SmartLess: “Aubrey Plaza”
Podcast: SmartLess
Hosts: Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett
Guest: Aubrey Plaza
Original Air Date: April 20, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode of SmartLess, Aubrey Plaza joins Jason, Sean, and Will for a wide-ranging and hilarious conversation. The group dives into Aubrey’s comedic roots, her breakout successes, personal challenges—including her experience with a stroke in her early 20s—and her creative processes as both a performer and producer. There’s plenty of their signature banter, touching moments of honesty, and an exclusive announcement from Aubrey about her personal life and her new animated show “Kevin.”
The tone stays witty, self-deprecating, and earnest—a true SmartLess blend.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Catching Up, Banter & the Art of Realness
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Opening Banter ([02:04]–[08:58]): The hosts riff on old NYC stories and the challenge of being “chipper” in showbiz. Sean shares the pain of reading negative online comments:
“So much of it was so unbelievably mean spirited in this way that I was like, whoa… I kind of wanted to go like, hey, I’m a human.” —Sean Hayes [08:21]
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Aubrey’s Entrance ([09:09]–[12:53])
Will introduces Aubrey as “about as funny as they come” and “dry as burnt toast.”
Aubrey immediately matches the group’s energy with her signature sardonic humor:“Aubrey, I hate you all. I hate you.” —Aubrey Plaza [09:43]
2. Early Career, UCB, and Comedy Roots
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Comedy Origins & Upright Citizens Brigade ([13:00]–[20:47]):
- Aubrey details coming up in NYC’s UCB scene; her sketch group was “That’s My Booze.”
- She lists contemporaries like Aziz Ansari, Nick Kroll, Jason Mantzoukas, and others.
- Jason recalls awkwardly meeting Aubrey on the set of Parks & Rec, not realizing she was a cast member.
- The hosts reminisce about the energy of late-night sketch shows, the “herald” improv form, and messages for new comics.
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Signature Quote:
“I never did even UCB in LA. Like UCB LA to me was like what? This isn’t right.” —Aubrey Plaza [20:28]
3. Breakout in Hollywood and Parks & Rec
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Week That Changed Her Life ([24:32]–[27:01]):
- Aubrey booked “Funny People,” “Parks and Rec,” and “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” in a single week after a screen test in LA:
“I went out to LA for one week and I got... Funny People, Parks and Rec, and Scott Pilgrim... in one week.” —Aubrey Plaza [25:38]
- Aubrey booked “Funny People,” “Parks and Rec,” and “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” in a single week after a screen test in LA:
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On Character Development:
Will asks if April Ludgate was always written that way; Aubrey recounts how the part took shape after her unique general meeting with Mike Schur and Greg Daniels.
4. Personal Revelations: Health and Transformation
- Experiencing a Stroke at 20 ([28:10]–[34:09]):
- Aubrey shares the extraordinary story of having a stroke mid-sentence, how she became unable to speak but remained aware, and the speculation that birth control may have been the cause.
- She reflects on the spiritual shift this brought:
“You know what’s happening and your brain, there’s... your brain and then there’s something else going on, which is very profound to think about, because I was—whatever that other thing is—was watching my brain malfunction.” —Aubrey Plaza [31:16]
- She also discusses her Catholic upbringing and how the event reframed her sense of purpose and spirituality.
5. Breaking News: Aubrey’s Pregnancy
- Surprise Announcement ([34:42]–[35:52]):
- Aubrey reveals that she is pregnant with her first child:
“There is a baby inside of me right now.” —Aubrey Plaza [34:56]
- The hosts express joy and offer congratulations in their own enthusiastic, loving way.
- Aubrey reveals that she is pregnant with her first child:
6. The Actress & The Producer: Craft, Taste, and Strategy
- Craft and Confidence in Performances ([37:13]–[41:54]):
- The group discusses Aubrey’s performances, particularly in “Emily the Criminal”, as well as her facility with subtlety and stillness on screen.
“Every time I see you in anything, I’m always stunned by how confident you are in being still... I can’t stop watching somebody who’s so comfortable not helping me as an audience member.” —Will Arnett [37:49]
- Aubrey reveals she draws inspiration from Janine Garofalo and that her persona flowed organically from early roles.
- On producing:
“If I’m not going to get, you know, offered parts that I really want, then I’ll just fucking do it myself.” —Aubrey Plaza [41:54]
- The group discusses Aubrey’s performances, particularly in “Emily the Criminal”, as well as her facility with subtlety and stillness on screen.
