When three Hollywood friends launched a podcast mid-pandemic, no one expected it to become one of the biggest comedy shows in the world. But SmartLess, hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes, did exactly that: turning spontaneous conversations, surprise guests, and ridiculous banter into audio gold.
You’d think a podcast where the guest is a surprise to two of the hosts would be a chaotic mess. Instead, SmartLess thrives on that unpredictability, showing there’s nothing less smart about either the podcast or the hosts and pulling in millions of listeners each month.
We'll cover:
- What SmartLess is really about and why it works
- Background on the hosts: Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes
- Smartless in numbers: how many listeners, net worth, and more
- Behind-the-scenes stories from the SmartLess On The Road tour
- The best SmartLess episodes to start with
- What fans and critics think about the show today
What is Smartless About?
SmartLess is the podcast equivalent of crashing a dinner party with three hilarious celebrities and never wanting to leave. Hosted by actors and real-life friends Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, the show thrives on surprise, spontaneity, and absurdly entertaining banter. But there is a better twist!
Each week, one host secretly brings on a guest, and the other two have no idea who it is until they show up.
That guest could be a Hollywood A-lister, a bestselling author, a scientist, a politician, or someone you didn't even know you wanted to hear from until 45 minutes in. This keeps things fresh, unpredictable, and surprisingly heartfelt.
But SmartLess isn’t just an interview podcast. The real magic lies in the chemistry between Bateman (the dry one), Hayes (the cheerful one), and Arnett (the chaotic one). Their relentless teasing and occasional oversharing give the show its signature vibe: a perfectly imperfect mix of funny, warm, and just unhinged enough to feel like you’re in on the inside jokes.
At its core, SmartLess is about curiosity, with a side of sarcasm, a pinch of ego, and a lot of laughs. It doesn’t try to be deep, but somehow ends up being kind of profound anyway.
Who are the Hosts of Smartless
The brains and mischief behind the SmartLess podcast are Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. Yes, that’s right: it’s a podcast hosted by three Emmy-winning actors who somehow manage to be wildly successful and completely ridiculous at the same time.
Jason Bateman is probably best known for playing the endlessly stressed-out straight man in shows like “Arrested Development” and “Ozark”. On SmartLess, he brings the same dry wit, often playing the voice of reason… well, until he doesn’t.
Sean Hayes, beloved for his iconic role as Jack on “Will & Grace”, is the heart of the group. He’s endlessly enthusiastic, quick to laugh, and not afraid to ask the questions the others are too cool (or too distracted) to ask. Think of him as the guy who brings snacks to a group project.
And then there’s Will Arnett, the lovable rascal with the gravelly voice. You might recognize him as the voice of BoJack Horseman or from his perfectly sarcastic turn as Gob Bluth. On the podcast, he’s equal parts chaos and charm, constantly stirring the pot and keeping everyone on their toes.
Together, they’re a strange but perfect trio: longtime friends with zero filter, quick comebacks, and just enough vulnerability to keep things real.
SmartLess Net Worth, Listeners, and More
Since its launch in 2020, SmartLess has become a powerhouse in the podcasting world, consistently ranking among the top shows globally.
With over 98,000 glowing reviews across platforms and an average rating of 4.7 stars, the podcast has struck a chord with millions. From winning Best Comedy Podcast at the iHeartRadio Awards to topping charts on Apple and Spotify, its momentum hasn’t slowed.
The show has released over 300 episodes as of June 2025. Each month, podcast downloads continue to rise, recently surpassing 700,000. Total listener numbers vary by estimate, but the podcast is believed to attract between 100,000 and 500,000 monthly listeners. It consistently ranks among the top podcasts globally, even being called the “third largest podcast in the world” by Australian tourism officials.
The popularity of the podcast and its influence are reflected in its commercial value: Amazon and Wondery acquired exclusive rights to the show in 2021 for a reported $80 million, and by 2024, SiriusXM picked it up for a whopping $100 million.
In 2022 SmartLess went on a live tour, which became a six-part documentary on Max, further cementing its status as a pop culture phenomenon.
Fans rave about the chemistry between Jason, Will, and Sean, each with a reported net worth of around $25-30 million.
Smartless on The Road
Released as a six-part docuseries on Max, “SmartLess: On the Road” follows the iconic hosts as they hit multiple cities for a live tour, bringing surprise guests and a whole lot of personality to packed theaters. But this isn’t just a highlight reel of live shows. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at their real friendship, awkward silences, inside jokes, middle-aged bickering, and all.
You get to see them as roommates, road trip companions, and occasional babysitters for each other’s quirks. There are quiet moments of reflection, chaotic moments of “who booked this hotel?”, and of course, plenty of backstage antics. If you love the podcast, this series makes you feel even more like the fourth friend tagging along in the backseat.
In short: it’s part travel diary, part buddy comedy, and part masterclass in how not to plan a tour, and it’s weirdly wonderful.
