"Adam Scott"

Summary

SmartLess Episode Summary: "Adam Scott" Release Date: March 17, 2025

---

Guest Introduction

In this episode of SmartLess, hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett welcome actor and producer Adam Scott as their mystery guest. Will Arnett sets the stage by highlighting Adam's extensive work in both television and film, emphasizing his role in the critically acclaimed series Severance. The hosts express genuine admiration for Adam’s talents and contributions to the entertainment industry.

“My guest today appears in pretty much everything good you've seen on the small or big screen in the last 20 years. No stranger to the podcast.”
— Will Arnett [07:00]

---

Personal Sleep Habits and Family Dynamics

The conversation kicks off with a humorous discussion about sleep preferences, particularly the use of blackout curtains. Will Arnett shares his need to keep his bedroom lights on to avoid depression caused by complete darkness, prompting Jason Bateman to contrast with his wife’s preference for total blackout.

“I have to sleep with them open because I can't wake up when it's pitch black. It makes me really depressed.”
— Will Arnett [02:20]

Adam Scott humorously deflects questions about Naomi’s sleep habits, leading to playful banter about household quirks and family interactions.

---

Career Insights and Transition to Production

Adam Scott delves into his career trajectory, discussing his transition from acting to producing. He highlights the challenges and rewards of managing a production company alongside his acting roles, particularly his work on Severance. Sean Hayes inquires about Adam’s experiences moving to New York for filming, balancing family life, and the impact on his personal and professional endeavors.

“After acting for so long, it's nice to use all the hours of your day, you know, because the acting can take up so much. Producing allows you to stay busy and keep an eye on the whole thing.”
— Adam Scott [49:42]

---

Behind-the-Scenes Stories and Directorial Experiences

The hosts and Adam share amusing and insightful anecdotes from their respective careers. Jason Bateman recounts a memorable moment working with Katherine Hepburn, where her advice led him to a pivotal acting realization.

“She said to me, stop acting. And I just said the words. It was a career pivot.”
— Jason Bateman [25:30]

Will Arnett shares a comedic story about receiving tough direction on set, highlighting the importance of resilience in the creative process.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?”
— Will Arnett [24:12]

---

Work on Severance and Collaboration with Creators

Adam Scott provides an in-depth look at his role in Severance, discussing the show's unique tone and narrative structure. He emphasizes the collaborative environment fostered by creator Dan Erickson and producer Ben Stiller, and expresses optimism about future seasons.

“We're hopeful that we'll be able to make a third season. Hopefully, it'll be a lot shorter than the three-year wait between seasons.”
— Adam Scott [51:08]

Jason Bateman probes into the logistical challenges of shooting in New York while maintaining family life, highlighting the personal sacrifices involved in high-profile projects.

---

Early Influences and Acting Aspirations

Adam reminisces about his early inspirations, particularly influenced by iconic films like Raiders of the Lost Ark. He shares a childhood encounter with Chris Elliott, which fueled his passion for acting and cemented his desire to pursue the craft.

“When I was seven, I saw a miniseries version of East of Eden in our town. I remember seeing that and just being blown away, like, holy.”
— Adam Scott [36:24]

Sean Hayes adds his own story of meeting a different Will Arnett through social media mishaps, illustrating the unpredictable nature of celebrity interactions.

---

Navigating the Entertainment Industry

The discussion shifts to navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry. Adam Scott talks about his initial struggles in Hollywood, doing background work, and the breakthrough moments that elevated his career, such as landing roles in Parks and Rec and Party Down.

“I remember getting some incoming phone calls from people like Mike and Poehler, and it was the first time I felt like I truly had something going.”
— Adam Scott [42:04]

---

Balancing Personal Life and Career

Adam addresses the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities. He discusses the difficulty of being away from Los Angeles for extended shoots in New York and the impact on his family life, while also highlighting the support and adaptability of his teenage children.

“It's really hard with family because I know you just finished something out there for Severance. It's like nine, ten months we're shooting that show and you're just gone.”
— Adam Scott [51:19]

---

Passion for Music and Creative Projects

The hosts explore Adam's passion for music, particularly his admiration for Billy Joel. Adam shares his involvement in a creative project for Adult Swim where he collaborated with Naomi Scott to recreate opening credit sequences for 80s TV shows, including a segment with Billy Joel.

“Naomi and I made this show for Adult Swim where we recreated opening credit sequences for TV shows from the 80s, shot for shot.”
— Adam Scott [54:16]

---

Closing Remarks and Reflections

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the engaging and dynamic conversation with Adam Scott. They acknowledge the impromptu and relaxed nature of the interview, which allowed for authentic and heartfelt exchanges. The episode concludes with expressions of mutual respect and appreciation among the hosts and guest.

“Adam, we love you. Thank you for being here, guys.”
— Will Arnett [57:17]

---

Notable Quotes

• “It feels good to have you in our world, socially and professionally.”
  — Jason Bateman [60:40]

• “Severance is a great show, and working with Dan Erickson and Ben Stiller has been incredible.”
  — Adam Scott [50:51]

• “You need people like Adam Scott to bring it back and keep the energy alive.”
  — Jason Bateman [60:33]

---

Conclusion

This episode of SmartLess with Adam Scott offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the life and career of a multifaceted actor and producer. From personal anecdotes and career milestones to discussions about balancing family life with a demanding career, Adam shares insights that resonate with anyone navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry. The hosts' playful banter and genuine admiration create an engaging and memorable conversation, making this episode a must-listen for fans of Adam Scott and the SmartLess podcast.

Transcript

[Will Arnett]

Autotrader has the largest selection of new cars. Used cars, electric cars, even flying cars. Okay, not flying cars, but as soon as those get invented, they'll be on Autotrader Snap. But they do have extensive search features and Kelley Blue Book. My Wallet, a tool that helps you know exactly how much you'll pay each month for your car. So whether you want something practical with no surprise costs, or the latest trends, if you see a car you like, find it on Autotrader. Lowe's knows that taking on more projects should be rewarding. That's why loyalty members get more every day with rewards for every home or business purchase. Plus shop weekly member deals and get access to free standard shipping. So what are you waiting for? Join for free Today, Lowe's we help you save loyalty programs subject to terms and conditions. Details@lowe's.com Terms subject to change. This message is brought to you by Apple Card. Apple Card is everything a credit card should be. It's easy to manage, built to be secure, and gives users up to 3% daily cash back on every purchase. The best part about Apple Card is that applying is quick and easy. Apply in the Wallet app on iPhone and see your credit limit offer in minutes. Subject to credit approval. Apple Card by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch Member FDIC terms and [e-mail].

[Jason Bateman]

So, listener, this is the portion of our show called the Cold open.

[Will Arnett]

And why isn't it called a hot open?

[Jason Bateman]

Well, because it originated back in the old country.

[Will Arnett]

Jesus.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. With refrigerator boxes. You used to.

[Sean Hayes]

Welcome to an all new smart list. Smart, smart, smart.

[Adam Scott]

Less.

[Will Arnett]

Do you guys sleep with the room blacked out or the shades open? That's my opening.

[Jason Bateman]

Oh, hang on, Will. Sean's got some material. Go ahead, Sean. What should we say?

[Sean Hayes]

What is it?

[Will Arnett]

I don't have.

[Jason Bateman]

No, I don't. Do you?

[Will Arnett]

No, I can't sleep with. I have to sleep with them open because. Still rolling.

[Jason Bateman]

Go back to one.

[Will Arnett]

I have to sleep with them open because I can't wake up when it's pitch black. It makes me really depressed.

[Sean Hayes]

Okay.

[Will Arnett]

I mean, I had a payday candy bar yesterday.

[Sean Hayes]

This is. Hang on a second.

[Jason Bateman]

This is his second bit. He didn't want to lead with this one because it's not as strong as the first one.

[Sean Hayes]

One subject at a time, Sean. And now, are you checking these off every time you hit one of these? Because I know you wrote these down.

[Will Arnett]

No, in the back of my head.

[Jason Bateman]

But truly, about the blackout thing, that is something that my wife really prefers. She Likes to have total blackout in the room when she goes to sleep. She says she can't sleep with. With. With light in the room. And I'm still trying to figure out how she's been able to sleep with her eyes open all these years.

[Will Arnett]

Wow.

[Jason Bateman]

Right? I mean, if your eyes are closed. No, if your eyes are closed, you don't need blackout curtains.

[Will Arnett]

That's what I'm saying.

[Jason Bateman]

Your eyes are closed, and your eyeballs roll up behind in the back of your head when you're sleeping, too.

[Will Arnett]

Right. But. But the thing is, I can't. But more than that, I don't want to wake up when it's like, I don't know what time it is then.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, exactly. It's real cokey to wake up in a blackout room.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah, I agree. I mean, we used to go to sleep as. As human beings when it got dark out, and we'd go to sleep appropriately at that time because there was no light. And then we'd wake up when it.

