SmartLess: On the Road (TV Mini Series 2023) Poster

User Reviews

Review this title
23 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
9/10
A fun entertaining watch
mlwieber-121671 June 2023
I love all three of these guys and I had never heard of the podcast but I LoVE Will Ferrell (saw an as with him on the show which is why I watched) so I watched ep1 and then couldn't stop! Binged them all and had a great time!!! It's a fun romp, so when you want to be entertained, do yourself a favor and check out this show. It made me laugh, I thought it was sweet to see the relationship of the three main guys and all the guests were fun and I liked the behind the scenes and the getting to know the backstory of each of their lives and I enjoyed having their partners/ spouses/ kids/ friends interact also. That depth touched me. Overall I enjoyed this show very much.
15 out of 17 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
After episode 1, this gets really good!
h222326 May 2023
I haven't even listened to the Smartless podcast, but I'm not a huge podcast listener in general, so... I watched this because I LOVE all these guys and figured it would be worth a try.

I'm glad I stuck with it beyond the first episode, because the first episode was a little off-putting. Like, they seemed to act rude to strangers and were a little TOO deadpan with each other to the point it seemed like they didn't like each other.

After that episode, though (and btw, the guest on episode 1 made it worth it and I laughed out loud when he was on the show!) things start to congeal better.

Some of the conversations they have are SUPER real. Really fascinating insight not only into their personal lives, but into the creative process, creative/showbiz life, and its ups and downs.

And the humor and chemistry between them and their guests... it's fun and relatable. I could see hanging out with these guys and being in stitches half the time. I would love to be friends with them all! And the guests I've watched so far have been laugh-out-loud awesome.

So... altogether a really fun show and worth watching. I'm happy I stumbled on it. I guess I'll have to give their podcast a listen now!
27 out of 33 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
A Terrific Trio Live and On the Road
tkdlifemagazine3 June 2023
I have to confess I knew nothing about the podcast, Smartless, when watching this. Also, I probably only tuned in because there is a lull in programming due to the time of year and the writers' strike. I am so glad I did. A look at a traveling tour for the podcast, Smartless, starring Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. It has both backstage footage and scenes of the Live Stage show, with special guest stars like David Letterman, Will Ferrell, Conan O'Brien and more. Shot in Black and White, this is well constructed, well edited, and well directed. I really enjoyed the chemistry and the humor between these guys. Worth checking out. I expect if you are a fan of the podcast it has more layers to enjoy.
13 out of 16 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Hilarious! We need more from these guys!
stsorrell27 May 2023
I've listened to a few of the Smartless podcasts and I've loved every one of them. The banter between the three guys is much like sitting in on a family dinner with three brothers...always taking jabs at each other, but out of love and respect.

While the podcast is produced on Zoom, this series takes a look at the guys taking their show in the road, meeting their surprise guests in person in front of a live audience. While we don't get to see the entire interview with their guests, we do get tons of behind the scenes footage of the guys being themselves traveling from city to city...and it's freakin' hilarious.

The only thing I question about this series...why is it in black and white??? Why would anything like this be shot in black and white? But hey...that's not enough to keep me from giving this a hearty 10 out of 10. It's one of the best things I've watched in a long time and certainly one of the funniest and most entertaining. I might even watch it again soon.
20 out of 25 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Truly hilarious
carobertson956 June 2023
SmartLess: On The Road is a must-watch for fans of SmartLess and comedy lovers in general. But the real fun comes from watching the hosts goof around with each other before and after the show, whether it's ordering room service, visiting monuments, taking selfies or playing pranks. It's a rare opportunity to see three talented and charismatic actors let loose and have fun with each other and their audience. It's also a testament to the power of friendship and humor in these challenging times. The series will leave you wanting more of SmartLess, both on stage and on your headphones. Hopefully, there will be a second season of this delightful docu-series soon.
14 out of 19 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Amazing ! Such a chemistry between these friends
jos-schulte30 May 2023
SmartLess On the Road is a great miniseries that offers a fun and captivating journey with hosts Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes. Directed by Sam Jones, the series is a must-watch recommendation. The trio's chemistry is a blast, and their humor shines throughout, and you really get to know these tree amigos in this series.

