In a recent interview, comedian Seth Meyers opened up about his latest stand-up special, “Dad Man Walking,” which delves into his domestic life with his wife and kids. Meyers expressed his concern about not wanting his kids to have trauma based on his comedy, so he carefully considers whether they will appreciate the jokes when they grow older.
Meyers shared that his wife has only one rule about being the subject of his material: she doesn’t mind if he makes her sound mean as long as he makes her sound right. This, according to Meyers, speaks volumes about her character.
When asked about the boundaries when joking about his wife, Meyers admitted that he tends to be a bit sneaky in testing out material. He waits until a joke works before playing it for her, putting her in the uncomfortable position of asking him to remove a good piece of material.
Regarding his kids’ reaction to his comedy, Meyers mentioned that they find him funny, but his wife, a former prosecutor, may do even better than him.
Coming from a background at “SNL” and “Late Night,” where jokes are workshopped by a team of writers, Meyers found putting together a stand-up special alone to be liberating and thrilling. He mentioned the excitement of crafting new stand-up material that can be performed for an extended period.
Meyers also discussed the impact of podcasts on late-night talk shows, noting that podcasts have not influenced the type of comedy he does. He highlighted the difference in vibe between podcasts and traditional talk shows, emphasizing the importance of quick, funny interviews.
When asked about the possibility of late-night hosts becoming obsolete in the future, Meyers agreed with Jimmy Kimmel’s view that there may not be a new wave of network hosts. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has had in the industry but acknowledged that future comedians may not have the same chances. Despite this, Meyers believes that interesting voices will always find ways to reach audiences, whether through traditional television or newer platforms like podcasts. Conan O’Brien, the beloved late-night talk show host and comedian, recently sat down for an interview to discuss his future plans, his thoughts on the U.K. version of “SNL,” and his admiration for Lorne Michaels.
When asked about his contract renewal with “Late Night” through 2028, O’Brien expressed his desire to continue hosting the show for as long as the network will have him. He joked about going on a week-to-week contract after 2028, emphasizing his love for the show and the opportunity to work with funny people and tell jokes.
Regarding the U.K. version of “SNL,” O’Brien admitted that he would love the offer as a chance for a “boondoggle” to the U.K., but he has not been asked to consult for the show. He praised the expansion of the show, noting the talent and humor that British comedians bring to the table.
On the topic of Lorne Michaels and the longevity of “SNL,” O’Brien shared his belief that Michaels will run the show forever, given his passion for it. He described Michaels as someone who thrives on being surrounded by young talent and loves what he does, making retirement seem unlikely.
In a rapid-fire round of questions, O’Brien revealed that his kids make him laugh the hardest, shared a story of bombing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and highlighted the importance of being a good listener as an audience member. He also reflected on a joke he wrote for “Weekend Update” that was deemed too risky by Amy Poehler.
O’Brien ended the interview by praising a late-night bit from someone else’s show, citing The Lonely Island’s performance of “I’m on a Boat” with classroom instruments on Jimmy Fallon’s show as a favorite. Despite his own lack of musical talent, O’Brien found the bit incredibly unique and entertaining.
Overall, Conan O’Brien’s humor, wit, and genuine love for comedy shine through in this interview, showcasing his enduring charm and dedication to making people laugh. Fans can look forward to many more years of laughter and entertainment from this iconic late-night host. When it comes to comedy or joke-writing advice, one of the best tips you can receive is to keep it shorter. In the world of comedy, brevity is key. The punchline should hit quickly and effectively, without any unnecessary buildup or filler.
By keeping your jokes concise, you can ensure that your audience stays engaged and doesn’t lose interest before the punchline is delivered. Shorter jokes also tend to be more memorable and impactful, as they leave a lasting impression without dragging on.
So, when crafting your next joke or comedic routine, remember the importance of brevity. Cut out any unnecessary words or details and get straight to the point. Your audience will thank you for it, and you’ll be on your way to delivering hilarious jokes that leave a lasting impact.
