Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist

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Willie sits down with Mariska Hargitay, also known as "Olivia Benson" on one of the longest running prime-time dramas in the history of television: "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit". They look back on 26 seasons, her electric chemistry with co-star Christopher Meloni, and how the show inspired her to create the Joyful Heart Foundation. (Original broadcast date January 12, 2025)

Mark Hamill talks to Willie Geist about that "Star Wars" role that's shaped his life for nearly 50 years and his gripping new film, from the mind of Stephen King.

As a bonus for you, we're sharing the trailer for season 4 of ‘Dateline: Missing in America.' The award-winning podcast series is back with a brand-new season and 6 brand-new cases.Correspondent Josh Mankiewicz reports on missing person cases brought to Dateline's attention by their social media followers. Each episode centers on one individual's disappearance, told through the voices of those left behind. Listen closely. You could be the key to solving a mystery. Details shared by loved ones and investigators may spark a memory that could help bring answers.Search ‘Dateline: Missing in America' and follow now to hear the new season.

Willie sits down with Academy Award winner, Benicio Del Toro, to talk about his leading role in the latest Wes Anderson movie, "The Phoenician Scheme". He also reflects on his path from a childhood growing up in Puerto Rico to the heights of Hollywood.

Who are The Best People? They're the people who are the best at what they do and know how to bring out the best in others. On her new podcast, Nicolle Wallace speaks to the people who inspire her. As a mom. As an American. Or sometimes just as a super fan. In the first episode, she sits down with actor Jason Bateman. His show “Smartless,” which he co-hosts with Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, is the podcast that inspired her to do her own. On this special preview, Bateman shares his journey into podcasting and reflects on the political climate that gives him endless fodder for conversation. Search “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace” to listen to the full episode and to catch new episodes every Monday. Or sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts to get early access on Fridays. Signing up for Premium also includes ad-free listening and bonus content.

Willie sits down with Ina Garten for an all-new "Sunday Sitdown Live." They talk about her journey to culinary fame, the support from her husband Jeffery, and her New York Times Best Selling Memoir, "Be Ready When the Luck Happens.” Venue sponsored by City Winery.

Willie continues his conversation with Ina Garten during the second-ever "Sunday Sitdown Live” as Ina shows how to make a proper dessert tray, and answers some questions from the audience. Venue sponsored by City Winery.

Hugh Grant talks to Willie Geist about his new film, “Heretic” and about reprising the role of Daniel Cleaver in the upcoming fourth “Bridget Jones” film. They also discuss Grant's relationship with fame and how he's creating better boundaries and protections in the industry. (Original broadcast date November 17, 2024)

Willie sits down with Gloria Estefan as she returns to her "roots" with her first Spanish-language album in 18 years, "Raices". She also reflects on her extraordinary life story from young Cuban exile to becoming a music icon, and her amazing recovery story in between.

Willie sits down with Lisa Kudrow to talk about her starring role in the new Netflix series, "No Good Deed," alongside Ray Romano. She also reflects on her time starring in “Friends,” one of the most popular and enduring shows in the history of television. (Original broadcast date January 5, 2025)

Willie sits down with Vince Vaughn to talk about his career full of unforgettable roles starting with "Swingers", taking us all the way to his new Netflix movie, "Nonnas". They got together at Enoteca Maria on Staten Island, the Italian restaurant which inspired the movie, and got to meet up with the man behind the true story, Joe Scaravella.

Willie sits down with country music superstar Eric Church to reflect on his unconventional and uncompromising route to the top of Nashville. They talk about his latest album, "Evangeline Versus the Machine", and how he got his signature sunglasses look. 

Willie sat down with Emmy-winning actor Hannah Waddingham to discuss her breakout performance in the hit series "Ted Lasso". They also talk about her role in "The Fall Guy" alongside Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. (Original broadcast date April 21, 2024)

Willie sits down with "Saturday Night Live" cast member Bowen Yang to talk about his extraordinary rise to fame. Yang opens up about his upbringing as the son of Chinese immigrants and his conflict of coming out to his parents. Bowen also discusses his role in the hugely popular movie musical "Wicked." 

