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I am Seth Meyers, host of NBC's Late Night and the 66th Annual Primetime Emmys. Ask Me Anything!
Seth Meyers here, coming to you from my dressing room in Downtown L.A.'s Nokia Theater, where come Monday I'll be hosting the 66th Annual Primetime Emmys.
This past February I became host of NBC's Late Night franchise. I've had the opportunity to interview Reddit favorites like Bill Nye, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chris Pratt, Lena Headey, Sirs Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, plus tons of other actors, musicians, authors, athletes and more...
Before I joined Late Night, I spent over a decade on Saturday Night Live, where I served as a cast member, head writer and Weekend Update anchor. Some highlights thanks to Yahoo! Screen here. I'm also excited to share with you the Hulu animated series The Awesomes was just picked up for a third season! More info on that here.
Ask me about the Emmys, Late Night, SNL, The Awesomes, comics, books, sports, television and...anything!
PROOF: https://twitter.com/sethmeyers/status/502154549197815808 https://twitter.com/LateNightSeth/status/502154283631259649
UPDATE: Thanks, everyone for the questions! I really enjoyed my first AMA. Watch the Emmys on NBC Monday, Aug. 25 at 8pmET/5pm PT and Late Night weeknights on NBC at 12:35/11:35c!
Have a great day!
-Seth
Seth_Meyers553 karma
In my memory I never did. It was so wonderful being out there with Bill. I just felt like an audience member with the best seat
ChrisK7367 karma
Sorry, I've wanted to ask one guest of Comedians in Cars this:
How much time is spent actually shooting an episode as a guest? Is the conversation completely spontaneous or do you prepare as you do for a show like Late Night?
Seth_Meyers587 karma
No preparation at all. Jerry pulled up outside my apartment and we spent four hours together. An hour on the road, three eating and talking. Probably four of the most exciting hours of my life. Very few people I know that are more fun to talk about comedy with.
MyPrettyPower249 karma
Any chance you will cameo on Portlandia? Your chemistry with Fred is charming and hilarious!
Seth_Meyers300 karma
The schedule has never worked out but I'm hoping to make it up to Portland soon. I'd love to be there and see Fred do his thing
jvh2012223 karma
Hi Seth,
What sketch that you wrote during your time at SNL are you most proud of writing?
Why doesn’t SNL release who wrote which sketches? (I.e. on the credits when they are uploaded to Yahoo Screen the next day) I feel like a lot of SNL fans would like to know who wrote what, and that it would be a great way for the fans to become familiar with the writers, who often times can go unappreciated.
Seth_Meyers355 karma
In my last full season I wrote a lot of stuff I loved. Louis CK as Lincoln, Darrell's House with Zach and History of Punk with Fred. As far as why they're not credited it's a good question. I will say, with rewriting and collaboration giving one writer sole credit would take away from the efforts of the table. I "wrote" the Sarah Palin sketches but often the best jokes came from other people pitching in.
Dsalamone12190 karma
The thing with Fred at the start of the show where he tells what hes been up to lately is one of my favorite things ever. Are those completely improvised or does he know what your going to ask him about?
nayun180 karma
Seth, did you know that you have a large amount of fans in China? And we call you " Sai Jin Hua" (means "better than Golden flowers" ') . You like saying anything to us? :) P.s Good luck on Emmys! !
Seth_Meyers250 karma
That's the best thing I've heard all day! Can't wait to make my writers start calling me that!!!!
Thanks, China
Maccas75170 karma
Hi Seth! What has been the most challenging aspect of hosting your own talk-show?
Also, do you miss doing Weekend Update with Cecily Strong? You guys had such great comedic chemistry together!
Seth_Meyers366 karma
I miss her terribly. But we're in the same building so I get to see her all the time. I'm really glad I was able to spend time with her at the desk.
The most challenging aspect is shaving every day as opposed to once a week on Saturday night
Seth_Meyers217 karma
So many great ones over the year. Jon Hamm, JT, Melissa McCarthy...There are so few that let you down. It's amazing that people are willing to give an entire week to such a stressful process.
T3canolis125 karma
Seth, you are literally my comedy hero. I cannot put into words how much I appreciate and love the stuff you wrote and were in on SNL.
However, my favorite moment of you on Saturday Night Live was on the Season 35 premiere, where after Jenny Slate famously swore in her sketch, you stayed with her during goodnights, giving her what was definitely a much-needed hug. This made me really look up to you, in how you decided to comfort her with a smile even after she screwed up on the show you wrote for.