[Jason Bateman]

Got light, kind of peek your eyes. Is there light outside yet? No. Yeah, it's kind of nice. It is nice to look out the window and see that the day's out there.

[Will Arnett]

That's what I'm saying. Yeah. Yeah. It gets you going.

[Sean Hayes]

I'm an early. I'm a super early riser, as you guys know, and I like to go to bed early, too.

[Jason Bateman]

So how has that been when you've now moved over there to New York to do your film? Which, by the way, I was thinking the other day, I'm a real shitheel for not having reached out to you and asked you how things are going thus far. Cause you're right in the middle of prep. You're a couple of weeks out from shooting, filmed a little thing. Let me just ask you publicly, how is it going? How are you feeling? Are you excited? Are you nervous? Are you.

[Sean Hayes]

No, I'm. I'm really. Yeah, I'm really excited. It's been. It's been good. Prep has been excellent. It's been really, really good. And yeah, we're right in the thick of it right now. And can you tell us a couple.

[Will Arnett]

Of your credits be before this starts?

[Sean Hayes]

Of course.

[Jason Bateman]

And are you watching this? Are you producing it? Are you directing it? Are you.

[Sean Hayes]

Let me go back through. So some of my credits as self.

[Jason Bateman]

These are the talk shows.

[Sean Hayes]

Talk shows.

[Jason Bateman]

Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight appearances, formerly known.

[Sean Hayes]

As Jimmy Kimmel Live. And so those are their own. And then Jimmy Kimmel also separate. Got it.

[Will Arnett]

So this is.

[Jason Bateman]

So this is your big Debut any scripted stuff.

[Sean Hayes]

You know what you know, you know, I was looking at talk show appearances and I was recently and I was like, I think I've done like very. All the different iterations of Conan's show. I think a total of like close to 30 times. Same with Kimmel. I think I've done a lot Letterman like six times. I think, like, it's a lot of appearances on those shows.

[Will Arnett]

It's a lot of stories.

[Sean Hayes]

I'm loving being in New York, though, so much. It's been really. That part of it has been amazing too.

[Jason Bateman]

Has something prepared? Go ahead. Well, what's. What about New York that you're in?

[Sean Hayes]

And I'm just saying if, if you find yourself in midtown and you're looking for some men's fashion. Sorry.

[Jason Bateman]

You'Re thinking maybe New York might be a fit for you once again in your life to live a little bit more full time there?

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah. As you guys both know, I. I lived here full time for over 20 years and then moved out to LA and the kids were. The bigger kids were little and it just worked out that that was really convenient. And they like school out there and they still do. So my older kids are in high school in la.

[Jason Bateman]

Maybe when they're done, you can maybe. Yeah, I'm gonna do a little. God knows where they're gonna go.

[Sean Hayes]

I'm gonna split some time. Exactly. God knows where they're gonna go. And so I'm gonna start to split my time a little bit between the east coast in LA and the east.

[Jason Bateman]

Coast, start to feather it in. And then in a few years.

[Sean Hayes]

Or is it feather or like you say, braid it?

[Jason Bateman]

Braid it. Braid it. Yeah, yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

Go full, full time east coast and back here in New York. I really like it. And, you know, that's great.

[Will Arnett]

My guest today appears in pretty much everything good you've seen on the small or big screen in the last 20 years. No stranger to the podcast.

[Jason Bateman]

Let's try to sound sincere. Start from the top.

[Will Arnett]

I love this person. Okay. My guest today appears in pretty much everything good you've seen, period. No stranger to the podcast pace. Where did Will go?

[Jason Bateman]

He's tying his shoes or something.

[Will Arnett]

Oh, he's co hosted one about the band U2 as well as a separate one about R.E.M. his last name is also a first name and he once claimed he can't live without protein bars or a water flosser. Jason. Today he stars in one of the most anticipated second seasons of his show ever. Something I love. I loved him and everything, but this One I really love that show is called Severance. And his name.

[Jason Bateman]

Adam Scott.

[Will Arnett]

Brilliant, Adam Scott.

[Jason Bateman]

Hey, Adam.

[Adam Scott]

Oh, my God.

[Jason Bateman]

Goodness.

[Adam Scott]

Hi, guys.

[Jason Bateman]

This is very long overdue.

[Will Arnett]

I know. By the way.

[Jason Bateman]

Ridiculously long overdue.

[Adam Scott]

Can I just ask. Can I just ask, is it too late to jump in on that? Blackout curtains or black curtains?

[Jason Bateman]

No, no, no, please. We know you're a classic vampire. Let's hear it.

[Adam Scott]

No, I have no stance. I don't give a.

[Jason Bateman]

At all, really. Okay, what about Naomi?

[Will Arnett]

Good opener, good opener.

[Jason Bateman]

What does Naomi like? Her, sort of. Her, her. Her bedroom light.

[Sean Hayes]

By the way. Adam, you don't have to tell Jason what your wife prefers, okay? Just feel free to say fuck off. Okay.

[Adam Scott]

Jesus Christ.

[Jason Bateman]

Well, okay, just tell me what she sleeps in.

[Adam Scott]

No, I. Blackout curtains. In like a hotel. I can never wake up with the blackout curtains. But at home, you know, for some reason they don't really have the effect. And that was about as interesting as it got.

[Jason Bateman]

So. Wait, so you are using blackout curtains in your home?

[Adam Scott]

No, we do have. We do have blackout curtains, now that you mention it. Yes. But you know, I'm always up early, you know, Aren't you? You have kids, you're up early.

[Jason Bateman]

Blackout curtains. Amanda got up early this morning. Cause she went to a workout class with our eldest. Kind of a cute mother daughter thing. But anyway, so she's up early before I'm getting up. And I was reminded once again, she's a real heavy walker. She, she. She's. She doesn't roll the heel to the toe. It's almost like she's got no flexibility in her Achilles tendon. So she's just jamming the peg of the heel down Achilles and she, she pops the light switches. You know how you can turn on a light switch so it makes no sound?

[Adam Scott]

Oh, yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

She's never heard it. Just whack, whack. She'll brush her teeth and shake out all the supplements from the bottles and stuff from the bathroom. It's like, what is going on?

[Adam Scott]

It sounds like she wants you to wake up.

[Jason Bateman]

Exactly. How about a nice little reach over and just a gentle rocking would be nice.

[Sean Hayes]

Jb, it also sounds like you are intolerable as a person.

[Jason Bateman]

You're tough to live with.

[Sean Hayes]

It's. Fuck. Because all this time I thought Amanda was the problem. I agreed with you over the years. I agree that she talks a lot. She talks out of turn. She grabs everybody and whispers in their ear. She's always confiding in people.

[Adam Scott]

Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

And I was just like, all day, you know, What? She does that. She grabs me. She pulls you to the side.

[Adam Scott]

Totally.

[Will Arnett]

I love that.

[Jason Bateman]

Oh, Adams fell that. Falling down the hole himself.

[Sean Hayes]

But now I realize you're the problem. It's not her.

[Will Arnett]

She's an angel.

[Sean Hayes]

As you would say. A sweet angel.

[Jason Bateman]

Sweet baby angel. Yeah, no, I've got plenty of quirks. Yeah.

[Will Arnett]

Adam, welcome.

[Sean Hayes]

Welcome.

[Adam Scott]

Thank you. Thanks, guys.

[Jason Bateman]

Sorry I was late.

[Will Arnett]

No, by the way, the.

[Adam Scott]

You know, by the way all the. You guys were. There was a whole flurry of activity around you being, what, seven minutes late? It's actually impressive.

[Will Arnett]

No, it's just unusual.

[Jason Bateman]

If you're 60 seconds late to this thing, one of us will get after you. Yeah, Will and I have wrecked each other's days at least a half a dozen times where we're like.

[Sean Hayes]

We're like legit mad at each other and have to have a follow up phone call four hours later and make.

[Adam Scott]

Up because of like a four minute.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, there's like, there's. There's like 10 minutes of vibe throughout the. Throughout the story.

[Sean Hayes]

Oh, you're mad at me because I'm late? Well, you didn't want to check your.

[Jason Bateman]

Connection before the start of the record.

[Sean Hayes]

Wow.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah. Gets real.

[Jason Bateman]

You know how brothers kiss? Sure. You know how that happens. Anyway, sorry, wait, Adam, thank you for.

[Will Arnett]

Being here and I.

[Adam Scott]

For having me, guys.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah. And I'm glad you're my guest because I. As you know.

[Sean Hayes]

You know what, I'm glad you're his guest too, to a degree. But I saw the ads for. And I loved Severance. I haven't watched I love Severance season one. First of all, out of the gate, you're Severance one, Adam. Severance one. So good. Love it, love it, love it. And I saw an ad for season two. I don't know if it was on. Maybe it was online something. And I saw an ad and I thought, how have we not had Adam on the show?