Willie chats with Jon Bon Jovi about his new album, "Forever", which marks a victory in the fight to get his voice back. They also talk about his head-spinning rise from Jersey bar-singer to international superstar, and they even take a tour of his studio at his Jersey home. (Original broadcast date June 16, 2024)

Lainey Wilson sits down with Willie Geist at Radio City Music Hall ahead of her concert to talk about making it big out of a small town, getting to work with her idols, and - despite the long journey - knowing she would always make it. (Original broadcast date June 30, 2024)

Willie sits down with Eva Longoria to catch up on her many new projects, such as her starring role in the film "Alexander and The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip." Longoria also opens up about how her life changed after “Desperate Housewives” and her new perspective on turning 50 years old. 

Golden Globe-winning actor Don Cheadle talks to Willie Geist about his prolific career including Oscar nominations, the "Ocean's 11" franchise, and the Marvel Universe. They also talk about his new show “Fight Night: Million Dollar Heist” streaming now on Peacock, about the true story of how an epic party after Muhammad Ali's 1970 comeback fight in Atlanta became the scene of an infamous heist. (Original broadcast date September 8, 2024)

Hey Sunday Sitdown fans! As a bonus, we're giving you a special preview of the first episode of an all-new season of Jenna Bush Hager's podcast, ‘Open Book with Jenna'.In this season's debut episode, Jenna sits down with bestselling author Rebecca Yarros. Together they talk about how Rebecca drew on her experience with chronic illness and life in a military family to write “Fourth Wing,” and her process to plot out five books in the series.To listen to the full conversation, just search ‘Open Book with Jenna' wherever you're listening to follow now, or click here: https://www.today.com/open-book-with-jenna 

 Willie Geist sits down with former rapper turned country artist, Jelly Roll, ahead of his latest album, "Beautifully Broken". He tells the story of his troubled upbringing and how he turned it all around, now selling out the biggest arenas in the country. (Original broadcast date October 6, 2024) 

Willie sits down with Emmy and Golden Globe winning actress, Angela Bassett. They discuss her role as President of the United States in the new Netflix series, "Zero Day", starring alongside Robert Dinero. They also reflect on her decades-long career playing iconic roles such as Tina Turner in "What's Love Got to Do with It", and the Queen of Wakanda in the “Marvel” cinematic universe.

Willie sits down with Oscar-winning actress Renee Zellweger who opens up about what she likes about playing the relatable title character Bridget Jones in the beloved franchise — a role she stepped into when the first movie was released in 2001.They talk about her new film, “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,”  her childhood growing up in Katy, Texas, and her road to the heights of Hollywood.

As a bonus for Sunday Sitdown fans, we're sharing the trailer for Murder in the Moonlight, an all-new original podcast series from Dateline and Keith Morrison.  In this podcast, Keith Morrison takes listeners to a quiet farmhouse on America's Great Plains, where Sharmon and Wayne Stock have just celebrated Easter with their big, loving family. That night, under a pale moon, the couple is shot to death in their bedroom. The investigation includes four suspects, spans three states, and comes down to a single shiny clue: A gold ring found at the scene of the crime.  If you like what you hear, just search Murder in the Moonlight to listen to the first two episodes now, completely free. Or subscribe to Dateline Premium on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or DatelinePremium.com. Subscribers get early access to new episodes and can listen to all Dateline podcasts ad-free.   