With this in mind, I want to know what you think about those who treat comedy, and especially SNL, like an unforgiving, cruel place. Do you agree? Or not?
Seth_Meyers134 karma
SNL was an incredibly loving place in my time there. People were out to succeed but not at the expense of their colleagues. By design someone is going to be unhappy at the end of every show. There's just not enough space for everyone to score each week. But it was never unforgiving and never cruel.
As for Jenny, she is such a talented person. I suggest everyone see her film "Obvious Child" which was wonderful. She also killed her segment on Late Night
drewm_5593 karma
Less of an "ask" and more of a "tell", but the segment you do right after the monologue where you do updates on the family and personal life are really great, you're a dynamite storyteller with those. Here's an "ask" part for you: does it take a lot of work to come up with a new yarn every night, or do those anecdotes come to you pretty naturally?
Seth_Meyers90 karma
Thanks! I really enjoy doing that. I wasn't something we planned as much as we discovered. They don't come easy every day. There are times when it's a bit more of a struggle mostly because my days can be the same in the middle of a show week. I do find myself trying new things in hopes of finding something new to talk about
modern_complexity85 karma
Hi, Seth!
I'm from your hometown of Bedford, NH! Your mom taught French to my friends several years ago, I was at your show at our high school auditorium (the local jokes in particular were spot on), and I was in the audience at your third ever Late Night show! So I'm a pretty big fan of yours, and I appreciate having the opportunity to tell you so.
My question is a two-parter:
1 How do you like the job? Is it a fulfilling line of work?
2) What's it like to step into the shoes of the late night greats like Jimmy, Letterman, and Conan?
Thanks so much!!
Seth_Meyers98 karma
Bonjour! Great to talk to a fellow Bedfordite.
1) I love my job and it's incredibly fulfilling. Getting to do it every day is incredible. 2) It's daunting but at SNL I was stepping into big shoes as well so I learned the best way to handle that kind of pressure is to do your best to ignore it.
Neiljackandjimmy69 karma
What do you think about the lonely island movie that's been announced?
DarrenAronofsky69 karma
How awesome was it working with Bill Hader? I imagine he's fun. Also, huge fan. You're very funny. Keep doing your thing.
Seth_Meyers110 karma
Bill is one of the most talented people I've ever met. On top of that he has impeccable taste when it comes to comedy. Writing with him always meant you were going to get the best out of the idea
aejohnson967 karma
Hey Seth, Any advice for aspiring TV screenwriters? What's the best route to get into entertainment writing?
Is being in a comedy troupe particularly important? can online journalism suffice?
Thanks!
Seth_Meyers125 karma
I think there are more ways than ever to find a job in the entertainment industry. The best advice I would give is to create as much content you're proud of as possible. So if the day comes when somebody wants to see your stuff, it's ready to go
frid62 karma
Seth, did you have any interaction with Don Pardo during your SNL years? Wondered if you had any stories of thoughts about him.
Seth_Meyers107 karma
Don was a wonderful guy who was always happy to tell us about the Golden Age of TV and radio in early days of 30 Rock. I'm so happy I had a chance to know him
Seth_Meyers89 karma
We have another one locked and loaded. Hoping to announce soon. But it's a good one!
CPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP61 karma
Is madam Meyers still teaching French? She's the reason I still know the French alphabet after 14 years.
Seth_Meyers79 karma
My mother retired two years ago! She misses her students but loves her free time
moshami55 karma
Big fan and congratulations on your new venture! Which SNL cast member is in real life most like one of the characters they play?
Seth_Meyers154 karma
If you think that, based on her characters, Poehler is a ball of positive energy that you would want to spend time around, you would be right
Ascertain2055 karma
Do you clear stories you're going to tell on the show with people before you tell them?
globochememployee50 karma
Who was your favorite recurring guest on Update (besides Stefon since we all know it is Stefon)?
Seth_Meyers124 karma
Yes it was.