[Will Arnett]

Look, here we are.

[Jason Bateman]

Here we are Sean's fault.

[Sean Hayes]

Sean, that was three days ago.

[Will Arnett]

I went through that thought process only three days ago.

[Adam Scott]

Sean finally booked me.

[Jason Bateman]

I know, Adam, we don't need to mention the product, but did I hear your voice on a campaign a couple of days ago on tv?

[Adam Scott]

Yeah, maybe.

[Jason Bateman]

Are you doing any voiceover work for a. For a financial.

[Sean Hayes]

You can mention. You can mention. What is it?

[Adam Scott]

Tax act.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, tax. Very pleasant voice, by the way.

[Adam Scott]

That's the. My first time delving into that kind of. And it is the best.

[Jason Bateman]

Yes. It's like morons could do it, isn't that right? Will? Will. Hey, Will.

[Sean Hayes]

Oh, well, my screen froze. Sorry.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, that's what happens when you're a robot. You glitch out every once in a while. Go ahead. Professional grade. You fucking.

[Sean Hayes]

I'm not going to give it away for free. Listen, my friends over at gmc, they make a product that's made here. This American made. And if you like a truck.

[Adam Scott]

Right. But you've been doing it, like, at home for like, you. You. You know. Well, you know exactly what you're doing here. Like, this is what you've been doing for a long time.

[Jason Bateman]

Oh, yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

Yes, that. That is true.

[Jason Bateman]

Ask him what his favorite microphone is and the best cans to wear.

[Sean Hayes]

I mean, look, do you want to see something? This is.

[Adam Scott]

Yeah. Do you have a different mic depending on.

[Jason Bateman]

Oh, look at that. This is in a beautiful quilted box.

[Will Arnett]

Nobody cares about your microphone in a box.

[Adam Scott]

A mahogany.

[Jason Bateman]

It's wrapped up like a precious dildo.

[Sean Hayes]

Are you. Are you kidding? This is. This is an old school microphone. It is the fucking Cadillac of microphones. This is a. Or it's a, you know, a Yukon XL Denali of microphones. It's the Neumann U87. This microphone is made in Germany. I do keep it in this box at all times.

[Adam Scott]

Germany. We all know Germany. That's where all the good mics come from.

[Sean Hayes]

It is true.

[Will Arnett]

Everybody knows that.

[Sean Hayes]

It is true.

[Will Arnett]

Nobody knows that.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah, Adam, Go ahead. Sean, if you wanted to ask. You, go ahead.

[Will Arnett]

I just wanted to say. I wanted to say one thing and then I wanted to ask you something, which was. And I'm sure you know this, but I was doing my play Goodnight Oscar in Chicago with Tramell Tillman.

[Adam Scott]

He had trouble.

[Will Arnett]

Yes. And Tramell.

[Sean Hayes]

This is a performance. Oh, Mr. Oscar come to life.

[Will Arnett]

I'm gonna do it in Italy next.

[Jason Bateman]

Sorry, Adam, this is a great show. We're gonna record in a couple of minutes.

[Will Arnett]

Anyway, so Tramiel comes to rehearsal and he's like, hey, y'all gotta check out my show, Severance on Apple. And I was like, oh, God, it's homework. I gotta watch another friend's show.

[Sean Hayes]

Right?

[Will Arnett]

And then so I go home and watch. I couldn't take my eyes off. I was like, this is the best. And then every night at the show, I was like, oh, my God. I'm in a show with the guy from Severance. Incredible.

[Adam Scott]

So good.

[Will Arnett]

He's Milchick for anybody who doesn't know. Which now his nickname is Milchek. Yeah. Which is great. But I want to just talk to you about Severance. And get that out of the way, because I love it. Because when Ben Stiller was on the show, he. I think I might get this wrong. But he said when he read the script, it was almost. He thought it was supposed to be a comedy or something. Is that right? Because there's comedy elements in it, but it's a tone like you've never seen before, which is so hard to achieve. Did you get that from reading it?

[Adam Scott]

Well, I think that he was sort of thinking a way into it would be like the workplace comedy that we've all sort of grown accustomed to as kind of its own genre. And he thought that could be a way in for audiences. Like, see these people working with their banter and all of that, except none of them know who they are or what they're doing. And sort of. That's sort of the way. And I think that's. And part of the reason he thought of me is because I've been in workplace comics.

[Sean Hayes]

Well, I was gonna say. So as we all know, you were on Parks and Rec for many years, which is.

[Will Arnett]

Thank you.

[Adam Scott]

Thanks. You're not applauding. That's fine.

[Jason Bateman]

I started it down here just under camera.

[Adam Scott]

I see.

[Sean Hayes]

Okay.

[Adam Scott]

Thank you.

[Sean Hayes]

Okay. Bellissima Brav is saving the parks and the Recreation. So. So. But it is funny.

[Adam Scott]

You know, I love that he's in the back of the theater.

[Sean Hayes]

Oh, yeah, yeah. But it also speaks to the size of the. Just the breadth of this theater that you're in.

[Adam Scott]

Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

But, yeah, you did a very, really great, very popular workplace comedy. And then you have to kind of shift gears. I mean, that one is a bunch of people who. They know who they are, but they don't really know what they're doing a lot of the time in Parks and Rec. And then you go to this other one, which. And what I loved about Severance early on was, first of all, is that you're. It's one of those shows where you're.

[Will Arnett]

You.

[Sean Hayes]

Not only do they not know what's going on, the characters, but you as an audience member, are trying to piece it together. You're like, what's happening?

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

For me, that scratches an itch. I love that because it keeps you hooked. You're like, right, what's happening?

[Adam Scott]

Yeah, I agree. That's part of what I loved about it, too. And just sort of the gradual. It was a constant, like, negotiation of, like, how much of the iceberg do we show? You know, from first of all, season one, how far are we going to go? And originally, the season was by the time season one ends, it was gonna be way further down the line, story wise, than what it ended up being. Oh, wow. So it's constantly that thing like, how much do we wanna show? How much do we want the audience to sort of follow the breadcrumbs and all that kind of stuff.

[Jason Bateman]

And you being the protagonist, sort of the central focus, you kind of hold our hand as the audience through this odd circumstance. And you've been the protagonist, you've been the antagonist. Do you like that? Do you like being the audience's proxy through something that is kind of difficult to manage?

[Adam Scott]

I do. And it's a completely different thing, as I'm sure you'd attest, Jason, because actually, early on I remember when I started doing Party down, which is before parts in it. Thank you very much. Yeah, let's hear them in the back.

[Sean Hayes]

They like to party down so much.

[Jason Bateman]

We've never done this bit before and this will be the last time. But we're just gonna go ahead and milk it till it's a stone. Okay?

[Adam Scott]

They like to party Town so much. We bought 32.

[Will Arnett]

We'll be right back. One of the hardest parts about B2B marketing is reaching the right audience. You put so much effort into a campaign only for it to get wasted on the wrong people. It's like reaching pro gamers instead of programmers. That's where LinkedIn ads come in. Fortunately, LinkedIn is a network of over 1 billion businessy people who might actually be interested in your business. You can even target your buyers by job title, industry, company role, seniority, skills or company revenue. So stop wasting budget on the wrong audience and start targeting the right professionals with LinkedIn ads. LinkedIn will even give you $100 credit on your next campaign. So you can try it yourself. Just go to LinkedIn.com smartless that's LinkedIn.com smartless Terms and conditions apply only on LinkedIn ads. Have you met AllModern? AllModern thinks making your space modern with fresh furniture and decor should be easy. That's why Allmodern's team of modern obsessed experts hand vets each design for quality. And not to mention they offer fast and free shipping. Yep, that means you can upgrade your home in days, not weeks. So whether you're updating your living room with a plush new sofa, setting up an al fresco dining area with a modern table and chairs, or designing a cozy fireside retreats, all Modern has everything for your modern outdoor escape all in one place. That's modern made for real life. Shop [e-mail] or visit them in store in Linfield and Dedham, Massachusetts, or in Austin, Texas. Hey guys, do you ever open up your underwear drawer and just go like, oh, you know what? That's the same underwear I've been wearing for a year. But you're too lazy to do something about it like I am until you have to. Until there's like holes and stuff in it. Well, switch up your underwear when you do with skims. Yeah, the much loved brand makes underwear for men now too. Try skims cotton 3 inch boxer brief. They're the perfect weight, the perfect classic cotton feel. And the design is nice and simple. Hitting the gym, wear the stretch 5 inch boxer brief. It gives you all the movement you need for working out. Don't think you're a briefs guy. The lightweight, sleek and super comfy skin stretch brief will change your mind. So I got the boxer brief in three different colors and they're great. They fit perfectly. And I like that it's snug. You know, I don't like loose, like underwear on me. So it's nice and snug. It's skims. It's the best. Shop skims men'[e-mail] and skims stores. Let them know we sent you. After you place your order, select podcast in the survey and select our shop in the drop down menu that follows. And now back to the show you're doing, Party down.

