Podcast Summary: The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast – The Zac Efron Episode
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Host/Authors: The Lonely Island (Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone) & Seth Meyers
Description: In this episode, Seth Meyers joins The Lonely Island to reminisce about their time on Saturday Night Live (SNL), focusing on their iconic Digital Shorts. They delve into the creation, reception, and lasting impact of these shorts, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and personal anecdotes, including encounters with celebrities like Zac Efron. The conversation weaves through their creative processes, favorite moments from SNL, and the enduring legacy of their collaborative work.
1. Recollections of SNL and Digital Shorts (00:01 – 01:24)
The episode opens with casual banter among Seth Meyers and The Lonely Island members, reminiscing about their SNL days. They discuss the nostalgic charm of standees (cardboard cutouts) in movie theaters, highlighting how such tangible memorabilia contrasts with the digital age's ephemeral content.
Notable Quote:
Seth Meyers (00:35): “I really like, in this era of streaming and AI and all the sort of things that are upsetting media as we know it, there's still a big old cardboard cutout in a movie theater. That's pretty exciting.”
2. Trailer Release and Studio Excitement (01:24 – 04:27)
The conversation shifts to the excitement surrounding a new trailer that has garnered significant attention from Seth’s writing staff and fans alike. They express enthusiasm about upcoming projects and tease guest appearances, notably Pamela Anderson, discussing her career reinvention and her appearance on Seth’s show.
Notable Quote:
Akiva Schaffer (02:35): “She was well into that, but had not yet kind of done this style of acting...”
3. Studio Culture and Inside Jokes (04:27 – 06:00)
The group delves into the humorous aspects of their studio environment, sharing stories about quirky signs like “the butt” sign above their studio door. They draw parallels to the “Believe” sign from Ted Lasso, emphasizing their playful approach to workspace decor and how these elements foster a creative atmosphere.
Notable Quote:
Seth Meyers (06:24): “It's still up in our office. It says the butt above the door to the studio.”
4. Promotion and Discussion of 'Digman' Animated Series (06:00 – 10:00)
Discussion turns to their animated series, Digman, now in its second season. They talk about the challenges of animation production, especially post-writer strikes, and the strategies Comedy Central employs for airing episodes. They humorously speculate on internal decisions at Paramount and tease potential content constraints related to political humor.
Notable Quote:
Akiva Schaffer (09:49): “I think that's fine.”
5. Beastie Boys Tribute and Influence (10:00 – 19:00)
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to celebrating the Beastie Boys. The group shares their favorite songs, reminisces about attending performances, and discusses how the band’s energetic style influenced their own work. They recount memorable moments like witnessing live performances and integrating Beastie Boys elements into their sketches.
Notable Quotes:
Seth Meyers (11:28): “Real easy British crime. Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Tom Hardy.”
Andy Samberg (17:34): “I wouldn't even call it a cartoon, guys. I would call it an animated series. That's how respectful I feel about it.”
6. Unaired Sketch: 'Balcony Songs' (19:00 – 36:00)
The hosts delve into an unaired sketch titled “Balcony Songs,” sharing their disappointment over its exclusion from airing. They dissect the sketch’s concept—a romantic song set across multiple balconies—and critique its pacing and execution. This segment highlights the creative challenges and editorial decisions involved in selecting SNL content.
Notable Quote:
Akiva Schaffer (26:19): “It keeps going to more and more balconies and different weird characters and stuff, and they all start joining into the song.”
7. Personal Anecdotes: Seth's Encounter with Zac Efron (36:00 – 57:00)
Seth Meyers shares a personal story about meeting Zac Efron during his honeymoon in Peru. He narrates the encounter where Zac was accompanied by his father and the overwhelming presence of fans when they returned to their hotel. The group humorously reflects on celebrity recognition and the unexpected nature of such meetings.
Notable Quote:
Seth Meyers (37:33): “And then we went back to the hotel, and there were, like, a hundred Peruvian girls standing outside the hotel just, like, lining up.”
8. Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes and Future Plans (57:00 – 60:48)
As the episode nears its end, the hosts share light-hearted stories about their work experiences, including Andy’s past role at Company 3 and Jack Quaid’s early job responsibilities. They discuss future projects, the integration of humor into their scripts, and brainstorm ideas for enhancing their podcast's unique flavor.
Notable Quote:
Andy Samberg (55:29): “Yeah, we're sound mixing at the same time, even though he shot a calendar year after I did.”
9. Final Thoughts and Creative Taglines (60:00 – End)
In the closing moments, the hosts entertain the idea of evolving their farewell phrases and playful sign-offs, such as “bonnet in your bee” and humorous references to their creative processes. They wrap up the episode with camaraderie and mutual appreciation, leaving listeners with a sense of their enduring friendship and collaborative spirit.
Notable Quote:
Akiva Schaffer (15:22): “Yeah, we're just in a super good mood about the fact that you Queen bead.”
Conclusion
This episode of The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast, titled "The Zac Efron Episode," offers an engaging blend of nostalgia, humor, and behind-the-scenes insights into the creation of SNL Digital Shorts. Through candid conversations and memorable anecdotes, the hosts provide listeners with a deeper appreciation of their creative journeys and the enduring impact of their collaborative work. Whether discussing favorite Beastie Boys tracks, critiquing unaired sketches, or sharing personal stories, the episode captures the essence of The Lonely Island’s comedic genius alongside Seth Meyers’ sharp wit.