Since starring together in The Three Amigos in 1986, Steve Martin and Martin Short have worked together on the blockbuster Father of the Bride movies, toured the country making relentless jokes at each other's expense, and now they're starring in a hilarious series about three neighbors working together to solve a murder in their New York City apartment building. Willie Geist sat down with the two comedy legends to talk about their series Only Murders in the Building and their friendship lasting more three decades. (Original broadcast date September 12, 2021)  

It's been more than 10 years since Seth Meyers took the Late Night baton from his friend Jimmy Fallon, carrying on a legendary legacy started by David Letterman in 1982. Before taking over behind that desk, Meyers spent over a decade at Saturday Night Live, first as a cast member, then as Head Writer and host of “Weekend Update.” Willie Geist got together with the television host and comedian to talk about applying those writing skills to a children's book, inspired by his three kids, and more. (Original broadcast date March 20, 2022) 

Tracy Morgan rose to the heights of comedy from the depths of poverty, growing up between Brooklyn and the Bronx. But in 2014, he nearly died in a horrific accident, when the van he was riding in was crushed by a speeding tractor trailer. Willie Geist sat down with the former Saturday Night Live star to talk about about that accident and how it changed him, his return to comedy and his hit show “The Last O.G.".  (Original broadcast date March 31, 2019)

Andy Samberg arrived at Saturday Night Live as a Featured Player in the fall of 2005, and within a couple of months he shook up the legendary show and brought it into the digital age. Willie Geist sat down with the SNL alum to talk about his time on the show and those infamous digital shorts that he produced with his comedy group “The Lonely Island”, his hit NBC comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and more. (Original broadcast date January 21, 2019)

Willie Geist sat down with his NBC neighbor, Jimmy Fallon. The two got together as Jimmy celebrated his 10-year anniversary as host of "The Tonight Show", reflecting on his long career in comedy, his years at SNL and landing the biggest job in "Late Night". (Original broadcast date May 12, 2024)

Maya Rudolph knew from an early age that she was meant to make people laugh, but a seven-season run on “Saturday Night Live” put her comedic genius on the map. Willie Geist met the actress inside SNL's famous Studio 8H to talk about her time on that show, including her favorite celebrity impressions and what it was like to work alongside cast members like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. She also shares how the show served as comedy boot camp, giving her a foundation for roles in films like “Bridesmaids” and her Amazon series “Forever,” in which she stars alongside fellow SNL alum Fred Armisen. (Original broadcast date September 16, 2018)

Willie Geist sat down with Tina Fey to talk about the return of “Mean Girls” 20-years later, with a musical movie. She discusses writing, producing and starring in both movies, after becoming a comedy icon through writing for "SNL". (Original broadcast date January 14, 2024) 

Willie Geist gets together with comedy icon Will Ferrell to talk about his new movie, "You're Cordially Invited", starring alongside Reese Witherspoon. The two also discuss Ferrell's recent documentary with friend Harper Steele, "Will and Harper", and reflect on Ferrell's time on SNL ahead of its 50th anniversary.

Willie Geist sat down with Nate Bargatze at City Winery in front of a live audience for the first ever Sunday Sitdown Live. Bargatze talks all about his rise in comedy - from performing for one person in a small club, to selling out arenas around the world. They also discuss new family-friendly plans for the "Nateland" empire and answer some questions from the audience.

Willie Geist sits down with one of the biggest young stars in music, Kelsea Ballerini. They talk about her latest album, "Patterns", and her gig as a coach on "The Voice." Ballerini also reflects on her choice to move to Nashville as a teenager to pursue country music. (Original broadcast date October 27, 2024) 

Willie Geist sits down with 7-time Grammy winner, Kacey Musgraves. The two get together at Electric Lady Studios to talk about the inspiration for her latest album, her writing process and finding success while bucking convention in Nashville. (Original broadcast date March 10, 2024) 

Willie Geist sits down with former rapper turned country artist, Jelly Roll, ahead of his latest album, "Beautifully Broken". He tells the story of his troubled upbringing and how he turned it all around, now selling out the biggest arenas in the country. (Original broadcast date October 6, 2024)

Willie Geist sits down with 16-time Grammy winner, Alicia Keys. The two get together at the Schubert Theater in New York to talk about Alicia's incredible career full of beautiful music and the new Broadway musical inspired by her own extraordinary life. (Original broadcast date April 14, 2024)

Lainey Wilson sits down with Willie Geist at Radio City Music Hall ahead of her concert to talk about making it big out of a small town, getting to work with her idols and - despite the long journey - knowing she would always make it. (Original broadcast date June 30, 2024)

Willie Geist talks to Cynthia Erivo about the release of the highly anticipated Hollywood adaptation of the Broadway classic, "Wicked". Erivo gets her first look at the "Wicked" Billboards in Times Square and shares her experience playing "Elphaba" opposite Ariana Grande's "Glinda", both Oscar-nominated for their roles. (Original broadcast date November 10, 2024.)

