Overview of SmartLess — Episode: “Aubrey Plaza”
The SmartLess hosts (Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett) welcome guest Aubrey Plaza for a long, freewheeling conversation that mixes career origin stories, personal revelations, and promotion for her recent work. The discussion moves from improv and early breaks (UCB, Judd Apatow, Parks and Rec) to a life-changing medical episode (a stroke at age 20), producing and acting highlights (Emily the Criminal), and a surprise personal announcement—Aubrey is expecting her first child. She also debuts her animated series Kevin on Amazon Prime Video, which is released the same day as the episode.
Key topics discussed
- Early career and comedy roots
- UCB (Upright Citizens Brigade) sketch/improv scene in NYC; early contemporaries (Aziz Ansari, Zach Woods, etc.)
- How Allison Jones and casting calls led to Funny People, Parks and Rec, and Scott Pilgrim in a short span.
- Transition from improv/sketch to scripted film and TV.
- Parks and Rec casting and character evolution
- How the show and creators (Mike Schur, Greg Daniels) shaped her role.
- Health and life perspective
- Aubrey recounts having a stroke at age 20: sudden numbness in her right arm and loss of speech (language center affected).
- Long-term medical mystery (possible birth control link); lasting psychological and spiritual impact—reduced sweating the small stuff, more interest in spirituality.
- Personal anecdotes
- Dating Michael Cera (long road trip, near–Vegas wedding bit), almost-marriage story.
- Being an SNL intern/page and later hosting SNL—full-circle experience.
- Growing up in Delaware; parents’ backgrounds (dad in finance, mom a lawyer who loves theater).
- Producing and filmmaking
- Pride in producing Emily the Criminal: why the script mattered and why she resisted compromising it.
- Studied film at NYU — producing/directing interest beyond acting.
- New projects and releases
- Animated series Kevin (Amazon Prime): premise (based on her alley cat Kevin), Jason Schwartzman voices Kevin, theme music by Schwartzman, guest voices include John Waters, Whoopi Goldberg, Amy Sedaris.
- Emily the Criminal praised as a “baby” of hers and a project that showcased a new dramatic range.
- White Lotus experience (filmed in Sicily/Rome), and secrecy around scripts/mystery at the center of the series.
- Surprise personal news
- Aubrey announces she is pregnant with her first child during the episode.
Notable moments & quotes
- On producing: “It is the fucking script.” — Aubrey on the central role of a strong script in making a film work.
- On the stroke: She describes being lucid while her brain wouldn’t produce speech: “I was aware that my brain wasn't working right.”
- Relationship anecdote: She and Michael Cera “drove across the country eating a bag of edibles” and almost tried to get married in Vegas as a bit.
- Announcement: Aubrey reveals she’s pregnant—hosts react warmly and immediately congratulate her.
Guest background & current projects
- Background: Grew up in Delaware; active in community theater as a child; UCB and NYU film school; early career boosted by casting opportunities (Judd Apatow/Allison Jones).
- Notable past roles: Parks and Recreation, Funny People, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Emily the Criminal.
- Recent work:
- Emily the Criminal (producer and star) — Aubrey stresses fidelity to the script and calls it a personal, proud project.
- Kevin (Amazon Prime) — animated series based on her real-life cat; Aubrey co-created, co-produced, and voices multiple characters. Cast highlights: Jason Schwartzman (Kevin), John Waters, Whoopi Goldberg, Amy Sedaris.
Main takeaways
- Aubrey Plaza has intentionally expanded from her deadpan-comedy persona into producing and dramatic acting, with strong emphasis on choosing and protecting great scripts.
- Her near-miss medical event (stroke at 20) had a lasting, clarifying impact on how she views life and spirituality.
- She remains actively involved in creating projects rather than waiting for roles—producing is a way to make the work she wants to see.
- Kevin (her animated series) is a passion project with a strong, eclectic cast and is available on Prime Video.
Recommendations / action items
- Watch Emily the Criminal if you haven’t—Aubrey highlights it as a defining dramatic performance and a project she’s proud of.
- Check out Kevin on Amazon Prime Video (drops the same day as this episode) if you enjoy adult animated comedy with a quirky indie sensibility.
- For fans interested in Aubrey’s trajectory: revisit Parks and Rec to see her earlier comedic persona, then watch Emily the Criminal to appreciate her range.
Length & tone of the episode
- Long, conversational, candid, and often playful; balances humor and serious personal disclosure (health, pregnancy). The hosts tease and riff frequently, giving the episode a relaxed, familiar tone.
Who should listen
- Fans of Aubrey Plaza or SmartLess who want a mix of personal storytelling and career insights.
- Viewers curious about behind-the-scenes casting stories (Parks and Rec, SNL) and the producer’s perspective on filmmaking.
- People interested in candid conversations about health, creativity, and life transitions.