[Jason Bateman]

And you are a protagonist or an antagonist. Right.

[Adam Scott]

So we're doing a scene early in that show and we were just starting and up to that point I had had roles where, you know, where you're trying to, like, stuff everything into a couple of scenes. And so I was doing this scene where Lizzy Kaplan and I were meeting for the first time and talking. And I remember the director, Fred Savage took me aside after a couple takes and was just like, hey, man, you know, you've got all season. You can chill, pump it.

[Jason Bateman]

Just easy, bro.

[Adam Scott]

Yeah, like we've got all this time and you can, you know, you're gonna be kind of. The audience is gonna go through the story with you, so you can just, just pull back and just like he was essentially just saying, relax. Yeah, don't worry about it.

[Jason Bateman]

Did that crush your spirit? Was that, was that shaming?

[Adam Scott]

Well, no, it was actually. It was like the best advice I'd gotten. But also kind of looking back. Yeah, maybe I could in the moment probably question everything. But looking back, it's like the best piece of advice because, you know, he's 100. Right. And I'm sure he learned that lesson when he was, like, 9 years old or something. But it's true. You can just take your foot off the gas a little bit, otherwise it's going to be exhausting to watch.

[Sean Hayes]

Well, you. You have nowhere to go. All that kind of stuff, right? What? What? You know, it cursed me. As you say that, Adam, I'm like, what. What's the best. Can you guys. This goes to everybody. Remember a piece of direction, A simple note or something that's always stuck with you. That was a good one or a really bad one.

[Will Arnett]

I got a piece of. I got a piece of bad direction once from. Oh, gosh.

[Sean Hayes]

Don't say the name. But you.

[Will Arnett]

Okay, I won't say the name. But he said, what the fuck is wrong with you?

[Jason Bateman]

Whoa.

[Sean Hayes]

No, really?

[Jason Bateman]

I think you said that before. Yeah. And didn't he scream it, like, either across the set or from Video Village?

[Will Arnett]

No, he. Yeah, from Video Village.

[Adam Scott]

In front of 200 people and saying that and then expecting you to, like. Like, experiment and find.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, yeah, exactly.

[Adam Scott]

Jesus Christ.

[Will Arnett]

That was the direction also. But Jimmy Burrows once said. Jimmy Burrows. The great Jimmy Burrows. James. He said. I said, jimmy, is it funnier if I, like, say the line and slam the fridge? Or should I slam the fridge and then say the line? And his direction was, honey, I don't care.

[Sean Hayes]

That's pretty good. Jimmy Burroughs wants. Jimmy Burroughs wants. Not to me, but to somebody else. I was doing a scene with. And, you know, we're on one of those rehearsal days, and he's just got his podium on the roll on the wheels, and we go through a scene, and we're gonna move to the other scene sort of down the stage a little bit. And as he's walking away rolling his thing, he turns to this guy who's in this scene with me and goes, hey, clearer on the words. And the guy goes, which one, Jimmy? And he goes, all of them kept walking.

[Will Arnett]

He is funny.

[Sean Hayes]

So I fell to my knees laughing so hard.

[Adam Scott]

By the way, his book is incredible.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, it's really good.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah, it's so good.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah. He once just simply yelled to me, stop pushing.

[Will Arnett]

That's it.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, I was pushing too hard. Which reminds me of the actual. Actually, the most helpful note I ever got was very similar. Not to drop a name, but I was doing a movie of the week in, like, the early 90s on CBS with the great Katherine Hepburn, and I was doing a scene with her, and she.

[Sean Hayes]

What a talent she was. Our final.

[Jason Bateman]

She said. She said to Me. She stopped in the middle of the scene. I was supposed to be crying in the scene. It's just me and her. And she stopped in the middle of the scene. And I'm trying to squeeze these tears out. She goes, stop acting.

[Sean Hayes]

Wow.

[Jason Bateman]

And I. I said, like, forever. Should I just quit? No, no. In the scene. Yeah, just say it. Just say the words.

[Sean Hayes]

Forever.

[Adam Scott]

Like, forever.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah. This is like a career pivot. She was like, no, just say the words. And she was right. And then I just said the words. And I try to still do that every day.

[Will Arnett]

Love that.

[Adam Scott]

Yeah.

[Will Arnett]

Wait, so about your first two names. So is this right? Were you gonna be Adam. I can't even say it. Quartararo.

[Adam Scott]

Cordero.

[Will Arnett]

But first it was Cartararo.

[Adam Scott]

Well, my mom's maiden name was Corduraro. And so I. I was like, well, that's too long. I wanted to, because I'm part Sicilian. So I wanted to have, like, a Sicilian last name when I was in acting school to be more, you know, to sound like Al Pacino or Robert De Niro.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah, yeah, of course.

[Jason Bateman]

Something with an O would be preferable.

[Adam Scott]

Sure. Yeah.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

So you got the Cordero.

[Sean Hayes]

Nothing wrong with an Italian.

[Adam Scott]

Exactly. See, this guy knows what I'm talking about.

[Will Arnett]

Okay, so wait.

[Adam Scott]

So I shortened it to Cordero. And I remember being in the library at the acting school I was at and, like, writing Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Adam Cordero, and being like, oh, yeah, that looks right. That's cool. That's incredible.

[Jason Bateman]

And then what happened? It didn't clear. Somebody had it.

[Sean Hayes]

I don't.

[Adam Scott]

I don't. Yeah, that's right. And it was with a Q, too. Cordero.

[Jason Bateman]

Oh, I like that.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

And then you were like. You were like, hey, give me the name of all the Australian pro golfers.

[Adam Scott]

That's right. Let's see a list.

[Sean Hayes]

Adam Scott. That's the one.

[Will Arnett]

Wait, so wait, how did you come up with Scott? What is.

[Sean Hayes]

Is that.

[Adam Scott]

Oh, that's my actual name.

[Will Arnett]

Oh, it is? Oh, I thought. Oh, I thought that was the. The other one.

[Sean Hayes]

Oh, great research. Sean. That's Sean.

[Jason Bateman]

That was his dad's name.

[Will Arnett]

Okay, sure.

[Sean Hayes]

That's right.

[Will Arnett]

And so you. So when you were born, you just took your dad's name. Okay, got it.

[Adam Scott]

That's right.

[Sean Hayes]

Wait, Adam. We've never talked about Adam Scott, the. The pro Australian golfer. Has that been an issue at all or.

[Jason Bateman]

He's got a great.

[Sean Hayes]

Doesn't have a beautiful.

[Adam Scott]

He's incredible.

[Jason Bateman]

Right?

[Adam Scott]

I mean, I don't play Golf or follow golf. But I've certainly, like, yeah, of course. Come up obvious.

[Jason Bateman]

You could do a lot worse. Okay. To have it to.

[Sean Hayes]

Have you ever met. Have you ever met him?

[Adam Scott]

No, but we. I remember way, like 20 years ago, we did. We did an interview side by side.

[Jason Bateman]

And something you have got to.

[Adam Scott]

But you guys. He is like. You guys play golf and he's still like a great golfer, right?

[Sean Hayes]

He's very good.

[Adam Scott]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

He's very, very good. Well, I. I think it would be.

[Adam Scott]

Have you met him?

[Sean Hayes]

I've never met Adam.

[Jason Bateman]

Sounds like you'd like to.

[Sean Hayes]

Scott. I like him a lot. He's very handsome. He's very handsome.

[Jason Bateman]

Don't you DM him or something? Weirdo.

[Sean Hayes]

Like he's gonna answer me. But I will say this. Years ago, when I first got on that formerly known as Twitter, there was a guy who had my handle and by the name of Will Arnett. And it turned out he lived. He lived in the middle of the country, and he had my handle. Anyway, over the years, people would tag him, mistakenly thinking they were tagging me, whatever. And he and I ended up following each other and would talk to each other from time to time. Really cool, dude.

[Jason Bateman]

Okay.

[Sean Hayes]

Years later. I'm in. I'm in. You're with me so far.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. This is fun. Go ahead.

[Sean Hayes]

And I went anyway. I was in Vegas one time, and he's. And I ended up meeting up with him. We took a photo together, got taken up. It was fun. Meeting another Will Arnett. It's fun.

[Jason Bateman]

End of story.

[Sean Hayes]

End of story. Sure.

[Jason Bateman]

What a waste of time. Hang on. So. But honestly, you wish I had a.

[Adam Scott]

Story about meeting Adam Scott.

