes
Episode: Seth Meyers will miss late night television when it's gone
Host: Jesse David Fox
Guest: Seth Meyers
Release Date: June 5, 2025

Introduction and Episode Overview

[01:31] Jesse David Fox introduces the episode, welcoming Seth Meyers as the guest. The conversation centers around Seth's reflections on late-night television, his experiences on Saturday Night Live (SNL), his stand-up special "Dadman Walking," and the evolving landscape of comedy. Jesse highlights Seth's unique position in the comedy world, comparing him to the "Kevin Durant of comedy."

Late-Night Television: Challenges and Reflections

[03:38] Jesse David Fox brings up recent trends in late-night television, noting a significant surge in viewership and revenue. This leads to the core discussion about Seth's feelings on being potentially one of the last late-night hosts.

[03:47] Seth Meyers expresses sadness over the diminishing number of late-night hosts, acknowledging the platform's incredible potential for comedians. He reflects on the initial boom in late-night shows around 2014 and his rapid ascent to becoming a veteran host.

Revenue Boom and Future of Late-Night Shows

[04:25] Seth Meyers reminisces about the late-night boom, likening it to a "dot com bubble" where numerous hosts emerged swiftly. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about his show improving over time without overcomplicating the business aspects.

Strike Force Five: Navigating the Writer's Strike

[05:07] Jesse David Fox references Seth's participation in the podcast "Strike Force Five" during the writer's strike, exploring how this collaboration fostered closer relationships among late-night hosts.

[05:14] Seth Meyers discusses the camaraderie among late-night hosts during the strike, emphasizing their mutual support and the shared struggle of declining network television viewership. He cites conversations with Conan O'Brien about the shifting dynamics and the importance of not taking the situation personally.

Wardrobe Choices and On-Air Presence

[09:03] Jesse David Fox brings up Seth's post-COVID decision to forgo suits on his show, sparking a lighthearted discussion about the impact on male guests' attire.

[09:53] Seth Meyers explains his choice was primarily for personal comfort and to create an intimate, relaxed atmosphere on set. He acknowledges the potential wardrobe challenges for guests but emphasizes the positive feedback regarding the show's cozy aesthetic.

Podcasting: "Day Drinking" and Niche Fame

[11:00] Jesse David Fox shifts the conversation to Seth's podcast "Day Drinking," delving into its creation, challenges, and the balance between mainstream and niche audiences.

[11:13] Seth Meyers shares insights into the podcast's popularity exceeding their capacity, leading to careful selection of guests and content moderation to maintain quality. He humorously notes the inherent anxiety in incorporating alcohol into the show's format but highlights the authentic, enjoyable conversations that emerge once the initial awkwardness subsides.

Creative Process: Writing and Stand-Up

[22:11] Jesse David Fox inquires about Seth's stand-up writing process, particularly his approach to generating material without performing regularly.

[22:22] Seth Meyers details his method of developing ideas akin to SNL sketches, relying on spontaneous creativity rather than repetitive testing. He expresses admiration for comedians who refine jokes through multiple performances, acknowledging his own limitations in this area.

Impact of Political Climate on Comedy

[13:30] Jesse David Fox reminisces about Seth's office environment post-2016 election, drawing parallels to the current exhaustion felt by the nation.

[14:12] Seth Meyers elaborates on how political events have shaped the tone of his comedy, emphasizing the need for comedy to remain a joyful escape even while addressing serious topics. He underscores the importance of providing catharsis and maintaining an authentic comedic voice amid societal challenges.

Stand-Up Special: "Lobby Baby"

[17:21] Jesse David Fox transitions to discussing Seth's latest stand-up special, "Lobby Baby," focusing on its content and reception.

[19:16] Seth Meyers reflects on integrating political material into his special, highlighting the challenges of balancing personal narratives with broader political commentary. He expresses satisfaction with the positive feedback, noting that the political components did not overshadow the personal stories shared.

SNL Legacy and Golden Era

[32:27] Seth Meyers and Jesse delve into Seth's perspective on what he terms the "Golden Era" of SNL, characterized by a tight-knit, talented cast that could sustain high-quality sketches.

[36:50] Seth Meyers attributes the success of this era to a unique confluence of talent and the absence of external pressures from the digital streaming boom. He praises the collaborative environment and the mutual respect among cast members, which fostered creative excellence.

Role as Head Writer and Collaborations

[43:33] Jesse David Fox prompts Seth to share memories from his time as head writer, particularly during significant milestones like SNL's 50th Anniversary.

[44:44] Seth Meyers recounts the collaborative spirit of the writers' room and the influence of experienced producers like Mike Shoemaker. He emphasizes the importance of supporting individual writers' visions and avoiding the imposition of personal styles, fostering a diverse and innovative comedic environment.

Legacy and Influence

[49:16] Seth Meyers expresses gratitude for being considered a potential successor to SNL's leadership, viewing it as a significant honor. He reflects on his journey, the relationships built, and the lasting impact of his contributions to the show.

Comedy Insights and Personal Anecdotes

[58:26] Laughing Round
In the final segment, Seth engages in a "Laughing Round," sharing favorite sketches and providing advice for aspiring comedians.

• Favorite Sketches: Seth cites "McGruber" and admires its cleverness, expressing admiration for its enduring humor within SNL’s repertoire.

• Advice for Aspiring Comedians: Emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as a learning tool and encourages newcomers to actively participate in open mics and perform regularly to hone their craft.

• Influence on Comedians: Seth proudly acknowledges several comedians he helped nurture, including Kate McKinnon and Amber Ruffin, highlighting their unique talents and contributions to the comedy landscape.

• Memorable Interactions: Shares a touching moment with Eddie Murphy, appreciating Murphy’s vulnerability and authenticity behind the scenes.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Jesse and Seth exchanging final thoughts, celebrating the enduring spirit of comedy, and recognizing the influential role of shows like SNL in shaping comedic talent. Seth reiterates his commitment to maintaining a high-quality, authentic comedic platform through his late-night show and podcast endeavors.

Notable Quotes:

• Seth Meyers [03:47]: "I certainly would bet on there being fewer [late-night shows] in the future as opposed to more."
• Jesse David Fox [09:03]: "After Covid, you decided not to wear a suit anymore, and this has caused havoc on the men dressing for your show."
• Seth Meyers [14:12]: "It is joyful to do. It is joyful to watch. Doesn't mean we're gonna ignore what's happening, but what's happening is what we're gonna discuss."
• Seth Meyers [31:09]: "I think there's a lot of people who said to Lauren, I quit."
• Seth Meyers [58:42]: "I wish I could take credit for McGruber."

This episode offers an in-depth look into Seth Meyers' perspectives on the evolving landscape of late-night television, his creative processes in writing and performing comedy, and his enduring legacy within the comedy community. Through candid anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Seth's contributions and philosophies in the world of humor.