One of the complexities in the public response to John Mulaney and Anna Marie Tendler’s divorce is how Mulaney incorporated his wife so deeply into his stand-up. His routines often included jokes about her and her family, which—though occasionally awkward—felt endearing because Mulaney’s affection for Tendler convinced fans they were a perfect match.
In contrast, Seth Meyers mostly keeps a respectful boundary around his personal life. His wife Alexi figures prominently in his specials like Lobby Baby, which hilariously recounts their son’s lobby birth, and his latest, Dad Man Walking. This new special is refreshingly free of politics, a stark change from his late-night show, which centers heavily on current events. It’s a break from the usual Trump-heavy fare, and, like Lobby Baby, it’s timelessly funny, enjoyable even years later, and for anyone, regardless of politics.
Dad Man Walking focuses almost entirely on the highs and lows of parenting. Meyers spares us the cliché of overthe-top declarations of love before each parenting horror story. His affection, however, shines through naturally, even when describing his kids’ most frustrating antics. He cleverly balances this with jokes about how his kids’ mischief fuels his career, funding their future college educations.
The special is warm and genuinely funny, a perfect antidote to the relentless noise of social media and politics. Yet Meyers does tread on topics that could become awkward soundbites if he and Alexi ever split. For instance, he jokes about Alexi’s general sweetness toward everyone but reserves a mean streak just for him, which he good-naturedly admits he deserves because he still can’t figure out how, for instance, to collapse a stroller. Amen to that! He also jokes about his in-laws supporting him during arguments with Alexi, which adds a humorous honesty to his tales.
These jokes are all good-natured, miles away from the “take my wife, please” style of the past. But with high-profile splits like Mulaney’s and Wong’s, if I were a divorce attorney, I might keep a few clips from Meyers’ special in my back pocket, just in case.
‘Far More Temperamental’ Seth Meyers Had Hot Temper at ‘SNL’ Known for his kindness, Seth Meyers admitted to being “shamefully petty” during his time on Saturday Night Live on NPR’s Wild Card podcast. “I was far more temperamental when I was younger,” he told host Rachel Martin. I had times when I wanted to say something relationship-ending at SNL because things were hot.
Heated arguments are part of putting on a live show, and Meyers’ head was full of those shamefully petty insults. However, producer Mike Shoemaker’s advice helped him to remain silent. “I remember once saying, ‘I’m going to go tell so-and-so he’s a you-know-what.” Shoemaker would often comment, “It’s a long life.” Look at the people you work with here.
What you’re experiencing with them, even those who aren’t your favorites, is a bonding experience. For the rest of your life, you will need these relationships. More of them will be present at your wedding than not. Meyers learned to live by the “It’s a long life” adage. If someone you think could be your friend in the future, don’t burn it down now.”