Exclusive Interview: Courtney Miller and Damien Haas Talk Smosh: Under the Influence Live

Smosh is the largest sketch comedy brand on the internet today. Since its inception back in 2002, the Smosh team has pushed the boundaries and established themselves as trailblazers in the space. Their unique, one-of-a-kind content has connected with audiences around the world, amassing over 10 billion streams on YouTube alone.

This June, they continue to build on the brand’s legacy with Smosh: Under the Influence Live—their first live variety show since 2016. Starting at 6 PM PT on June 30, the entire Smosh team will perform fan-favorite segments like “Try Not to Laugh” and “Eat it or Yeet it” while intoxicated.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with cast members Courtney Miller and Damien Haas about the upcoming event and they shared juicy details on what fans can expect!

PC: Smosh is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. What’s been the key to that success? What do you think is resonating (and will continue to resonate) with audiences?
Courtney: What I’ve felt the most over the years is that relationships really come through the screen. Our videos always have a specific theme or premise, but when our main goal is just to make each other laugh. It’s a recipe for a blast—both for us and the audience. I think the average viewer deserves more credit for being able to tell when people are actually enjoying what they’re creating. So we’ve worked hard for a long time to marry our interests and friendships as a team with our content!

Damien: As someone who watched Smosh when the channel first started, it has been absolutely fascinating to watch its growth over the years. I think the key to Smosh’s success is fearlessness in the face of change. Whether it was the decision to add cast members, add a gaming element, include personality-based content, or pivot directions on the sketch channel, Smosh has had the unique ability to keep its voice while making necessary changes for growth.

PC: You all have continued to push the boundaries in this space, and Smosh: Under the Influence Live is no different. What can fans expect from this upcoming event?
Courtney: I’m really excited for the fans to see us in a whole new light! This show is taking all of your favorite shows to the next level, AND it’s going to be live. Just pure, unfiltered chaos with my favorite people! This may be something we never do again, so I wouldn’t miss Smosh history!

Damien: Our audience often tells us how much they love to see bloopers from our sketches. Sometimes, making mistakes is fun! With Smosh: UTI, the audience gets to see “how the sausage is made.” No editing, no second chances—just pure, unfiltered us. Blunders and all.

PC: This is your first live sketch since 2016. How will that experience prepare you for Smosh: Under the Influence Live?
Courtney: Smosh Live in 2016 was run like a well-planned theater production. We had directors and producers who would tell you where and when to go. However, alcohol wasn’t involved! So we still have the wonderful, talented crew there making sure everything runs smoothly, and hopefully, my learned skills as a host will still make themselves known throughout the insanity!

Damien: The original Smosh Live predates my time with the group, but I’ve been an improviser since age 14. Frankly, I’m more comfortable without a script than I am with one. Plus, I directed an improv troupe in college, so I’m no stranger to making sure tipsy comedians are staying on target.

PC: How did you all decide what segments would be included in the live show?
Courtney: We wanted to showcase a lot of the awesome new content we’ve been trying out on the Smosh Sketch Channel, like our Interviewing Exes series, as well as [Blank] Is Dead, our funeral series! Those, as well as the fan favorites from Smosh Pit and Smosh Games. One big treat that’ll bring all of our fans together for one insane live stream.

Damien: We wanted to give the audience a little taste of everything. Since we have so many different types of content, we made sure that as many fan favorites as possible would be shown a little love.

PC: This will be the first time that you do a live sketch show under the influence. What are your expectations with this added twist?
Courtney: I’m definitely the type to get really nervous for something I’ve never done before. However, when I remember that my main goal is to just laugh and have a good time with my favorite people, anticipatory anxiety subsides. I can’t wait to embarrass myself with my friends and bring you folks a night to remember!

Damien: As someone who doesn’t drink, I have been lovingly dubbed the night’s “designated Damien.” My goal is to know the show front to back just in case we get a little off track and someone needs a little help. But honestly, the night is just about having fun. If a few mistakes are made here and there (and they certainly will be), we all get to laugh about them together. That’s half the fun!

Make sure to follow Courtney (Twitter/Instagram) and Damien (Twitter/Instagram). Pick up your tickets for Smosh: Under the Influence Live today!