Seth Meyers Is Trading Politics For Parenting In New Standup Special

NEW YORK — Seth Meyers reveals that whether he’s quarreling with his wife or in an odd circumstance with his children, he can’t help but think of turning it into a piece. The comedian and host of “Late Night with Seth Meyers” adapted numerous of those humorous stories for his latest HBO/Max standup special, “Dad Man Walking.”

Meyers’ most recent HBO special, “Lobby Baby,” which aired in 2019, also delves into his parenting adventures. Meyers adds that being holed up with his family during the pandemic forced him to write about his children and marriage to his wife, Alexi Ashe.

“I’ve always enjoyed how — unlike the nightly show, which is so tied to politics and the world we’re living in — this was more about sort of the universal experience of being part of a family,” Meyers said CNN in a recent interview. “It’s really fun to be on stage and realize that you are not alone in the way you are feeling about things.”

Seth Meyers Is Trading Politics For Parenting In New Standup Special

The program was shot live at the Vic Theatre in Chicago, where Meyers received large laughs talking about simple things like not understanding how to fold a stroller and the dangers of playing board games with his children, who are 8, 6, and 3 years old.

Meyers stated that his children have not complained about discussing the humorous things they say and do on stage. “I am very cognizant of saying things that I feel like they’ll be okay with,” he told me. They enjoy appearing on TV and serving as fodder for his act, but he knows that will change as they age. His oldest son suddenly appeared less enthusiastic about the traditional turkey costume contest for Thanksgiving.

“The minute someone at school busts him for being in a turkey costume, game over,” Meyers added, laughing. “But we will give them permission … because my wife did buy into being married to a comedian, whereas they didn’t choose it.”

One of the special’s highlight moments is Alexi attempting to pass through airport security with a tub of hummus. Meyers intended to keep it to himself, but he couldn’t resist testing it onstage. “I am literally in real time thinking … it’s not just that the story is so funny, but I realize this really is a perfect example of who we both are in this marriage,” he told me. “It kind of overlaps nicely with the theme of what I’m trying to do.”

The special’s director, Neal Brennan, believes the humor lies in Meyers’ relatable experiences despite his celebrity and acerbic persona. “He controls ‘Late Night’ and his personal life? “He is completely out of control,” Brennan added, chuckling.

Brennan, who also helmed “Lobby Baby,” claims Meyers has no pretense regarding family. “His conceit is, ‘I’m a very good businessman… and I have all the power.'” I have complete authority; everything I say goes. And when I get home, it’s just a lot of people taking advantage of me and wanting to speak about lava.”

Meyers, known for his stinging political satire, claims that the humor in his act originates from seeing how men and women fail each other and attempting to distribute blame equitably.

“I’m so loath to do that special about a man complaining about his wife,” Meyers joked. He appreciates it when both husbands and wives see themselves in his comedy. “For me, balance is extremely vital. Whereas both sides politically are a complete waste of time, I strive to do both sides through marriage.”

Seth Meyers Is Trading Politics For Parenting In New Standup Special

Meyers also commented on “Saturday Night Live”‘s 50th anniversary, saying he enjoyed seeing his period’s “big swings” on the show. “I loved just being there while you watched Kristen Wiig, Fred Armisen, Andy Samberg and Bill Hader all just become the people who would then be a massive part of show business for the next two decades.”

While some argue that “SNL” is no longer as hilarious as it once was, Meyers believes that being “beautifully uneven” is one of the show’s greatest enduring aspects compared to watching live sports.

“You don’t know until it happens how it’s going to be,” Meyers told the crowd. “I’ve always felt that the poorest show has something fantastic, while the best show has something dreadful. “And no host can guarantee consistency.”

As for whether he’ll continue performing standup, Meyers believes it’s a safe bet, given all the family drama. “They continue to provide stuff. So, sure, I can’t see it stopping very soon.”

SOURCE | AP