7. Identity, Upbringing, and SNL Full Circle
- Childhood, Family, and SNL Page Days ([46:19]–[52:47]):
- Growing up shy in Wilmington, Delaware, theater helped Aubrey come out of her shell.
- Both parents hustled: her father was a stockbroker, her mother a lawyer and a cultural influence.
- Aubrey recounts being a hungover NBC Page and intern—amusingly candid:
“My problem was I was hungover pretty much every time. So I would have to throw up in the trash cans in the hallway, like mid…” —Aubrey Plaza [50:53]
- Hosting SNL years later felt surreal and emotional, and she describes close ties to the backstage staff.
8. Life Now: City Living, Adaptability, and White Lotus
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Home Base, Adaptability, and Filming on Location ([52:58]–[57:15]):
- Aubrey is now based in New York and loves city life, but says she adapts easily—even to filming months in Sicily for “White Lotus.”
- She jokes she could even handle jail:
“I’m, like, very adoptable... if I go someplace and I’m there for one day, I’m like, this is it. This is my life for the rest of my life.” —Aubrey Plaza [55:18]
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White Lotus Secrets ([57:15]–[59:09]):
- Aubrey discusses the script secrecy of “White Lotus” and her tendency to focus only on her own scenes.
- She mentions Sandra Bernhardt joining the coming season.
9. New Animated Series: “Kevin”
- "Kevin" Launch Announcement ([59:15]–[63:22]):
- Aubrey previews her new animated Prime Video series “Kevin,” based on a true story about the shared custody of her real-life cat after a breakup.
- The show features an all-star voice cast: Jason Schwartzman (as Kevin), John Waters, Whoopi Goldberg, Amy Sedaris, and more.
- She playfully breaks down the plot:
“Kevin’s this kind of, like, neurotic cat. He’s got a really messed up butthole that he’s fixated on, constantly talking about his... his weird butthole and therapy…” —Aubrey Plaza [61:13]
- Jason Schwartzman also wrote the theme song.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Fame and Identity:
“We almost got married. We drove across the country together, eating a bag of edible edibles... [wanted to] get married then get divorced so we could call each other our ex-wife and ex-husband... but then I think it was a combination of being too high and paranoid... we bailed.” —Aubrey Plaza (about Michael Cera) [27:01]
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On Processing Trauma:
“I did really stop, at least for some time... sweating the small stuff a little bit. The trauma of something like that happening so out of nowhere changes the way your brain is.” —Aubrey Plaza [34:09]
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On Producing:
“I want to be in movies that people remember, watch more than once. That don’t just float away into the ethereum.” —Aubrey Plaza [41:02]
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On Comedy Heroines:
“The Funny People role was really based on… Janine Garofalo. I kind of knew that. I studied her and her stand up.” —Aubrey Plaza [39:54]
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On Adaptability:
“I think I would be okay, like, in jail. Like, I’d be like, this is it. You just make it your home.” —Aubrey Plaza [55:18]
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On Being a New Yorker:
“I’m back in New York, baby.” —Aubrey Plaza [54:08]
Important Timestamps
- [09:09] — Aubrey’s inaugural banter and greeting
- [16:08] — Early Parks & Rec days, UCB, and how she was cast
- [25:35] — Aubrey’s “big break” week
- [28:35] — Aubrey discusses her stroke at age 20
- [34:42] — Aubrey reveals her pregnancy
- [37:13] — Discussion on “Emily the Criminal” and acting style
- [41:54] — On becoming a producer
- [52:47] — Stories about being a page/intern at SNL
- [57:15] — White Lotus behind-the-scenes
- [59:15] — "Kevin" show announcement details
- [61:10] — The cast and creative team behind “Kevin”
Tone & Chemistry
- Language: Playful, irreverent, deeply personal, droll
- Memorable Dynamics:
- Will gently prodding about her relationships and craft
- Sean’s cheerleader energy and heartfelt praise
- Jason’s signature earnest curiosity, mixed with dry wit
- Aubrey’s deadpan, deflecting but candid style—always quick with a dark joke
In Summary
Fans of SmartLess will find this episode quintessential: hilarious, surprising, and unexpectedly moving. Aubrey Plaza balances vulnerability and razor-sharp humor, revealing both the unpredictability of her career and personal journey, and the artistry behind her expanding repertoire. From surviving a stroke to launching a new show and a family, Aubrey celebrates adaptability, creative control, and the value of not taking yourself—or life—too seriously.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in comedy, acting, or just looking for a hearty mix of wisdom and wit.