[Jason Bateman]

You arranged to meet one another and you took a photo together. Is that what happened?

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

Hang on, dude. You arranged to meet the guy that shares your name and handle on Twitter at some.

[Sean Hayes]

He reached out to. He said, hey, I see that you're in Vegas. I'm in Vegas. I'm also at Caesar's right now. I said, where are you? And he said. And then we went over and we're like, what's up? After years. Why not? That's not bizarre at all.

[Adam Scott]

How did he know that you were at Caesars?

[Sean Hayes]

Because I had. I had posted a photo inside the casino.

[Jason Bateman]

It's illegal. Go ahead.

[Sean Hayes]

What, do you work for the casino now?

[Jason Bateman]

I. Not anymore.

[Sean Hayes]

The gaming Commission. Like, what are you.

[Adam Scott]

So when you.

[Jason Bateman]

So.

[Sean Hayes]

And then.

[Jason Bateman]

Okay, so wait, so now you're. He sees you walking towards him. You don't know what he Looks like. And he goes, will. And you turn to him and your eyebrows go up high. And then. Was there a hug or a high five or both?

[Sean Hayes]

I don't remember.

[Jason Bateman]

Y'all. Bet you do. Fucking boring weirdo.

[Sean Hayes]

I don't recall.

[Adam Scott]

How long ago was this, Will?

[Sean Hayes]

This is like 10 years ago.

[Jason Bateman]

I'll bet you know the months.

[Sean Hayes]

Can you. Can you. 10 years ago. Can you imagine, first of all, A, Bateman leaving his house for any reason, but B, going out into the real world and doing anything with any other person that wasn't a means to an end that somehow satisfied his ego. Can you imagine if there was another.

[Jason Bateman]

Bateman, Jason, and he had, like, a script or something that sounded promising, I'd meet him.

[Adam Scott]

Promising sounding script?

[Sean Hayes]

What a script.

[Jason Bateman]

I've got a One act.

[Will Arnett]

There's a cop name Scott.

[Sean Hayes]

Gotta meet Adam Scott, the golfer. We're putting it out there at a casino, preferably.

[Adam Scott]

Oh, God. I gotta link up with him and take a photo. Sean. There's another Sean Hayes, too.

[Will Arnett]

There is a cop named Sean Hayes somewhere. All right, so wait, I wanted to know when you first started. First of all, you're the youngest, just like me, out of all your family. Right.

[Jason Bateman]

And have you ever done theater, Adam?

[Adam Scott]

I've got theater stories, guys.

[Sean Hayes]

Here we go.

[Will Arnett]

Good, good, good. No, but, Adam, I wanted to ask you, though, you're the youngest, like I am, and your parents got divorced like mine did. Sure. And when you're a kid and you can't vocalize, you know what you're going through, you internalize all of that stress and stuff, and then it comes out later as anxiety. And is that what happened to you, or did you learn how to. None. You were like, oh, I'm glad they're divorced. I have no anxiety.

[Adam Scott]

No, I'm sure it did. I don't. I mean, I think. You know, I think when I. I was so young, like five, I guess, when it happened.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, me too. Five years.

[Adam Scott]

Okay.

[Sean Hayes]

I mean, that's pretty young for it to be your fault, but it seems. Sorry.

[Will Arnett]

Keep going.

[Adam Scott]

It was clear that it was my fault. And as I know, it was your fault as well.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, sure. Yeah. I mean, that's why I'm here talking to you.

[Sean Hayes]

But you still. But you still have contact with your. With your dad, right?

[Adam Scott]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

Like your dad did. It just.

[Adam Scott]

He didn't drive off.

[Sean Hayes]

See you later. Right. He didn't drive off. And. And, like, the last thing you hear, like, go.

[Jason Bateman]

And. And. Mother. Mother still got both the eyeballs in her.

[Adam Scott]

Sean. I actually As a fan of the show, I really do want to know if you have. Do you have the eye like.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, my sister has it. My sister has it.

[Adam Scott]

Oh, your sister has it.

[Jason Bateman]

It's her turn. It's seasonal. Adam.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Adam Scott]

Have you ever posted a photo of it or anything like that?

[Will Arnett]

It's on the documentary. I brought it on stage to show these guys.

[Sean Hayes]

He brought it on stage? Yeah, it was. He graced us with it.

[Jason Bateman]

Incredibly distasteful.

[Adam Scott]

Yeah, I've seen that documentary and I, I don't remember that all after.

[Will Arnett]

Just to keep an eye out.

[Jason Bateman]

It's a loose use of the word.

[Will Arnett]

Keep an eye out for it. Okay.

[Sean Hayes]

Okay, we heard.

[Adam Scott]

Wow.

[Jason Bateman]

All right, Sean, so wait, question three.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

Cuz we've gone through. Are you. Are you. Are you emotionally scarred from your parents divorce?

[Adam Scott]

Yeah.

[Will Arnett]

Cuz I wanted to know that because I have.

[Sean Hayes]

What is it about your wife that drives you crazy?

[Jason Bateman]

And then your favorite of your two children, which one do you like the best? Take them in whatever order you want. And then we'd love that theater story.

[Sean Hayes]

Have you ever had an emotional affair with a co worker?

[Will Arnett]

Well, I. Facts through the questions, Adam. Didn't I? Didn't you get that? Facts. All right, so listen, you fell in love when you were a kid with acting because you saw the Raiders of the Lost Ark is what I read. And I love, I love that. Mine was ET but same era.

[Adam Scott]

Sure.

[Will Arnett]

And where, where did you.

[Sean Hayes]

I don't know where you grew up.

[Adam Scott]

Santa Cruz. Up in the Bay Area.

[Jason Bateman]

Right on.

[Adam Scott]

It's where they shot Lost Boys.

[Sean Hayes]

Oh, that's right. That's right.

[Adam Scott]

That's pretty much the end of that story.

[Sean Hayes]

J.P. did you.

[Adam Scott]

Did you ever shoot anything up. They used to shoot stuff in the 80s up in Santa Cruz.

[Jason Bateman]

I shot something in the back of my knee up there in a cave in Santa Cruz. My friend was going to UC Santa Cruz up there and boy it on real fast. No, no kidding. There is a cave though, up there called at Steamers Lane there in Santa Cruz. So you have a lot of fun.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah, he was up there with Leaf. Leif Garrett.

[Jason Bateman]

No, it wasn't with Leif on that trip, but. And there were no needles involved, but there might have been a, A, A, a stinky, skinny joint up there that was tough to stay lit.

[Adam Scott]

That sounds like Santa Cruz.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah. So the home of the slugs. Banana slugs.

[Adam Scott]

Yep.

[Will Arnett]

And when. When did you get that acting bug?

[Jason Bateman]

When you were me, or was that for the guest? Go ahead, Andy.

[Adam Scott]

Boy, I guess it probably was, you know, Seeing, just seeing movies when you're a kid and you're like, I want to, that's, you know, I want to do that. Like Temple of Doom and stuff.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

But what made it, what made it feel like within reach? Like everybody's got their own thing where they go, like, yeah, I'm gonna do it.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Adam Scott]

It kind of never did. And that's why, like, it was. I know it's like in California, but it may as well be like on the different country or something. Like, we were so far removed from like show business. It felt like going and being on TV or being in the movies felt like, I'm gonna go to the moon or something.

[Will Arnett]

It just felt.

[Adam Scott]

They came and shot east of Eden and Santa, like a miniseries version of east of Eden in our town. And I remember they like put dirt out on the streets to make them look like dirt road and had horses and horse drawn carriages and then the actors trailers. And I was like seven. And I remember seeing that and just being blown away, like, holy.

[Will Arnett]

And then you went to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. How old were you when you did that? 18. Was that high school or it was after high school.

[Adam Scott]

After high school.

[Will Arnett]

Okay. Okay.

[Jason Bateman]

And was that, where was that? Down in Los Angeles at that point?

[Adam Scott]

Yeah, in Pasadena at the time.

[Jason Bateman]

Okay.

[Will Arnett]

Oh, that.

[Jason Bateman]

All right. So then you. So then you made a deliberate move to come down and, and, and pursue it. Yeah. And did you drive? It was a classic, like, drive down there with a bunch of shit strapped to the roof. A bunch of.

[Adam Scott]

Strapped to the roof of my 68 Rambler. And boy, what a, what a hard career to start. Jesus Christ.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Adam Scott]

Just like coming in cold and not knowing a soul.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, Sean tried to do that. Everything blew off the roof, didn't it?

[Will Arnett]

Yeah. Me and my sister drove me home from college.

[Adam Scott]

Did that really happen?

[Will Arnett]

It really did happen. We were super stoned driving home.

[Jason Bateman]

Didn't want to take that as a sign and hook a uey.

