There's a very specific kind of documentary about performers on tour, usually about musicians, though most of the ones I've seen have been about comedians. Some spend significant time capturing the live shows for posterity, but then also look in on all the parts of touring that happen between performances - catching flights, killing time on tour buses, trying to navigate venues, settling into hotel rooms, and sometimes taking in the local sights. They offer a view of a strange, liminal existence, as nobody is at their best on the road, away from their families and everything that grounds them.
And so we come to "SmartLess," which is an interview podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes. The trio are friends in real life, and started "SmartLess" during the pandemic, taking turns springing surprise guests on the other two. Because the three of them are famous people, the guests include A-list actors like George Clooney, sports stars like LeBron James, and even President Biden. In 2022, the three of them went on a special cross-country tour together, presenting "SmartLess" to live audiences in six cities across the USA. A six episode documentary series, shot in black and white, currently available on Max (though who knows for how much longer), chronicles their adventures. It's called "SmartLess: On the Road."
I admit I had never heard of "SmartLess" until I stumbled across the documentary series. I did not start listening to the podcast "SmartLess" until after I had watched all of it. Immediately, the appeal of the enterprise was obvious. The hook is the surprise guests every week, but the real fun is listening to these three guys banter and gab with each other with comfortable familiarity. On tour, they make no attempt to look good for the cameras or hold back their kvetching. They're frequently getting on each other's nerves, amplifying each other's frustrations, and talking one another down. I've seen media featuring all of these actors, but I wasn't familiar with them at all offscreen. Bateman turns out to be a tightly wound neurotic with many dietary obsessions. Arnett is there to call him out and roll his eyes every step of the way. Hayes has a lot of little brother energy. They're constantly insulting and jabbing at each other, as only close friends can.
And it's hilarious. I don't know why one of the funniest things I've seen in 2023 is Jason Bateman ordering room service like a total lunatic, but it's undeniable. It was a little jarring at first to hear Bateman and Arnett casually tearing each other down, but as the show went on, I got my head around their antagonistic, dryly sarcastic dynamic. And soon they're on Segways for a city tour of Washington DC together, and then goofing around on the ice of a frozen lake in Wisconsin, and finally home in Los Angeles. I love the jetlagged, grumpy hangout vibe, and the long, meandering running times, and the nervous backstage anticipation. The tour mostly goes well except when it doesn't - there's real tension in the Boston episode, where one of the shows totally bombs.
"SmartLess" the podcast has been a nice, easy listen with its slickly produced, well-paced, hour-long episodes. However, I can't help wishing for a sequel to the much shaggier, unvarnished documentary. It reminds me so much of "The Trip" movies, which also feature cantankerous, middle-aged white guys constantly needling each other and talking too much about their ailments and food. However, there's a far more intimate, comfortable mood with the "SmartLess" guys. They're not afraid of letting us see a few glimpses of their families and talking about their colorful pasts. I think it's helpful to be at least a little familiar with the work of the trio beforehand, but it's not necessary.
The guest list, however, is truly remarkable, especially if you're a comedy fan. There are some genuinely pleasant surprises in the mix. I was disappointed that we didn't get to hear more of some of the featured interviews, but then again I still have roughly three years of the show to catch up on. And the miniseries isn't about the guests - it's about three guys and their friendship, and how a cross-country tour in pandemic times would drive anyone insane.
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