Podcast Summary: The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast – Episode: Movie Awards
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Guests: Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone (The Lonely Island)
Host: Seth Meyers
1. Introduction and Season Premiere Promotion ([00:00] – [02:17])
The episode kicks off with The Lonely Island trio—Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone—enthusiastically promoting the upcoming season two premiere of Digman's, set to air on July 23rd. Andy urges listeners not to "house out" and encourages feedback on the season's jokes:
Andy Samberg ([00:21]): "Yeah. Don't house out."
Seth Meyers joins the conversation, playfully teasing Jorma about feedback regarding his (Jorma’s) portrayal as a villain in previous pods, highlighting the trio's dynamic and camaraderie:
Seth Meyers ([01:08]): "He’s the villain."
2. Feedback and Audience Reception ([02:17] – [04:58])
The discussion shifts to audience feedback, with Seth noting mixed reactions to Jorma’s character, while Andy and Akiva defend the creative choices:
Akiva Schaffer ([02:16]): "That's what makes the joke so funn."
Andy also shares exciting news about attending the first-ever Culturistas Awards, adding a personal touch to the conversation:
Andy Samberg ([02:42]): "I attended the first ever Culturistas Awards."
3. reminiscing the 2009 MTV Movie Awards Promos ([04:58] – [34:32])
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to reminiscing about the 2009 MTV Movie Awards promos, where The Lonely Island created a series of comedic digital shorts. The trio delves into the creative process, the challenges faced, and the impact these promos had on their careers and the broader digital landscape.
a. Creative Process and Writing Staff ([06:13] – [34:32])
Akiva provides insights into the intense two to three-week period leading up to the airing of the Movie Awards, highlighting the collaborative effort with their writing team:
Akiva Schaffer ([33:59]): "Jason Carley did [direct] them."
Seth emphasizes the quality and production value of the promos, comparing their budget favorably to multiple SNL digital shorts:
Seth Meyers ([06:25]): "Watching those promos, they probably each one of them cost like what five digital shorts cost."
Jorma fondly recalls favorite promos, such as “Best Fight” featuring a relatable couple’s argument, showcasing their signature blend of absurdity and heartfelt humor:
Jorma Taccone ([07:18]): "Just like that kind of fight. Best Fight."
b. Impact and Legacy ([34:32] – [43:58])
The conversation highlights how these promos not only entertained but also contributed to the early days of YouTube content, potentially aiding its growth as a platform. The team reflects on how their work influenced the comedy landscape:
Andy Samberg ([34:22]): "And then it lives on as a thing we make."
c. Anecdotes and Voice Notes ([43:58] – [66:34])
The episode features several voice notes from collaborators like Jason Carley and Scott Aukerman, who share behind-the-scenes memories of crafting the Movie Awards promos. These anecdotes provide a deeper understanding of the creative synergy and the meticulous attention to detail that went into each short.
Jason Carley reminisces about pitching and writing the intros:
Jason Carley ([23:11]): "We really took great pains to write the worst intros possible."
Scott Aukerman discusses the collaborative environment and the efforts to inject humor into the host's interactions:
Scott Aukerman ([38:41]): "We really took great pains to write the worst intros possible."
4. Hosting the MTV Movie Awards ([34:32] – [70:04])
The trio discusses their experiences hosting the awards, touching upon the pressures, creative decisions, and memorable moments. They share insights into balancing creative control with collaborative directing, especially under tight deadlines following the SNL finale.
Andy Samberg ([35:37]): "There's no hard part."
They reflect on specific segments, such as the exaggerated explosions and humorous takes on popular movie tropes, illustrating their knack for blending satire with homage.
Notable Moments:
-
Best Kiss Promo: A playful take on gymnastics movies, highlighting Andy’s confusion and comedic timing:
Andy Samberg ([10:03]): "You have no memory, Andy, huh?"
-
Best Male Performance in "The One Who Dared to Leave": A parody set in a concentration camp, satirizing intense drama with absurd humor:
Andy Samberg ([15:35]): "Yes."
5. Legacy and Continued Influence ([66:34] – [76:39])
As the episode nears conclusion, The Lonely Island members discuss their ongoing projects, recent movie experiences, and share personal anecdotes outside of the Movie Awards context. They touch upon the enduring popularity of their digital shorts, the evolution of their comedic style, and their influence on contemporary comedy.
Closing Remarks ([76:34] – End):
The podcast wraps up with light-hearted banter, life updates, and humorous exchanges, maintaining the engaging and personable tone that characterizes The Lonely Island’s interactions with Seth Meyers.
Conclusion
In this episode of The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast, listeners are treated to an in-depth exploration of the creation and legacy of the 2009 MTV Movie Awards promos. Through engaging stories, guest voice notes, and reflective discussions, Andy, Akiva, and Jorma offer valuable insights into their creative process, the challenges of live television, and the lasting impact of their work on digital media and comedy.
Notable Quotes:
- Andy Samberg ([15:35]): "Yes."
- Jorma Taccone ([07:18]): "Just like that kind of fight. Best Fight."
- Seth Meyers ([06:25]): "Watching those promos, they probably each one of them cost like what five digital shorts cost."
- Akiva Schaffer ([33:59]): "Jason Carley did [direct] them."
- Scott Aukerman ([38:41]): "We really took great pains to write the worst intros possible."
For listeners unfamiliar with the podcast, this episode provides a comprehensive look into The Lonely Island’s creative endeavors during their tenure on Saturday Night Live, especially focusing on their innovative digital shorts for the MTV Movie Awards. The engaging conversations, coupled with behind-the-scenes anecdotes, make it an insightful listen for fans and newcomers alike.