[Will Arnett]

No, because we looked in the rearview mirror, we were singing songs. We both just smoked pot. This is. We were both 18. Whatever. Around 18, 19 and. Or no, out of college. 20, 21, 22.

[Sean Hayes]

And we just saw the statue of limitations here. One second. Yeah, smoke pot, you're probably fine.

[Will Arnett]

And in rear view mirror, we saw my clothes flying out. We're just like, do you want to turn back? And my sister's like, nah. I go, me neither.

[Jason Bateman]

No way.

[Will Arnett]

You kept clothes on the highway.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah.

[Will Arnett]

But anyway.

[Adam Scott]

Well, strapping stuff to the roof is like, not, you know, and when you're like 20, you're not going to do a good job strapping anything anywhere.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Will Arnett]

You don't realize the science and you're.

[Sean Hayes]

At that point, you're like, it, I can buy short shorts anywhere. I'll just get a bunch of different. Right? Like so, so you, you. But you move here and then, and then, or you move to, to Los Angeles and then you're like, you go to the American Academy and then you're done with that and it's like, okay, as you said, this is a tough way to start.

[Adam Scott]

You're like, all right, yeah, dude, where.

[Sean Hayes]

Do we go now?

[Jason Bateman]

Was it commercials first?

[Adam Scott]

It was background work first. I just moved from school, I moved to Hollywood and just started like going and trying to do whatever and didn't know anyone and we did a lot of background work and then got like a guest spot on something and then got a little agent and then just sort of, you know.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

We'll be right back.

[Will Arnett]

Guys. After the holiday is over. I love putting everything away. Don't you love that feeling of getting organized again because of all the clutter and the stuff in the box? Anyway, I love getting stuff put away. And after the holiday rush, it's time to show your home some love, right? Whether you're organizing, decluttering, or updating your style for the new year, Wayfair has everything you need at prices that fit your budget. Wayfair makes it easy to tackle your New Year's home goals with endless inspiration for every space and budget. Whether you need a light refresh or an organization overhaul, there's something for every style in every home, no matter your space or budget plan. Plus they offer free and easy delivery, even on the big stuff. They'll even help you set it up. So, you know, I was taking out the boxes and everything for Christmas and putting them in the garage and I noticed two chairs outside have been kind of like through it and the cushions were kind of bad. So I got two tufted dining seat chairs for outside and they're great. They're so comfortable. Give your home the refresh it needs with wayfair. Head to wayfair.com right now. That's W A Y-F A I R.com Wayfair Every style, every home, every morning is a new beginning, a chance for a strong start. And it starts at breakfast time. And I just started eating breakfast again. I'd stopped for so long and I started eating breakfast again. And I kind of like it from delicious, old fashioned and quick Oats to instant oatmeal that microwaves in 60 seconds. Quaker helps start your morning on a good note and as a good source of fiber.

[Sean Hayes]

Fiber.

[Will Arnett]

It's no surprise that Quaker oatmeal is the goat that's greatest oatmeal of all time. See what we did there? Try a delicious bowl of Quaker oatmeal today. Quaker bring out the good.

[Jason Bateman]

While Hilton is always expected to have top notch service, you'd be surprised at the unexpected places they're offering it now. They've partnered with Auto Camp, which offers insanely cool Airstreams in iconic outdoor destinations. Hilton also has an exclusive partnership with small luxury hotels of the world, providing Hilton Honors members access to over 300 luxury boutique hotels across the globe. And they've added romantic and refined nomad hotels and graduate hotels in your favorite college towns to their portfolio. Explore all the new ways to stay with those Hilton Honors points you've been [e-mail] Hilton for the stay.

[Will Arnett]

And back to the show.

[Jason Bateman]

What was the first thing where it was like, oh, this is going to give me a little bit of capital that I can maybe use for a couple of jobs. Like what was. Was the first kind of big thing.

[Adam Scott]

I mean, I think part of the del self delusion you need in order to, to survive. You think the, that every time you get anything you're like, oh, okay now. But it turned out that I didn't really have a career until like 15 years later.

[Jason Bateman]

And what was that? What was the thing that was like.

[Adam Scott]

It was like this period of time where it was like park stepbrothers, party down. Like this period of like three years where these things all happen.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah. Well, you were definitely a working actor that I was certainly well aware of before those three things happened. But you're saying those three things kind of put you in another category or maybe you weren't really auditioning anymore and people. You had some incoming calls.

[Adam Scott]

Yeah, a bit. It was just I remember when that started happening and I remember getting some incoming phone calls from like Mike and Poehler, like, hey, do you wanna maybe. And just being like, oh, this is what it's like to actually have something going. I thought when I did Murder One, I was on top of the world.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Adam Scott]

Thank you.

[Sean Hayes]

I didn't care for it.

[Will Arnett]

Adam, but I thought this was really cool when you were 14, like because Will was talking about at the top about like doing Conan so many times and Jimmy Kim and all those shows and you were obsessed with Letterman, which I loved. I was too, as A kid. And how did you, when you were 4, talk about that? When you were 14, you went to. How did you coerce your parents in letting you go to New York to go. You went to a taping or something?

[Adam Scott]

Well, we went to. We went to. We were on, like, a family trip, and I was just like, let's go to 30 Rock so I can get a letterman T shirt. And we were there. Didn't even think about doing the tour or anything. We were just at the gift shop shop, and my brother and I saw Chris Elliott walk by, and we were like, oh, holy sh. And we just chased him down and he stopped and talked to us for, like, 20 minutes. It was.

[Sean Hayes]

No way.

[Will Arnett]

That's cool.

[Sean Hayes]

That's Chris Elliott the great. Those Chris Elliott bits back from. From Letterman were unbelievable.

[Will Arnett]

So good.

[Jason Bateman]

And then what was the name of the. Of the old man that would always be on the show?

[Will Arnett]

Biff Henderson.

[Jason Bateman]

No, no, no, no, no.

[Adam Scott]

Oh, Larry Bud Melman.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

Whose real name was DeForest Kelly.

[Adam Scott]

No, no, no, that's a guy on Star Trek.

[Jason Bateman]

No, no, no, no. But you're, you're, you're, you're. You're right.

[Adam Scott]

Something. Yeah, I remember when we talked to. To Chris Elliott, he was talking to us for a while, and then he was like, I gotta go, but you guys should watch the show tonight. I'm gonna. I'm gonna try something new out. And it was the first night. Night he did his. Remember he did Marlon, this really weird Marlon Brando impression.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. That was Calvert DeForest.

[Sean Hayes]

Calvert.

[Jason Bateman]

DeForest.

[Sean Hayes]

Calvert DeForest.

[Will Arnett]

So, but what was that like? Because, you know, I think all of us, when you're. When you're like. Jason always talked about the first time he did the Tonight show with Johnny Carson, how, like that, you're like, oh, God, I'm on that thing that all the other famous people are on. So I must be in that. Right? So how, having been obsessed with Letterman when you were growing up, I assume you were on. Yeah, many times.

[Adam Scott]

Yes. I did it twice before he finished. Yeah, I mean, that was. Doing Letterman, as I'm sure it was for you guys, too, was a major, like, life moment. The first time I did.

[Sean Hayes]

That's it. That was it.

[Jason Bateman]

Petrifying. Petrifying.

[Adam Scott]

Everything. I had my brother come out, and so he was in the audience, and I mean, you know, it's just the best. And he. He was so cool and hilarious, and I just couldn't believe it. I'm sure I was nervous and Terrible. But it was really something.

[Will Arnett]

Wait, so why was your nickname Spanky?

[Jason Bateman]

Here we go.

[Will Arnett]

Wasn't your nickname Spanky when you were a kid?

[Adam Scott]

Well, it was when I was in little league. I had. They called me. I was a heavier kid for a few years and I was on the baseball team, and so the kids called me Spanky. Cause this kid.

[Sean Hayes]

Oh, from Rascals.

[Adam Scott]

Little Rascals. The heavy kid on Little Rascals.

[Will Arnett]

You know what? I had the opposite problem. Because I grew up like so skinny I could not gain weight. I would drink milkshakes and go work out with my brother and eat burgers and I couldn't gain weight. I just sure made up for it.

[Jason Bateman]

I fixed it. Sorry.

[Will Arnett]

Didn't credit to that one in first.

[Adam Scott]

You sure did.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, but. But it's so funny because people, you know, make fun of fat kids all the time when you're in school. All the other kids are mean, but like I. When I was a kid, people used to make fun of me for being so skinny. People were like, well, you know, sucks.

[Jason Bateman]

It was just skinny. Shame how.

[Sean Hayes]

What would you give to have people make fun of you for being skinny?

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, yeah, exactly.

[Adam Scott]

100%.

[Will Arnett]

And then you play.