Loved Drunk Uncle. Loved anything Kate ever did. Never was out there with Kenan when he wasn't killing it. So many
Karlybitme4748 karma
Dearest Seth, I am such a huge fan. I went to the 52nd taping of Late Night on May 22nd. I was freaking out the entire time. Hugh Jackman punched my arm, and your bloggers made my friend and I into a gif because we were freaking out so much. I straight up started crying when Fred sang Dancing with Myself. At the end, Fred blew me a kiss and Kim gave me her drumsticks and I almost passed out. Long story short, it was the best day of my life. I want to thank you so much for that. You are absolutely incredible, and you make me laugh until I cry every single night. You are going to rock the Emmy's! Okay so here is my question: what advice would you give someone like me who dreams of making people laugh for a living? You are such a huge inspiration to me, and your advice would mean the world. Thank you so much!
Seth_Meyers58 karma
Glad you had fun! Here's my advice: Get out when you're young and perform as much as possible. This is the time to find your voice. A lot of the finding will come in the failing but that's OK. You'll be fine!
funk_houser48 karma
Hi Seth! Loved your work on SNL, specifically your characters Man in Line, Concerned Customer, Offended Friend, Silent Observer, and Restaurant Patron. What was the strangest "pinch me" experience that you've had at 30 Rock?
Seth_Meyers70 karma
Thanks for pointing out my fine sketch work!
In my early years of SNL I shared an elevator with Robert DeNiro
NapsAndNetflix47 karma
Seth, when asked who my celebrity crush is I always answer with you. I am a straight 20 year old male. Now that that is out in the open, what was the biggest change from moving from snl to your own talk show?
Seth_Meyers58 karma
Thank you! I'm flattered.
Doing a show every day versus once a week. The upside is, when something doesn't work we get to go back out there 24 hours later as opposed to having to sit with it for seven days.
thecricketnerd42 karma
Seth, what impressions/characters did you do for your SNL audition? Those were never your strength but obviously they weren't bad enough because you got hired.
Also, is there anything you can tell us about SNL's upcoming 40th season special?
Edit: grammatical
Seth_Meyers55 karma
Impressions were Russell Crowe, David Arquette and Hugh Grant. Characters were an Italian fashion photographer and a guy from Boston
thechasesmith35 karma
Do SNL stars and writers bring a notebook of ideas back from their summer break? How crazy is that first pitch meeting? I'm sure everyone is bringing their A game
Seth_Meyers67 karma
Surprisingly, the stuff you work out in the summer always feels flat and old by the time you bring it to the first pitch. Some of the best stuff I ever wrote were ideas I came up with in the seconds before I had to say something out loud
messimanziel34 karma
Hey Seth, how did you feel when you got to roast the President at the White House Correspondents dinner?
Seth_Meyers51 karma
It was a thrilling night. Very out of body. I was incredibly happy when it was over but I'm glad I'm not sitting on that dais now about to stand up and do it again
DaRooster34 karma
When you were a kid did you ever picture your life taking this direction?
notkapowski30 karma
Seth, I loved the Men In Blazers' appearance on your show the other week. How in the world did you become a West Ham fan?
Seth_Meyers51 karma
I was doing a show in London in 2000. I wanted to go to a soccer game. Went to a ticket agent and had my pick between West Ham, Arsenal and Charlton Athletic. Chose West Ham because I liked the idea of going to East London. Have often regretted not taking Arsenal but will never switch back!
Tommyboy212428 karma
Hi Seth!
Out of all of the Emmy nominated shows this year which one has been your favorite?
Seth_Meyers60 karma
I try hard not to tell any jokes that, were I to see the person I told them about, I wouldn't feel so bad that I couldn't say hello. There are very few I'd take back
Seth_Meyers41 karma
It's incredibly hard but we have great joke writers who are more than up to the task
traheidda25 karma
What is one of your favorite Weekend Update jokes or bits that you were a part of?
Seth_Meyers61 karma
Loved doing really with Poehler. Loved doing features with fellow cast members.
zedtozee22 karma
If I remember correctly, I think you mentioned that you are a Kanye fan. How were your interactions in SNL/Late night with Kanye been and how was it like to interview him so early on in Late Night?
Seth_Meyers32 karma
It was great. I'm such a fan of his work and it was exciting to talk to him about it. It was a little stressful having him as a guest for our second show but I think it worked out all right.
intrenches21 karma
Do you hold grudges against your Late Night writers after reading Affirmations?
RandomnessAbound061020 karma
Hey Seth glad to see you with a talk show, always a joy to see you on SNL!
Was Drunk Uncle a character you came up with?
Neiljackandjimmy20 karma
Hi! I'm from England and I just wanted to thank you for making me laugh so much. My question is if you could do a special week of latenight in any country/state, which would you pick?
globochememployee19 karma
If you could have been on the writing staff of any show (past or present) which would it be? Why?
