Conan O’Brien Wants Jason Bateman to Be His Friend

8 Apr 2025 · 5 min

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In short

SmartLess Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title

Conan O’Brien Wants Jason Bateman to Be His Friend

Podcast Overview "SmartLess" is hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. The podcast features a unique format where one host reveals a surprise guest to the other two, leading to an unscripted and humorous conversation. The aim is to explore shared experiences and foster connections through engaging dialogue.

Episode Highlights This episode features Conan O'Brien as the guest, discussing various topics including:

  • Child Acting & Career Origins
  • Bateman reflects on his beginnings as a child star.
  • Discussion of his breakout role in *Arrested Development*.
  • Conan's Christmas Party
  • A humorous debate about the non-invitation to Conan's famous Christmas party.
  • Bateman expresses surprise at the existence and history of the party.
  • Dynamic Among Hosts
  • O’Brien playfully critiques Bateman's presence on the podcast, calling him "squirrely" and noting his unpredictability.
  • Discussion of co-hosts Sean Hayes and Will Arnett's distinct styles:
  • Will Arnett: Described as having "sharp dagger humor" with a dark edge.
  • Sean Hayes: Referred to as "pure sunshine," showcasing warmth and curiosity.
  • Bateman’s Role on SmartLess
  • Bateman shares his thoughts on his role in the trio, expressing uncertainty about his position.
  • He humorously acknowledges feeling replaceable, suggesting that he serves as a bridge between Arnett's humor and Hayes' warmth.

Key Takeaways

  • Authenticity in Dialogue: The conversation showcases a blend of humor and introspection, highlighting the hosts' chemistry and their ability to engage with guests in a genuine manner.
  • Self-Reflection and Humor: Bateman’s self-deprecating humor reveals his awareness of his contributions, or perceived lack thereof, to the podcast.
  • Friendship and Connection: The episode emphasizes the importance of friendship in their interactions, particularly in the context of O’Brien wanting to deepen his friendship with Bateman.

Notable Quotes

  • "You claim you weren't invited... I was shocked that there was a Christmas party."
  • "I’m trying to find the lane that I’m supposed to be in... I feel I'm easily replaceable."

Conclusion The episode is a testament to the light-hearted banter and genuine camaraderie that defines "SmartLess." Through their exchange, listeners are treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the dynamics between notable figures in entertainment, enriched by humor and candidness.

For the full conversation, listeners are encouraged to check out Conan O’Brien's own podcast, "Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend," available on various platforms.

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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:00Hey there, SmartList listeners. Conan O 'Brien here. Wanted to let you know I recently had your very own Jason Bateman on my podcast. Conan O 'Brien needs a friend. We talked about Jason's roots as a child star, his breakout role on arrest development. and, of course, his fellow Smartless co-hosts, Sean and Will. Here's a little taste of what we got up to. You know, the question is, are you Conan O 'Brien's friend if you aren't invited to his Christmas party? You know, there's so many hundreds and hundreds of people. We've straightened this out. No, thousands are invited to the Christmas party.

0:32I invite thousands and about 50 come. Listen, we're going to just, because this has been a thing, and then I went on Smartless recently, you know, about you coming to the Christmas party. and it was a thing for a while. You claim you weren't invited. I was shocked that there was a Christmas party. That the Christmas party had been going on for years. But you were, I think you were shocked that Christmas was celebrated. Because you're such a Grinch. That Christmas had something to do with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I was like. Well, listen, the point is you, you know, let's talk about smart lists.

1:10It's a juggernaut. you guys are pretty hard pivot. It's a real, I mean, I was a four wheel slide. Can I say something? Right. I just, I just broke my hip pivoting. But no, the point I'm trying to make is of you three guys, you got Will Arnett, you got Sean. Is it Hayes? Yeah. I think it's H-A-Z-E. Okay. And then you're Jason. Bateman. Bateman. Okay. There's the three of you and you're the one that I have trouble getting a beat on. I got to say, you're the one you're squirrely. You're squirrely, Bateman. I've always had a problem getting a beat on you. A huge fan of yours. I adore you, but I can't get a beat on the guy.

1:53I can't. Because you can sense that I'm not sure why I'm there. And I don't really, not really sure if I, I don't get it. I don't understand why people listen to it. I get that Will and Sean are appealing fellas. That's why they're two of my best friends. And we're not doing anything more than just the drivel that happens when we're in a car together or at a dinner or how. I just don't think that that's monetizable. Right. That you should ask for people's attention to listen to that. Yep. That you can monetize. I agree with it about your podcast. I agree because I've checked it out and I'm I'm like, I can't believe that this is something people i mean this what we're doing here you've got a full you've got an array of talent here and you can you hold on a second let me put my glasses on even we disagree with that you've done some prep right i can see questions there no no this is your medical history you've got a handsome studio you've got cameras around this is very professional yeah also on a zoom also can i just point out i've been interviewing people around the clock since 1993 I'm a seasoned professional.

3:06Exactly. What Muhammad Ali was to boxing, I am to interviewing. We can cut all this out. Yeah, well. You need lifts. But, yeah, you guys with this, you know, R &D.

3:22But, yes. So I agree with you. At least Will has just sharp dagger humor. He's got a darkness that's fun to follow. Yes. a voice that's not bad to listen to no i buy whatever truck he's selling right yeah i mean as long as it's professional grade yeah he's got he's got an opinion and he'll let you know it yep sean p hayes is sure is is just pure sunshine and uh and is curious and is warm and i don't i don't i'm trying to find the lane that i'm supposed to be in which is the the area in between those two, which I guess is just sort of listening and asking questions that I think the normal guy wants to know.

4:09Yeah. You know? Yeah. And so I'm I feel I'm easily replaceable. Yes. Yes. I was going to say the same thing. I was going to say, I'm glad you said it. No, no. I you know, I think you could come, you could go. Right. You know, whatever. Kind of what I do and whatever the hell I do on camera, too. I'm trying to just kind of be us. To hear the rest of the episode, as well as other great conversations I've had with folks like Amy Poehler, Adam Scott, Ben Stiller, and more. Check out Conan O 'Brien Needs a Friend wherever you get your podcasts.

From the publisher

Jason recently joined Conan on his podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” to talk about everything from the intense pressures of child acting to the iconic actor who wanted to play him in the "Arrested Development" movie. Listen to the full conversation between Jason and Conan on “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” wherever you get your podcasts.

Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early. 
Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.


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