[Adam Scott]

But the thing is, is back then the kids were all calling me Spanking. But then eventually the coach started calling me Spanky as well, which was.

[Will Arnett]

Oh, that's good. Yeah, that's good. Wait, so then you marry. So your wife Naomi for my sister Tracy. Naomi. SAP. Did you say Sablan or SAP? Sablan, right.

[Adam Scott]

It's Scott, but yeah.

[Will Arnett]

Her maid name was Sablan when you met her. That was her name. And she's a producer. And how did you meet her? On a show?

[Adam Scott]

We met. No, we met at a bar at the the Cat and the Fiddle on. Remember that place?

[Will Arnett]

Used to go all the time.

[Adam Scott]

The outside so you could smoke?

[Will Arnett]

Yes, I used to go all the time.

[Adam Scott]

Best. Yeah, we met there in like 1998.

[Will Arnett]

It's crazy. I was there. I. We probably ran into each other and didn't know it.

[Adam Scott]

I would go there all the time. Same like that and the Dragonfly. Do you remember going there?

[Jason Bateman]

Oh, yeah, I would.

[Will Arnett]

I would go.

[Adam Scott]

That's. Isn't that when you had a candle on your dashboard?

[Jason Bateman]

Oh, yeah. That's why I don't go out anymore. You know, these guys make fun of me, but I fixed my ways.

[Will Arnett]

But Adam, I used to go to Cat and Fiddle all the time with Julie Bowen. And that's when we make out and stuff anyway. And then. But You. So it was Julie Bowen, everybody.

[Sean Hayes]

Julie Bowen. Julie Bowen.

[Will Arnett]

She's the best. I love her. You used to have family karaoke nights and you love Billy Joel. I love Billy Joel. Just did a documentary, it's coming out on HBO about him.

[Adam Scott]

Oh, you did?

[Jason Bateman]

Really?

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, produced it in my company.

[Adam Scott]

Oh, amazing. Amazing.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

Well, hang on a second.

[Sean Hayes]

You're.

[Adam Scott]

Yeah, Billy Joel.

[Will Arnett]

You're. You're a huge Billy.

[Sean Hayes]

He's the piano man.

[Adam Scott]

Sorry.

[Will Arnett]

So stupid.

[Sean Hayes]

Just crushing this to death.

[Will Arnett]

Wait, do you. Are you a singer?

[Adam Scott]

No, I can't sing at all.

[Will Arnett]

Oh, so you just kind of do it?

[Adam Scott]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

Where are you right now? What.

[Sean Hayes]

What.

[Jason Bateman]

What room are we enjoying?

[Adam Scott]

This is over on Radford.

[Sean Hayes]

It is on Redford.

[Adam Scott]

Did you just say Radford?

[Sean Hayes]

I did.

[Adam Scott]

How did you know that?

[Sean Hayes]

I don't know. There was something about the bleakness of it that looked like.

[Will Arnett]

Bradford, are you still doing the show Severance? I thought it was.

[Adam Scott]

No, this is Naomi and I have a company that we have in our office here.

[Will Arnett]

Oh, that's great.

[Sean Hayes]

That's fucking crazy that I insane that.

[Adam Scott]

You just said Radford.

[Jason Bateman]

They're about to redo that whole studio. Have you been consulted about that?

[Adam Scott]

No, they haven't asked me anything about that and now I'm pretty pissed.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, no, they're gonna redo the whole thing.

[Adam Scott]

Blueprints over and go through it with me.

[Will Arnett]

Wait, what do you. What's your. What are you excited about that's coming out of your company?

[Adam Scott]

Well, we're developing a bunch of stuff right now.

[Jason Bateman]

Do you like that kind of work? Like working with writers and taking a script and.

[Adam Scott]

I do.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah.

[Adam Scott]

I. I know you do too. I'm sure. I know all of you guys do. Yes, I do. I mean, I think, like. And I don't know if it's the same for you guys, but after acting for so long, it's nice to use all the hours of your day, you know, because, you know, the. The You. You. After a certain number of years, you realize that. That acting can take up this much and. But if you're, you know, producing or whatever, you can sort of stay busy. All of it. Yeah. And sort of keep your eye on the whole. The thing as a whole, instead of just your little part of it that you can't really control all that much.

[Jason Bateman]

Are they listening to you at all over there on Severance? Let's get you in trouble here.

[Adam Scott]

Let's do it.

[Jason Bateman]

When you have thoughts and ideas over there at Severance. Fun to get there and get involved.

[Adam Scott]

Yeah, for sure. Dan Erickson, who created it, and Ben. And Dan Erickson and Ben still are. Yeah, it's a great group of people. We have, we have great time.

[Jason Bateman]

And where are you in that process? You got, you're, you're out here in la. You're obviously not shooting. You are waiting to hear about a third season or, or plans to start it.

[Will Arnett]

Well, they're not going to not make a third season, right?

[Adam Scott]

Yeah, we're hopeful that we'll be able to make a third season.

[Jason Bateman]

When would you start doing that? If they do, hopefully really soon.

[Adam Scott]

So it's not, you know, this last, last break was three years, a three year wait between seasons. So hopefully it'll be a lot shorter than that.

[Jason Bateman]

And that's in New. That's in New York, right?

[Adam Scott]

New York, yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

And how does that work with.

[Adam Scott]

Family?

[Jason Bateman]

Do. Yeah, do you. I mean, it's a, it's a, it's sometimes it's an annoying thing to hear about us complain about, but it is a real thing. You know, it's not easy to manage working away from Los Angeles where a lot of the work happens.

[Adam Scott]

It is, it's really, it's really hard with family because I know you just finished something out there for severance. It's like nine, ten months we're shooting that show and.

[Sean Hayes]

Wow.

[Adam Scott]

So it's just like a, you know, you're just gone. And I know you try, I try and fly back as much as possible, but I don't end up with much time off and. But the kids. The good thing is teenagers, they plow out on their own if they want to and they, they love going to New York. You know, you figure it out. But it's, it is, it's, it's a drag.

[Jason Bateman]

Yeah, it's hard.

[Will Arnett]

Go back to, you know, I didn't know all this music. I didn't know you love music as much as I do or probably will. Does Jason.

[Jason Bateman]

What do you mean? Like, like, like, like Jason doesn't know.

[Sean Hayes]

Jason doesn't know what he is.

[Adam Scott]

Doesn't care for music.

[Sean Hayes]

No, he doesn't get it.

[Jason Bateman]

I like sounds.

[Sean Hayes]

But you didn't just go, somebody tell me what's cool.

[Will Arnett]

You did a whole podcast about U2, which I didn't know, and REM and did you meet Bono or U2 or anything?

[Sean Hayes]

Is that true?

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, it was in the intro.

[Adam Scott]

Yeah, we did Scott Aukerman and I.

[Jason Bateman]

Don'T get pissed off, Sean.

[Adam Scott]

Scott Aukerman.

[Jason Bateman]

It was in my fucking written intro.

[Adam Scott]

We started a podcast about U2 just sort of as a. Just like, sort of as a joke, because you two kind of felt like a fun, funny, funny subject matter. Just because they're so sort of mainstream, we go and analyze them. We weren't sure what it was going to be, but we just started going album by album through U2's catalog. Both of us growing up with them and being fans and stuff. But then. And it's so stupid. It's ridiculous bits and stuff, but. But super fun. But then eventually. And it was not our intention at all when we started it, eventually we did have the band on a couple of times.

[Sean Hayes]

That's amazing.

[Will Arnett]

Which was.

[Adam Scott]

Yeah, super.

[Jason Bateman]

Did you. Did you see them perform at the Sphere?

[Will Arnett]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jason Bateman]

Wasn't that incredible? That venue is just stunning.

[Adam Scott]

Yeah, I went opening night, I think, like the very first. Yeah, it was wild.

[Will Arnett]

First of all, thank you for being here today. Yeah. Well, by the way, if you have a theater story, I love a good theater story. You can tell me now.

[Jason Bateman]

We can end strong, right?

[Adam Scott]

I actually don't.

[Will Arnett]

All right.

[Jason Bateman]

Okay, next question. I do, so finish strong. Sean, come on, do this.

[Will Arnett]

I want to talk about Billy Joel and why you love him so much. Because I love him so much. And I think you met Paul Rudd and you got to meet Billy Joel and you and Paul met him at the same time or some sort of.

[Adam Scott]

I did this thing. Naomi and I made this show for Adult Swim where we recreated opening credit sequences for. For TV shows from the 80s, shot for shot, made these opening credit sequences. So we did Bosom Buddies with Rudd and I as those guys.

[Will Arnett]

Funny.

[Adam Scott]

And it was a Billy Joel song, obviously, was the theme song. And so as part of the, like, fake documentary about the making of this thing, we got Billy Joel to join us. Play the song for us. He was great. He was really, really funny and great.