What are the Best SmartLess Episodes
With hundreds of episodes under its belt, SmartLess has delivered unforgettable conversations with some of the world’s most interesting (and often hilarious) people. The podcast thrives on its surprise guest format, but some episodes have truly stood out, either for their laugh-out-loud moments, emotional honesty, or cultural buzz. Here are the top fan-favorite SmartLess episodes that are totally worth the listen:
1. 3 Presidents
Yes, the SmartLess crew somehow managed to wrangle not one, not two, but three U.S. Presidents. In a special live episode that broke podcast charts, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Bill Clinton join forces for a surprisingly relaxed, often funny, and occasionally deep conversation. From policy to personal anecdotes, and yes, some playful roasting, this episode feels like a once-in-a-lifetime dinner party you somehow got invited to.
2. Ryan Reynolds
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be absurdly handsome and absurdly funny, this episode has your answer. Ryan's trademark dry humor keeps the gang on their toes, and his banter with Will Arnett (a close friend) is comedy gold. There's even a bit about parenting that’s surprisingly touching.
3. Jennifer Aniston
America’s sweetheart brings charm, candor, and just the right amount of sass. This episode feels like eavesdropping on old friends catching up over cocktails. Jen dishes on fame, friendship, and what it was really like working on “Friends” (yes, they ask). A total treat for Aniston fans.
4. Steven Spielberg
When one of the greatest directors of all time shows up, you listen. Spielberg talks about his childhood, the power of storytelling, and what it’s like to bring dreams to life on screen. The hosts are clearly in awe, and so are we. You’ll probably cry a little from how wholesome it gets.
5. Paul McCartney
You can almost hear jaws hitting the floor as Sir Paul casually drops Beatles stories like it’s no big deal. This episode is a mix of history, music geekery, and pure joy. He even plays a little guitar on air. It’s not just a conversation, it’s a monumental experience with the legend himself.
Smartless Reviews
Since its launch in 2020, SmartLess has become a powerhouse in the podcasting world, consistently ranking among the top shows globally.
With over 98,000 glowing reviews across platforms and an average rating of 4.7 stars, the podcast has struck a chord with millions. From winning Best Comedy Podcast at the iHeartRadio Awards to topping charts on Apple and Spotify, its momentum hasn’t slowed.
Each month, podcast downloads continue to rise, recently surpassing 700,000. Fans rave about the chemistry between Jason, Will, and Sean, praising the effortless humor and surprisingly candid conversations.
Still, not all feedback is glowing: some listeners wish the hosts would give their high-profile guests more room to speak, citing episodes where interruptions overshadow the interviews.
Here’s what listeners are saying about SmartLess:
“They lost me. Between the weird guest choices, lack of preparedness, constant interruptions of guests, repeated unfunny jokes, constant Sean bullying and now this WEIRD mobile service plan venture? I’m out!” – j186017
“Been listening since day 1. Excellent content, light humor and don’t let these guys fool you; they are very smart!” – NJRain
“Occasionally they have guests I could care less about. But thankful they align with me morally and will continue to love these guys because of it. Their interviewing skills aren’t great, and seeing the same guests appear between this and FotW shows they are just cycling thru the same list of celebs. Will and JB are my favorite however, not on this show they aren’t.” – gonefishcaking
“you guys talk too much…why have guests when you CONSTANTLY talk about yourselves…” – cmdm
“I love this show so much. It’s a welcome break from the serious or more formally structured pods… and also regularly makes me laugh out loud. My favorite shows are when they get other improv comedians on … Amy P and Paul Rudd are two favs.” – ETeeHee
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SmartLess pay guests?
Nope, SmartLess doesn’t pay guests to appear on the show. Like most big-name podcasts, guests join for the conversation, the exposure, and often because they have something new to promote, like a film, book, or tour. Plus, with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett hosting, it’s not exactly a tough sell. Most guests seem genuinely excited (and sometimes surprised) to be on.
Where to watch SmartLess: On the Road?
You can watch “SmartLess: On the Road” on Max (formerly HBO Max). It’s a six-part docuseries that takes you behind the scenes of the trio’s live tour across North America. Expect a mix of hilarious backstage banter, emotional moments, and candid conversations with surprise celebrity guests. It's a fun look at what happens when you take a hit podcast on the road, with plenty of laughs along the way.
How many listeners does SmartLess have?
SmartLess has consistently ranked among the top podcasts globally and reportedly brings in over 20 million listeners per month. While exact numbers fluctuate, it’s safe to say the show has a massive and loyal audience, and for good reason. The spontaneous interviews, dry humor, and genuine chemistry between the hosts keep fans coming back week after week.
How to listen to the SmartLess podcast?
Listening to SmartLess is super easy. You can find it on Amazon Music (where new episodes drop early), as well as on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most major podcast platforms. Just search “SmartLess” and hit play, or better yet, subscribe so you never miss an episode.
