Seth Meyers | SmartLess

The "All In" Philosophy [00:00:00]

• Meyers argues that a lack of a backup plan is essential for success in the entertainment industry, as it compels individuals to fully commit and pursue all opportunities.
• He contrasts this with having a "plan B," suggesting that anyone whose "plan A" is their "plan B" will always be behind.

  "Ultimately anybody whose plan A is your plan B is going to be so far ahead of you by the time you decide like, that's what you want to do."

Early Improv and Waiting Tables [00:00:00]

• Meyers' comedy journey began in high school with sketch writing and impressions, leading him to Northwestern University, known for its renowned improv troupe, Meow.
• Post-college, he worked at the Twisted Lizard in Chicago, waiting tables, a period he recalls with a memorable encounter where a customer told him he was a bad waiter.

  "He said, because you're a bad waiter."

The Amsterdam Opportunity [00:00:00]

• A friend encouraged Meyers to audition for Boom Chicago, an improv theater in Amsterdam founded by Chicagoans, which led to a two-year stint performing there.
• This experience was crucial for gaining stage time and performing more frequently than he might have in Chicago, living in Amsterdam during this period.

  "And it was incredible. It was just the best time."

SNL Audition and Early Years [00:00:00]

• A chance encounter with an SNL talent scout at a small improv festival led to an audition and his eventual hiring as a cast member.
• Meyers initially struggled to find his footing as a sketch performer, feeling overshadowed by more charismatic cast members, and relied on writing to stay relevant.

  "I was then, it was a huge struggle for me to find. A purchase and it only got worse."

The Role of Mike Shoemaker [00:00:00]

• Producer Mike Shoemaker offered crucial advice, encouraging Meyers to focus on group scenes where he could contribute and get laughs, rather than solely relying on his own sketches.
• Shoemaker's guidance helped Meyers navigate the challenges of SNL, shifting his focus from writing sketches that might not get on air to contributing effectively to the show.

  "Look, you, what you should do is you should try to think of group scenes where you can score."

Writing vs. Performing [00:00:00]

• Meyers found writing more fulfilling than performing, especially as he saw other cast members excelling in sketch comedy.
• He admits that while he loved performing, his strength and comfort lay more in writing, which he pursued to "stay alive" on the show.

  "I always loved writing, but at the time I was writing to stay alive more than anything else."

Head Writer at SNL [00:00:00]

• Meyers eventually became head writer at SNL, a role he considers one of his proudest professional achievements.
• He acknowledges that the writing staff was exceptionally talented, and his primary role was often facilitating Lorne Michaels' notes and guiding the process.

  "The thing I'm proudest of is the fact that I was the head writer on SNL."

Transition to "Weekend Update" [00:00:00]

• After Tina Fey left "Weekend Update," Meyers took over the co-hosting duties, initially with Amy Poehler.
• He describes the experience of hosting "Update" solo after Poehler's departure due to her son's birth, a challenging but ultimately confidence-building period.

  "And, uh, I, but it was crazy. And it was also not the most confident I've ever felt."

Hosting "Late Night" [00:00:00]

• Meyers' success on "Weekend Update" paved the way for his own show, "Late Night," with Lorne Michaels's encouragement.
• He credits his partnership with head writer Alex Baze and a "shorthand" developed over years of working together for the show's success.

  "We had a shorthand. We had a agreement about what I was good at and what I hadn't been good at."

The 18-Month Rule [00:00:00]

• Meyers recalls Lorne Michaels's prediction that it would take 18 months to find the show's footing, a prediction that proved accurate when Meyers shifted from a standing monologue to a desk-based format.
• This realization marked a turning point, solidifying the show's identity and his confidence in its direction.

  "And then 18 months into the show is when I was like, I'm going to stop doing a standing monologue and I'm going to start the show at the desk."

Rewriting vs. Writing [00:00:00]

• Meyers finds rewriting more efficient and less daunting than starting from a blank page, a skill honed during his time at SNL and now applied to his own show.
• He contrasts the intense workload of SNL with the more manageable, though still demanding, schedule of his current show.

  "And so it is, it is lovely to have transitioned to a part of my career where I'm rewriting more than writing."

Daily Grind and Catharsis [00:00:00]

• Meyers describes his daily show as a cathartic experience that helps manage anxiety, and he looks forward to returning to it after hiatuses.
• The adrenaline rush of performing live in front of an audience is a significant motivator.

  "So I, my mental health is a lot more locked in when I have the show as a way to sort of like, you know, anxiety."

Family and Summer Hiatus [00:00:00]

• During summer breaks, Meyers enjoys spending time with his children, particularly cherishing moments with his father-in-law's boat.
• He notes that his children are at an age where they are becoming "less boring" and more self-sufficient.

  "Highly recommend having a father-in-law with a boat."

Media Consumption and Sports Fandom [00:00:00]

• Meyers enjoys watching films and shows, mentioning "Widow's Bay" as a recent favorite.
• His primary sports allegiance is to Pittsburgh teams (Steelers, Pirates) due to his father, and he also follows the Boston Red Sox.

  "And then, but the Steelers a hundred percent."

The Future and Avoiding Boredom [00:00:00]

• Meyers hopes to continue hosting "Late Night" as long as he finds it engaging and avoids boredom.
• He believes that the skills learned from his current show will be valuable for future endeavors.

  "So I think the key is just to find something where you're just not bored."

No Plan B Confirmed [00:00:00]

• Meyers reiterates his lack of a "plan B" throughout his career, a testament to his unwavering commitment to comedy.
• He expresses confidence that his talent and drive will ensure continued success, regardless of the specific path he takes.

  "And you've got no plan B. And you've got no plan B."