The amazing cinematography beautifully captures the diverse locations. With entertaining conversations and a delightful cast, SmartLess On the Road is a joy to watch.

Kudos to the talented director, Sam Jones, for bringing this fantastic series to life!

We want more !
12 out of 17 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
I thought this was freakin hilarious
fica-6260214 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
First, I don't think anyone should be surprised by the trio's cars, private jet, hotel accommodations, etc. These are all successful actors and this is the life they have. Who cares. I'm entertained by their banter and dark humor. I can tell the "burns" are given with love. Their discussions about salads and bowel habits and historic landmarks make them look like dingalings, which is the point of the show.

I'm sure having conversation in front of an audience was strange. And they handled the rude fans/audience members well.

I was very impressed with Sean's piano playing, Will's singing, and Jason's hair.
2 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
The humanity on display in Smartless road tour
CBarb7065421 June 2023
I can't stop obsessing about this series of 6 appearances in large theaters by podcast hosts Sean Hayes, Jason Bateman and Will Arnett. Why? Because it's such a horrid idea to put a podcast on a stage! And yet...never having heard any of the shtick on the podcast, I enjoyed so much of the ribbing. Parts of the documentary, beautifully presented in black and white, were cringe-worthy, parts were bare-naked, revealing insecurities and personal hygiene habits. Parts were embarrassing to the hosts, as it was obvious they were over-compensating for dull spots in the show/s. Each host displayed amazing quick wit in spots. Each revealed, probably inadvertently, hurts in their past. I was uncomfortable (especially with guest Kevin Hart) - I was tickled, I was repelled, I was riveted and binged the whole 6 episodes. Stars in the entertainment industry are NOT like us. And yet they kind of are, so you can dislike some of their personality traits. Parts of the episodes were SO awkward. I may change my opinion... but first look? Absolute daring...revealing, I say "don't do it anymore." I felt the pressure in my living room.
3 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
3 people who have amazing chemistry, hilarity and timing.
DeidreDLH27 September 2023
I have been a fan of the Smartless podcast for years. I do a lot of DIY home projects, and these guys have kept me company with their banter and enlightening guests for hours on end. The docuseries takes us behind the scenes, and nothing has entertained me as much in a very long time.

I constantly analyze what makes these 3 guys so compelling as a group. Try getting three friends together, and there is crosstalk, conflict, and egos. Most of the time it doesn't work. Many will argue that there is a lot of ego in this group, but it is the obvious love and respect that they all have for each other that makes conversations flow, and hilarity ensue. No one is offended, and the timing is always impeccable. Everyone allows for the others' thoughts and contemplation and quickly celebrates it, or chides them for it. What could be more fun?

Yes, there are witty and sometimes cutting remarks between Will, Jason and Sean, but absolutely no one ever takes it personally or gets offended which is a true gift. That is where the love comes in, because they all know deep in their hearts it is all done in fun. Sean gets the biggest award of this group at being able to laugh at any jabs or (joking) insults thrown his way.

I laughed hysterically at the docuseries. Jason calls out the camera person once for laughing and shaking the camera, but if you pay close attention, it happens over and over again. Audience or no audience, these three guys have a love and friendship that brings them endless joy and laughter. If only we all could be so lucky.
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
Love all 3 of you but!
lsteinlit19 October 2023
You are bright, funny and quick and you have incredible guests. And therein lies the problem. It seems that your guests are just there to provide a foil for your humor. I get so frustrated when one of you asks a really good question, the guest starts to answer and another of you jumps in w either a comment, a joke or your own story. What is the point of having great guests if you won't let them talk? You three have plenty of time in the open and close, could you possibly devote the interview portion to an actual interview. And, Jason, what is it with asking a question like "do you have issues w questions, YES?" really weird. I realize I am probably in the minority, but as a broadcaster myself, you sometimes hurt my ears. So though I love you 3, I can barely listen to the podcast anymore.
2 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Love the Podcast and Loved the Tour
kurdylanicole15 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This was the perfect addition to the podcast. I have loved Jason Bateman and Will Arnett since Arrested Development. Jason was my celebrity crush growing up, and Will was the funniest guy I had ever watched. And I knew Sean Hayes from Will and Grace but never appreciated how sweet and funny he is. The three of them are the perfect combo together, they are so quick, and just the exact kind of comedy that just hits me. The tour was especially awesome because you get to see them as regular guys and what great friends they are. I think it was the 5th episode where they had a true, in-depth discussion about their childhood and lives, that was just eye opening to how each of them developed their families and careers. I really enjoyed 'getting to know them' and their peculiarities, just as everyday people.