[Will Arnett]

That's cool. Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

Sean, I didn't know that you liked Billy Joel so much.

[Will Arnett]

I love Billy Joel. I know. I play his music, I sing his songs. My go to is honesty. I love that song.

[Adam Scott]

Oh, it's a great song. Did you see him at the.

[Sean Hayes]

Oh, the song. Yeah. Because I was about to say, but bullshit on that. But okay.

[Will Arnett]

No, I couldn't make it out for Madison Square Garden, but I really wanted to. But I've seen him in concert many, many times.

[Adam Scott]

Yeah, it's great.

[Jason Bateman]

Another guy with two. Two first names.

[Sean Hayes]

Y. That's right.

[Will Arnett]

Billy Joel at that. Adam Cordero.

[Adam Scott]

Adam Cordero, that's me.

[Sean Hayes]

Adam Scott. Listen, I wanted to ask you, but we Don't. We ran out of time. We're saying goodbye. But. But, yeah, you must get stopped. People must stop you all the time because of. Of stuff you do. But step brothers, people must go, yeah, yeah. Crazy on you. Right?

[Adam Scott]

Yeah. It's still like, that was, you know, a while ago and.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah, I know, but it was so popular.

[Adam Scott]

Love that movie. And I. I love it, too. I'm sure I would feel that way if I wasn't.

[Jason Bateman]

I love turning it on anytime I see it. Anytime I see it on tv, I watch it.

[Sean Hayes]

It's so good. You're so good.

[Jason Bateman]

You've never sucked. Everything you do. You're great in. So I would imagine a lot of people, you've been a part of a lot of really great things that are very cool in the comedy world. And it's something you should. I'm sure you do, really are proud of. You should.

[Adam Scott]

Well, likewise. And you know, the part of that. When I was talking earlier about that kind of. Of figuring it out when we started Party down, the other part of that that I was gonna get to was when I was telling someone about the show. I forget who it was. I was like, yeah, it's this catering team, and I'm kind of at the center of it, and I'm not sure what to do. And they're like, oh, you're at the center of it. Like Bateman UN Arrested Development.

[Jason Bateman]

Right. With just the craziness circling around him.

[Adam Scott]

Yes. And that was so key to kind of. Of figuring it out is watch. You know, I was watching the show anyway, but really thinking about it from that perspective is like, how.

[Sean Hayes]

How.

[Jason Bateman]

How can I be a robot?

[Sean Hayes]

How could you be. How could you be as sort of charmless and emotional? How could you suck all the charisma? Yeah, charisma list and just be a blank. Mayonnaise on mayonnaise on egg.

[Adam Scott]

Thank you, Will.

[Sean Hayes]

Well, what an inspiration.

[Jason Bateman]

Happy to provide some sort of guidance.

[Will Arnett]

Adam, we love you. Thank you for being here, guys.

[Adam Scott]

Thank you for having me. Such a fan.

[Jason Bateman]

Really cool, Adam. Love you, Adam.

[Adam Scott]

Love you.

[Sean Hayes]

Please pass on our regards to Naomi.

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Adam Scott]

Thank you.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah.

[Adam Scott]

Thank you.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah. Thanks for doing this.

[Adam Scott]

Please tell. Tell Abel and Archie. I doubt they remember me, but please tell them hello.

[Jason Bateman]

They're like, I saw Abel yesterday.

[Adam Scott]

Full teenagers.

[Sean Hayes]

Now they are full teenagers. I will. J. Abe texted me from school. That's how I knew JB and he's like, I just ran into Jason and he grabbed my ear. And I was like, yeah, that sounds about right. And, you know, they are such Big fans. I can say this. They're such big fans of yours and of Parks and Recce, even though it's their mom's show. During the pandemic, we watched. Abe and I watched all these episodes, like, most of Parks and Rec. Again. Watched it all the way through. And then I would say to Amy, like, hey, that episode was really good.

[Will Arnett]

Right?

[Jason Bateman]

Super high. Like that.

[Sean Hayes]

Yeah.

[Adam Scott]

Like, eight years later, my kids have yet to see Parks and Rec. They're just. They don't care.

[Jason Bateman]

I mean, do they? I don't know.

[Adam Scott]

Don't care.

[Jason Bateman]

Your kids are like mine. They don't watch anything that we do.

[Adam Scott]

Nothing.

[Sean Hayes]

They haven't watched the rest of the development. My kids. And Abe loves comedy.

[Adam Scott]

Neither is Sean. Right.

[Sean Hayes]

You know, Sean's never watched it, and.

[Jason Bateman]

He is one of our children. So wait, Abe and Archie have not watched the rest? Arrested.

[Sean Hayes]

No. And their friends have, and they're like, I love it. A lot of my friends love BoJack Horseman.

[Jason Bateman]

We're gonna strap these kids down. 1.

[Adam Scott]

God, they should watch Arrested, and they should. Arrested Development, and they should watch BoJack Horseman.

[Sean Hayes]

That would be so.

[Jason Bateman]

And Parks and Rec. We're gonna strap them down.

[Sean Hayes]

They've watched Parks and Rec. Amy kind of guilted them into it, though, right? If I'm being honest.

[Adam Scott]

If I'm being totally honest, that sounds.

[Sean Hayes]

In a way that only Polar can, you know? Okay, fine. Don't worry. Watch it. You know, your choice, Adam. Thank you, dude.

[Adam Scott]

Guys, thank you.

[Jason Bateman]

Love you, buddy.

[Adam Scott]

Great to see you. Love you, too.

[Sean Hayes]

Bye. Bye.

[Will Arnett]

Bye.

[Adam Scott]

Take it easy.

[Jason Bateman]

Now. That feels like we kind of deprived the audience of a really good interview because it just felt like we were just sitting on the couch. He's over here at one of our homes like he always is, and. And I feel like we were undisciplined. I was. And just a bunch of not really ask questions.

[Will Arnett]

That's. You know What? No, it's like the Katherine Han episode, you know, where we. A good friend comes on and we.

[Jason Bateman]

Just kind of chit. Yeah. We apologize, listener. We're just children.

[Sean Hayes]

Adam likes to around and do bits and joke around, and. So why not?

[Will Arnett]

Yeah.

[Sean Hayes]

I mean, it must have been like that on Will and Grace.

[Will Arnett]

Oh, I love this.

[Sean Hayes]

Everybody. Everybody's gay.

[Jason Bateman]

I find it feel good about my sexuality.

[Sean Hayes]

I feel safe to come out. Please let me out.

[Jason Bateman]

Can I see closer to the stage now?

[Sean Hayes]

I mean, I'm in here.

[Jason Bateman]

I don't hear anything from Becky.

[Will Arnett]

That is so, so dumb. It's so great.

[Jason Bateman]

Hey, but listen, at the end of the day. At the end of the day, you need people like Adam Scott for you.

[Sean Hayes]

To bring it back. Look at you. What a response.

[Jason Bateman]

I'm trying to talk slowly here as I try to think up a buy.

[Will Arnett]

No, I got one.

[Jason Bateman]

So by having. Okay, by having Adam in our world. World, socially, professionally. What? Sean?

[Will Arnett]

Wonderful. It's wonderful. It's like. What are your Italian? Well, your Italian friend would say ciao, but we would say instead, we would.

[Jason Bateman]

Say.

[Sean Hayes]

Smart Less Smart Lesson Smartless is 100% organic and artisanally handcrafted by Rob Armjarv, Bennett Barbico and Michael Grand Terri Smart Less.

[Jason Bateman]

Hey, friends. Jason here. We're so excited that Smartless has officially joined the Sirius XM family. We can't wait to announce new surprise guests who we know that you'll love. If you want to be the first to hear new episodes ad free and whole week early, subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts plus on Apple Podcasts or visit siriusxm.com podcastsplus to start your free trial today.

[Will Arnett]

With Cars.com's massive inventory, you get to shop over 2 million new and used cars for over 2 million possibilities. Seriously, if you can't find the right car for you with Cars.com, it's you, not them. Because Cars.com adds up to 50,000 cars to their inventory daily. Wherever life takes you next and whoever you're looking to be, there's a car for that on cars.com visit cars.com and start exploring your next possibility today.

[E]

Are your ulcerative colitis symptoms proving difficult to manage? Tremphya Guselkumab can help you manage the cycle of UC symptoms. At one year, many patients taking Tremphya achieved clinical remission and some patients also achieved endoscopic remission. Individual results may vary. Tremphya is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Serious allergic reactions and increased risk risk of infections may occur before treatment. Your doctor should check you for infections and tb. Tell your doctor if you have an infection, flu like symptoms or if you need a vaccine. Ask your doctor if Tremphaya can help you manage the cycle of UC symptoms. Call 1-800-526-7736 to learn more or visit tremphyaradio.com.