SmartLess Live at the Hollywood Bowl

One of the most listened-to podcasts in the country is leaving the studio and taking over a Hollywood hillside. On Saturday, October 17, 2026, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett bring SmartLess Live to the Hollywood Bowl, and it is easily one of the more talked-about things happening in Hollywood this month.

When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068 Hosts: Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett Tickets: Through the official ticket link on the event page

What is SmartLess?

SmartLess launched in July 2020 and has spent much of its run among the top five most listened-to podcasts each month. It has also earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Podcast. The format is simple: the three hosts sit down with a guest who has no idea who else is on the call, and the conversation wanders wherever the banter takes it. The humor is self-deprecating and the tone is warm, more hangout than interview.

Past guests have included Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Don Cheadle, Larry David, Amy Poehler, Idris Elba, Pedro Pascal and Selena Gomez, along with several former presidents. That range is a big part of the appeal.

What to expect at the Bowl

A live taping lets fans watch the hosts do what they do in person. According to the event listing, the three will conduct two interviews with special mystery guests, so the lineup of who walks out is part of the fun. Nobody outside the production knows who is coming, and the listing does not name them, so treat any rumor as a rumor.

This is not a traditional music night, but it sits comfortably alongside the other LA concerts and live shows on the Bowl's fall calendar. Expect a seated, outdoor crowd, long laughs and a show built around conversation instead of a setlist.

Practical info

The Hollywood Bowl is tucked into the hills just off the 101 near Highland Avenue, and show nights are busy. Give yourself extra time for parking and shuttles, and consider a rideshare or the venue's park-and-ride options so you are in your seat by the 7:30 PM start. Evenings in October can cool off quickly in the hills, so a light jacket is smart.

We could not confirm a ticket price from the listing, so check the official link for current availability and pricing before you plan your night. For more ideas around town, browse our Hollywood neighborhood guide, our concerts category, or the wider list of things to do in Los Angeles this fall.