‘SmartLess’ Heading to the Hollywood Bowl for a Mass-Scale Podcast Taping in November (EXCLUSIVE)

This fall, the legendary Hollywood Bowl—an iconic open-air venue that has hosted countless historic performances since 1922—will break new ground by staging its first live podcast recording. On November 15, the hit show "SmartLess," featuring the comedic trio of Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes, will bring its signature blend of improvisation and surprise to the famed stage. As is customary for the podcast, two unannounced celebrity guests will join the hosts, whose identities are typically concealed even from Arnett, Bateman, and Hayes until the moment they appear.

Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday at 10 a.m. Pacific Time through Ticketmaster, though American Express cardholders can secure seats starting today during an exclusive presale. In a typically humorous and humble announcement, the hosts quipped: “We’re deeply flattered, if slightly bewildered, to be the Hollywood Bowl’s inaugural live podcast. The Beatles performed here… and now, against all odds, so will we. Our apologies to music history.”

Although the event is anticipated to attract a full house, it will not set a new worldwide attendance record for a podcast. That honor belongs to Mike Ward’s “Sous Écoute,” which drew 20,986 people in Montreal two years ago. The Bowl’s maximum capacity of 17,500 prevents it from surpassing that mark. Still, "SmartLess" could establish a new U.S. benchmark, eclipsing the Kelce brothers’ “New Heights” podcast, which had to relocate indoors to a 12,500-seat arena in Cincinnati last year due to inclement weather.

Rumors are already swirling about which celebrities might appear as special guests. Given the podcast’s track record of landing major names—from music icons like Elton John and Ariana Grande to actors such as Mark Hamill and public figures like Bill Gates—the Hollywood Bowl’s acoustically rich environment may well host a musical performance. Industry analyst Mara Jenkins notes, “The Bowl is synonymous with great live sound. A musical guest would not only fit the venue’s legacy but elevate the entire experience.”

Since its debut in mid-2020, "SmartLess" has remained a fixture in the top five most-streamed podcasts monthly. The show, which boasts over 270 episodes and a reputation for attracting A-list interviewees, was acquired by SiriusXM from Amazon earlier this year. This live event underscores both the program’s enduring popularity and the evolving cultural significance of podcasting as a medium capable of filling major venues.