Seth_Meyers36 karma
I saw a tape of a writers panel from Caesar's Hour a few years ago. Neil Simon, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks and many more. Would have loved to have been in a room with them
FallonIsBetter19 karma
Hey Seth! I was at your monologue rehearsal on July 31st (national orgasm day) I was the kid in the navy blue shirt that waved at you before you started.
My question for you is: How old were you when you first started writing and performing standup and how did you first get involved with it?
Seth_Meyers29 karma
I had an improv background. And that was something I started doing in college. I came to stand-up later in life. But with writing, that was something I was doing from a very young age. Was lucky to have good teachers who told me I had talent there
BlackCydonia17 karma
Seth, can you tell me what's with the number 21? You used to put it on your twitter name
Seth_Meyers46 karma
I blame Bill Simmons. He used to be BillSimmons33 so I thought you needed a number. 21 is one I like (Robert Clemente - my dad's favorite)
nevercomestheday16 karma
Hey Seth, huge fan of yours since you got started on SNL! My question for you is this: of all the update anchors, who's your favorite and/or biggest inspiration?
miatova16 karma
Hey Seth! Do you have any idea when you're going to get to do Second Chance Theatre on Late Night again? Jennjamin was so funny and I would love to see something like that again. Any idea when it's coming?
Seth_Meyers40 karma
I loved Justice League International when it first started. Good stories with comic relief. Blue Beetle and Booster were always my favorite but I liked Blue Beetle because he was smarter
Seth_Meyers25 karma
They have. My parents are great. They waited until I'd been doing it a month until they showed up.
lazyfoot1013 karma
Hey Seth, I am loving Late Night!
Think the Pirates sneak into the playoffs this year?
Seth_Meyers18 karma
Last week has been brutal. But I think they have a shot. Fingers crossed
EdmundCastle13 karma
What do you think about the Not Ready for Primetime podcast? Did you really send Mike Ryan a lobster hat? Where does one even find that?
Seth_Meyers19 karma
I sent Mike a Maine Justice hat. I had them made for Sudeikis' last show and knew Mike to be, possibly, the world's biggest fan of that sketch.
MyPrettyPower10 karma
Bill Hader said "All of them. Every. Single. One. Of. Them." in response to "favorite sweet?". What's yours?
Seth_Meyers13 karma
Don't love sweets. That's why Hader and I get along so well. No competition!
drcorndog9 karma
With Late Night having a longer running schedule than SNL, do you think you'll still be able to tour at all?
Seth_Meyers11 karma
Less for sure. But I'm still going to try and get out twice a month for as long as I can handle it. I love getting on the road.
shattered466 karma
What are your thoughts on the current state of the Red Sox? Are you confident the younger talent they're banking on will grow into their own in the next couple years?
Seth_Meyers8 karma
I hope so but I truly don't care. It's all gravy for me now. I feel as though I asked the fates for one WS and I would never ask for anything else. So I won't.
nayun6 karma
One question bothering me a long time: How can you guys of SNL remain such a great spirit on air after many rehearsals ? did you improvise often?
Seth_Meyers6 karma
We never improvise but we don't have that much time to rehearse. By the time you do it live on air, it's TOPS, the 6th time you've done it from top to bottom
mindylahiri4 karma
Hi Seth! Although I miss you on Weekend Update, I look forward to your new show every night.
Your new writers are awesome; I especially love all the stuff Michelle Wolf does for the show! I'm wondering, how involved were you in the process of hiring writers for Late Night? How did you decide who would be best fit to write jokes for the show every night?
Seth_Meyers6 karma
Alex Baze, Mike Shoemaker and I met with all of the writers before we hired them. We wanted people who had voices different from mine and so far we're really happy with how it's turned out.
Ascertain203 karma
Are there more global outposts of Awesomes teams like in the UK or Germany?
La_Baguette2 karma
Howdy Sethington! On Late Night, what is it like having to sit down with celebrities that you don't like? Is there ever a time where you simply don't want to have a discussion with a person on the show?
Seth_Meyers3 karma
I'm not sure if that has happened yet. I like talking to people. So while they're are people I'm VERY excited to talk to there haven't been any of the opposite.
what_would_yeezus_do541 karma
How could you ask questions like "I'm sorry Stefon, what is a human magic 8-ball?" with a straight face when Bill Hader couldn't keep it together?
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