Seth Meyers has shared that there are moments during disagreements with his wife or while navigating humorous situations with his kids when he can’t help but consider transforming them into comedy material. The host of “Late Night with Seth Meyers” has taken many of these entertaining episodes and crafted them into his new HBO/Max stand-up special, “Dad Man Walking.”
This special follows his previous HBO offering, “Lobby Baby,” which also focused on his experiences as a parent. Meyers revealed that the extended time spent with family during the pandemic propelled him to delve further into themes surrounding his kids and his marriage to Alexi Ashe.
Meyers remarked, “I’ve always liked the notion that, in contrast to my nightly show which heavily revolves around politics and current events, this special centers on the more universal family experience.” He finds joy in performing live, realizing that audience members often relate to his feelings and experiences.
The special was recorded in front of a live audience at the Vic Theatre in Chicago, where he received hearty laughs discussing everyday challenges, such as struggling to fold a stroller and the unpredictable dynamics of playing board games with his young children, aged 8, 6, and 3.
He noted that, thus far, his kids have not been displeased with him sharing their antics during his performances. “I am always mindful of whether what I share is something they will be comfortable with,” he said. Presently, they enjoy occasional appearances on television and being part of his routine, but he acknowledges that preferences may change as they grow. He mentioned how his eldest son recently showed less excitement over a Thanksgiving tradition involving a turkey costume.
“Once someone at school teases him about that turkey costume, it’ll be game over,” Meyers chuckled. “But we grant them some leeway… after all, my wife accepted the comedian life when we married, while they didn’t have a say.”
One notable segment of the special features a humorous incident involving Alexi attempting to carry a tub of hummus through airport security. Initially thinking he should keep this anecdote private, Meyers couldn’t resist trying it out in front of the audience. “In that moment, I realized that not only was the story hilarious, but it also perfectly highlighted our personalities in the marriage. It aligned well with the theme I wanted to explore.”
The director of the special, Neal Brennan, believes the charm of Meyers’ humor stems from his relatable storytelling, which contrasts sharply with the authoritative persona he displays on “Late Night.” Brennan joked about how Meyers exhibits total control during his show, yet his home life tells a different story. “He appears to assert power, but once he’s home, it’s a different scenario altogether, filled with kids who only want to talk about lava!”
Keenly aware of his commanding presence in political discourse, Meyers sees humor in examining the missteps between men and women, always aiming to present a balanced perspective. “I really dislike the idea of a man merely complaining about his spouse,” he stated, expressing his enjoyment when both partners in a marriage can find relatable moments in his comedy. “Striking that balance is crucial to me. While political discussions can be utterly pointless, I make an effort to cover both perspectives in marriage.”
Meyers also took a moment to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live,” reminiscing about the impactful performances during his time on the show. He fondly recalls the groundbreaking careers of cast members like Kristen Wiig, Fred Armisen, Andy Samberg, and Bill Hader.
Despite critics who argue that “SNL” has lost its comedic edge over the years, Meyers appreciates the show’s charm in its unpredictability, comparing it to the excitement of live sports. “You really can’t anticipate how it’s going to unfold until it happens,” he reflected. “Even at its lowest points, there’s often something great, just as even the most stellar episodes might hold a few disappointments. Consistency is not a promise any host can guarantee.”
Looking ahead to his future in stand-up, Meyers feels confident, joking about how family antics provide a continual stream of material. “They endlessly supply content for my act, so I can’t foresee my stand-up endeavors coming to a halt anytime soon.”