The last episode was notable in that I totally lost respect for their guest Kevin Hart - he was drunk and just so obnoxious on their show, especially towards Sean, who handled it with grace and humor. Kevin was just a jerk and I have no desire to watch anything he is in.

But the three of them are comedy gold. I hope they produce another tour! Now its back to the podcast!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
Good, but Bateman takes it a little too far at times
pd-1949031 May 2023
If you like the podcast, you'll like this series. The banter between the three is always great but Bateman comes off as a jerk at times. Maybe he tones it back after episode 1, but he's a little much during that one and he's that way at times on the podcast as well. When Will does it, it comes off a little better where you know he's joking but with Bateman it seems like he means what he's saying. That's my only gripe, otherwise it's pretty funny. There are times where it's just them chit-chatting amongst themselves while traveling and while I haven't watched the rest of the episodes yet, I would imagine they would need to include more of some of the interviews with guests so it doesn't get repetitive.
14 out of 27 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
3/10
Squeezing 6 Episodes of Blood from a Smartless Stone
michelle-erika25 June 2023
The difficulty with promising to deliver 6 episodes of on-the-road content when you're contractually obligated to only show a small portion of the actual performance (later sold in podcast form at a premium) and remove all discussion of current projects in development is that you've limited yourself to the utterly inane. Inexplicably in black and white (to give the illusion of timelessness, prestige, or simply provide a more flattering lens for the aging stars), the show actually captures the repetitive tedium of a tour - a seemingly endless cycle of hotels and green rooms, ordering from menus in said rooms, eating in said rooms, driving in buses or vans, and flying in and out of airports, all while barely noticing what city you're in. Aiding in this disorientation is the lack of any on-screen text beside the initial city name. Which hotel are we in? Or are we in the green room now? Is that someone's girlfriend or an assistant? Is that a friend or a producer?

Demystifying 3 of my Hollywood favourites, we see the differing psychological effects of long careers - Hayes (who seems to have worked through his childhood abandonment and neglect in therapy) is grateful for a successful job in Will & Grace and enjoys the jobs which come his way now, despite the exhaustion of his Broadway run; Arnett (who has had extensive and public struggles with sobriety) appears to show hints of poignant reflection reminiscent of his character Bojack Horseman's later seasons while still evincing a GOB-like hyperactive need for attention and laughs; and Bateman (acting since 10 and discussing the pressures this instilled in him) seems to have a neurotic need to be in control of everything, including the optics of himself in this series. We see a single moment of vulnerability from Bateman in the series, when he's (bizarrely enough) filmed urinating - another entry in the frequently occurring "evacuation" storyline"

Is this a true depiction of male friendship? Or is the shallow level of content a result of a mutual agreement to privacy, where certain topics are ok to be jokingly poked at but we don't go any deeper? We don't even find out what Jason Bateman is reading. The cutting room floor must be filled with deeply personal insights into the men and their dynamic. Either that, or a depressingly dull realisation that, despite being entertaining when performing, they offer little in substance as friends or individuals.
12 out of 26 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
If you keep watching over and over, that deserves a 10
sadebelle11 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
All three guys are just so funny. They way they cut up and rip each other apart... my favorite is when Will is explaining something to the camera with his mouth full, Jason tells him to stop talking with his mouth full and Jasons mouth is full too, and Will calls him on it. Gigglefest.

The music is spectacular. Especially the song Black Car on the 3rd episode, when in NY, it's about 3 or so minutes in.

The piano throughout the season is such a nice touch since Sean is such an awesome pianist.

I love that it's black and white. It's just so lovely. It's love finding out about these 3 guys, seeing them behind the scenes and with their families.

