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
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“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.