Seth Meyers, a veteran of SNL and host of NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers, dives into the challenges and transformations of late-night comedy. He explores whether political humor and business models are hitting a wall, and shares insights from his stand-up special, 'Dad Man Walking', weaving personal parenting stories into his routines. The conversation touches on the evolution of content creation in a streaming-driven world and the significance of diversity in comedy. Seth also reflects on the changing landscape of entertainment and the intimate connections fostered in podcasting.
Seth Meyers discusses the decline of late-night television viewership, attributing it to changing audience preferences towards streaming platforms and social media.
In his new stand-up special 'Dad Man Walking', Meyers intertwines personal parenting anecdotes with comedy, showcasing authenticity and relatability in his storytelling.
Meyers emphasizes the significance of collaboration in creativity, highlighting how working with others enhances the comedy process despite the isolating nature of technology.
Deep dives
Seth Meyers' Career Overview
Seth Meyers has a long-standing career in comedy, highlighted by his tenure on NBC's Late Night for the past decade. He previously spent 13 seasons on Saturday Night Live, where he served as head writer for nine years, gaining recognition for his wit and comedic timing. Over the years, he has garnered more than 30 Emmy nominations, reflecting his impactful contributions to television. In addition to hosting, Meyers continues his passion for stand-up comedy, with notable specials like Lobby Baby and his latest, Dad Man Walking.
Parenting and Comedy
Meyers' new special, Dad Man Walking, focuses heavily on his experiences as a parent, drawing parallels between parenting and the comedic process. He explores how the humorous anecdotes of his children, like their encounter with President Biden, inspire much of his content, embodying a balance of love and comedic material. Meyers emphasizes the importance of presenting himself as the 'feckless dad' in his stories, maintaining a humorous self-deprecating tone while navigating parenting challenges. This blend of personal storytelling provides both authenticity and relatability, resonating with audiences who share similar experiences.
The State of Late-Night Television
Meyers discusses the challenges facing late-night television, particularly the decline in viewership and advertising revenue. He acknowledges the changing landscape where younger audiences prefer consuming content on streaming platforms and social media rather than traditional cable. While his show has shifted to leverage platforms like YouTube and Peacock for viewership, he believes in maintaining authenticity over catering to political neutrality. Meyers underlines the importance of creativity and adaptability in a competitive environment that continually evolves.
Impact of Politics in Comedy
Meyers critiques the intersection of politics and comedy, acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities that arise during politically tumultuous times. He reflects on how the Trump presidency invigorated political comedy, noting that while it was a rich source for material, it also posed significant emotional and societal challenges. During discussions about political themes in his specials, he affirms the necessity of a comedic perspective in navigating serious topics. However, he expresses a desire to address important issues with compassion, rather than delighting in the chaos that can ensue with politically charged material.
The Future of Comedy and Collaboration
Seth Meyers shares insights into the future of comedy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the creative process. He acknowledges that while technology has made avenues like TikTok and podcasts accessible, they can sometimes lead to isolation rather than community engagement. Through his various projects, including his podcast with his brother and the Lonely Island, he nurtures relationships and draws inspiration from collaborative creativity. Meyers' reflections highlight the enduring value of working together and learning from one another in a field that thrives on shared experiences and laughter.
Has late-night TV passed its peak? Ticket sales for live comedy shows are booming and there’s no shortage of streaming stand-up specials, but the same is hardly true for late-night television. Is it the business model or the divisive nature of political comedy that’s driving viewership down? Either way, hosting a late-night show remains one of the most coveted jobs in comedy, and in this interview, Kara talks to one of the best. Seth Meyers, SNL veteran, host of Late Night with Seth Meyers on NBC, and the host of too many podcasts to name, joins the show to talk about the future of late-night; what he’s learned in 10 years of hosting; the utter lack of diversity in the industry; and what a second Trump presidency could mean for comedians.
Kara and Seth also talk about his new stand-up special “Dad Man Walking,” which premieres on HBO and Max this weekend; how the comic folds his personal life and parenting stories into his acts and what his family thinks of it; why there are so many stand-up specials today; and which streaming platform does it best. Plus, Kara asks Seths about his “manic” content creation and his endeavors into podcasting.
“Dad Man Walking” is available on HBO and Max this Saturday October 26, 2024.
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find Kara on Threads/Instagram @karaswisher