I've watched the series about 6 times now. Whenever I want a laugh with my buddies Sean, Will, and Jason, I pop it on an enjoy the laughs.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
First episode is the best one.
alinelunardy31 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
First episode is the best one cause Bateman's wife isn't in it. First episode where there are only 3 of them and when they're in the car and their banter is amazing. Like why is she in it in the later episodes? What exactly does she bring into this documentary or podcast? Cause when she's in it Bateman doesnt really interact with others, not like in the first episode and it's hilarious! I understand that she's there probably to support him but maybe just omit the parts where she's interacting with other ppl etc cause she's not even in the podcast. It's called smartless documentary not smartless and Bateman's wife/family documentary. I'm not watching it to see how his wife interacts with him and the other comedians. Maybe make another documentary for Bateman's family or something if u want to include her in everything. My problem is cause when she's there then the interactions are just not funny anymore. Not like when there are only 3 of them. Will and Sean really bring it tho love them just very disappointed in Bateman and his choice to bring his wife with him while Arnett and Hayes are being really professional and dont bring their SO along. Again the documentary is called the smartless not smartless and their SO. Was going to rate it 9 cause I love all 3 of them but Bateman's wife inclusion in it just meh. Feels very opportunistic imo.
9 out of 26 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
Well it's finally happened! Even me, a middle aged well off white man, believes it's too much...
orcinussr31 May 2023
Sooo, let me start by saying that Im a huge fan of Bateman, I think Hayes is a massive talent and sadly I have much dislike of Arnett (partially because of what he allegedly did to Amy Poehler and partially because he's an egotistical narcissistic prat) THAT being said - apparently these guys have a pod cast? Yes? OK and isn't the mystique of the podcast that it's available to anyone, requires little financial input and is rewarded based upon a meritocracy? Should not we keep the podcast on the 'pods'? Why are we now giving three rich white guys carte blanche to fly private jets et al (yes ik they're not flying zeppelins, idkw I said 'et al') to walk on stage and dazzzle us with such witty banter that we, the audience, is dumbstruck!? Enough! As desperate I am for content, it's time we take a stand (after I finish the first episode lol)
10 out of 52 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
3/10
Self Indulgent Nonsense
heatherhilgers29 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This show attempts to humanize the three actors by showing background of a tour, but in reality it reminds you how painfully out of touch each actor is; Jason Bateman is whining that the private plane isn't nice enough and when someone doesn't immediately run out to help him with his bag he takes it upon himself and complains the whole way through; Sean Hayes is worried about the "extravagant" optics of ordering surf and turf... while sitting in a private plane; Will Arnett comes off the most normal up until he tries to show off by coming out of his hotel room in his underwear and Jason Bateman started describing his penis in detail. Back to Jason, what a complainer. My oh my, it's nonstop, he's the male version of an almond mom, constantly critiquing everyone's food intake.

This show feels like you're locked in a long car ride with people you hate. I highly recommend you skip it.
20 out of 53 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
We love you for your comedy!
eickstadtjessica31 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Keep your political views out. You're all hilarious and love most of the show but once you start pulling people like AOC in I started to decline. Seriously come on. Just do the comedy. We're all aware of what side most celebrities are on. Love seeing the personal family aspects and human aspects leave the politics out. Trying to slide them in ruins it. I think you're all amazing actors but I only watch you for job and your ability to do your job which you're amazing at. I don't want to know what political side your on or care but when you pull that into the show it pulls me back and makes me question it.
0 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
3/10
Didn't make it past the pretentious jet scene
gwatkinsrus20 June 2023
I love the podcast and listen to almost every episode. These guys are funny and do a good job interviewing guests. This "show" was terrible from the first syllable. Making fun of having to carry their own bags to whether a seat on their private jet reclines or not. Saying hi to a bunch of people in the back whom they never who and close off from the celebs once they fix the fancy door. Not only did I not laugh, I was actually cringing at how offensive they were to their viewers. This will actually affect my ability to hear their voices any more. I had to turn it off before they were even "wheels up." There are so many better options to choose from that there is no reason to waste your viewing time on this pretentious garbage.
7 out of 21 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
1/10
Smartless is truly aptly named
nancymann-7125517 June 2023
The big shocker is how dysfunctional Jason Bateman is. Starts out with him complaining that no- one is there to notice his presence or to carry his bags. Poor baby. The 3 million dollar car apparently does not console him. The complaining is non-stop, and I mean NON-STOP so much for the nice guy image. Now we see who you really are.