Willie sits down with acting icon, Glenn Close, to talk about her latest role in the film “Back in Action”, starring alongside Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx. Glenn reflects on her 50-year acting career that covered Broadway, television, and movies, and opens up about her early days of acting in New York City.

Willie sits down with Mariska Hargitay, also known as "Olivia Benson" on one of the longest running prime-time dramas in the history of television: "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit". They look back on 26 seasons, her electric chemistry with co-star Christopher Meloni, and how the show inspired her to create the Joyful Heart Foundation.   

Willie sits down with Lisa Kudrow to talk about her starring role in the new Netflix series, "No Good Deed," alongside Ray Romano. She also reflects on her time starring in “Friends,” one of the most popular and enduring shows in the history of television.

Willie sat down with the legendary Carol Burnett to talk about her new series "Palm Royale" on Apple TV+, and her rise from a difficult childhood to become one of the funniest and most influential people in American culture. (Original broadcast date March 31, 2024)

Willie gets together with Billy Crystal in NYU Tisch's "Jack Crystal Theater" named for his late father.  Billy opens up about his time in film school at NYU and about his professor, the legendary film director Martin Scorsese. They chat about the enduring legacy of "When Harry Met Sally" and about his acclaimed new series, "Before." 

Willie sat down with actor Colman Domingo to talk about his long road to the Hollywood spotlight, which began on stage and continued with major projects like, "Fear the Walking Dead," "Euphoria," and his acclaimed performance in "Rustin." (Original broadcast date January 21, 2024)

As a bonus for Sunday Sitdown fans, we're sharing the trailer for Deadly Mirage, an all-new original podcast series from Dateline and Josh Mankiewicz. The story takes place in the Silver Lakes, a lush manmade oasis in California's Mojave Desert, where Rob and Sabrina Limon seem to have the perfect life: two young children, a beautiful home, and a tight-knit group of friends. But when Rob is found murdered, investigators uncover deep secrets about sex, friendship and religion that shatter carefully crafted illusions... If you like what you hear, just search Deadly Mirage to listen to the first two episodes now, completely free. Or subscribe to Dateline Premium on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or DatelinePremium.com. Subscribers get early access to new episodes and can listen to all Dateline podcasts ad-free.

 Willie sits down with Billy Joel in his Sag Harbor home as he wraps up his decade-long residency at New York's Madison Square Garden. He talks about a half-century of writing and playing some of the most famous songs in the history of music. (Original broadcast date August 18, 2024.)

Willie sat down with 7-time Grammy winner, Kacey Musgraves, ahead of the release of her latest album, "Deeper Well". They got together at Electric Lady Studios to talk about the inspiration behind the album, her process writing those beautiful songs, and finding success while bucking convention in Nashville. (Original broadcast date March 10, 2024.)

Hugh Grant talks to Willie Geist about his new film, “Heretic” and about reprising the role of Daniel Cleaver in the upcoming fourth “Bridget Jones” film. They also discuss Grant's relationship with fame and how he's creating better boundaries and protections in the industry.

Willie Geist talks to Cynthia Erivo about the release of the highly anticipated Hollywood adaptation of the Broadway classic, "Wicked". Erivo shares her experience playing "Elphaba" opposite Ariana Grande's "Glinda", and she gets her first look at the "Wicked" Billboards in Times Square. 

Willie Geist sat down with Larry David to reflect on his surprising life in comedy, and the bittersweet end of his iconic series, "Curb Your Enthusiasm". He even decided to cast Willie himself in an episode of the final season, and Willie shares his inside look. (Original broadcast date April 7, 2024.)