Why is his wife there? Is this her extensive career that he constantly brags about? She has done nothing noteworthy, can't act, and apparently needs to mother his neurotic mind. And dress him??

"I wear what I am told." wow

Does she spoon-feed him when we are into looking?

Why is that? Just another boring, non- talent entitled princess. So boring; get a life. I don't think she even volunteers, me, me, me me. Superficial and sad.

She is worse than Jennifer Anniston, who these two can't seem go anywhere without. Odd. Makes you wonder.

Pathetic. I am sure she got paid a ton to bore us all with her less-than-sparkling personality.

Oh, the plane; Jason has a sheer panic attack when the door won't open as fast as he likes. Wow And then these geniuses spend the night with no sleep when the plane has mechanical issues. LMAO, did it not occur to hop on another flight? Oh, beneath you all, I guess. Better to be sleep deprived.

When they make a mistake with a guest and the audience literally walks out, they blame them.

I think his parents are really to blame. Are there no labor laws in LA? Why should an 8-year-old feel responsible for people's paychecks, and why was he supporting the family? No one noticed that this was child abuse and endangerment.

There in lie the makings of a cruel narcissist. His blissfully unaware of the consequences of his actions and demeanor.

He just lost a fan.

No one likes to be lied to This show was a bad idea.
9 out of 35 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
A fan of the podcast but not this
dxnntbktfz30 May 2023
I have been listening to the podcast since episode 3. I was very excited to see this series however it doesn't come across very genuine. The guys who seem very likeable on the POD come across very different here. I really don't think this is truly them in real life and that is supposed to be the point of this show. There is also something about the black and white that really effects the quality of the viewing experience. I personally think black and white can be used in moderation but the entire series was just odd choice. I would have also liked to see more of the interviews but I do understand the point of the series is a behind the scene look.
8 out of 33 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
1/10
Naval gazing times 3: "SmartLess" is Tasteless
mrosspub4 June 2023
Being from Chicago, I watched the episode where these three self-indulgent narcissists put on two shows on the same night at the Chicago Theatre and ordered Italian beef sandwiches from Portillo's. For me, Chicago plus Portillo's was the only draw; I had not heard of this road show and had low expectations. I knew who Will Arnett and Jason Bateman were but had never heard of the Chicagoan Sean Hayes, though, apparently, he has been a performer with some success.

Suckered in by the Chicago connection, I gained nothing from watching this and lost 45 minutes of my life that I will not get back.

The Chicago Theatre was apparently sold out for their appearance, and perhaps these three stooges had equal success in other cities; so good for them. I guess there is no accounting for taste.

Chicago, and I imagine every other location where they were booked in the presidential suite of a luxury hotel and flew to in their private jet, offers much better entertainment options. Unless you are a masochist, I would highly recommend that you give this "bored show" a miss, even if these entitled clowns came to your home town. Based on my experience, I have no doubt that in every city they descended upon they subjected their hapless audience to emetic stories about their rich and carefree lives-and how great it is to be them.
13 out of 75 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
1/10
Dreck personified.
brooksrob19 June 2023
Love Bateman in many of the things he's done and Will Arnett is hilarious on 30 Rock. The other guys, meh, never heard of him... They start off pulling up to their private jet, each with their own private supercar that they drive right up to the waiting jet. I guess their people Take it back from whence it came...As they start to interact with each other it's so strained and pressed. As if NONE of them wants to be there, they'd rather be gazing at their shiny things... They really have zero personalities and everything is so forced...The fake laughs are so annoying too...You can actually time the start and stop...They have no substance and the people that green lit this really screwed the pooch...How they have that many people at the event was surprising to me...I wonder how much they paid them? Anyway, TERRIBLE show, if you're a masochist you'll love it! A real uncomfortable cringe fest.
9 out of 57 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed