Sam Seder
Encyclopedia
Samuel Lincoln "Sam" Seder (born November 28, 1966) is a comedian
, writer, actor
, film director
, television producer-director, and talk radio
host. Seder was born in New York City, New York into a Jewish family, and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts
.
His works include the film Who’s the Caboose (1997) as well as the television shows Beat Cops (2001) and Pilot Season (2004). He also appeared in Next Stop Wonderland
(1998). Seder also made guest appearances on Spin City
(1997), Sex and the City
(2000) and America Undercover
(2005).
on Air America Radio
's The Majority Report
. In July 2006 Garofalo departed the show, offering positive comments about working with Seder. Seder was later offered a new contract with Air America Radio, and his show moved from the 7-10PM (Eastern) spot to a 9AM-Noon spot, retitled The Sam Seder Show
.
On September 1, 2004, Sam Seder was briefly detained by the United States Secret Service
during his live, on-site coverage of the Republican National Convention
at Madison Square Garden
. Shortly after Zell Miller
gave his speech, Seder began searching (with a sign in hand) on the convention floor for a willing homosexual Republican
to interview live on radio. It was not long before he was physically removed from the floor and after brief questioning, was asked (or according to some, "strongly encouraged") to leave the convention. Seder later commented that his wearing of a lapel pin that he had been given by a Secret Service agent at the Democratic National Convention earlier that year had kept him from being ejected from the convention completely.
In the closing minutes of their Wednesday, March 9, 2005 show, Garofalo announced that Sam and his wife Nikki were expecting a daughter. This event in his life slightly colored and affected Seder's commentary. On more than one occasion he has voiced concerns about just how he was going to explain elements of this world to his daughter as she grows up, after witnessing actions by the Republican Party
that Seder felt might adversely affect her future.
On August 9, 2005, Nikki Seder gave birth to a daughter, Myla Rae Seder.
On April 6, 2007, Air America Radio announced that the Sam Seder Show would end its run at the 9AM-Noon spot effective Friday, April 13, 2007, but that Seder would do a Sunday show, titled Seder on Sunday. The 9AM-Noon time slot was filled by Lionel
, who hosted a late night radio show on the WOR Radio network. This change is part of what Air America President Mark Green called "Air America 2.0", his plan to transform Air America into a profitable leader in progressive talk radio. The final Seder on Sunday was broadcast on June 1, 2008.
Seder also occasionally would substitute for Randi Rhodes
when Rhodes was on Air America (becoming the number one sub after KLSD
morning host Stacy Taylor lost his job when the station changed its format), as well as Mike Malloy on The Mike Malloy Show
on the Nova M Radio
network. In 2008 he also began a collaboration with Marc Maron
on Maron v. Seder, an hour-long video webcast. In January 2009, Maron v. Seder was renamed Breakroom Live with Maron & Seder
. It aired live from the kitchen in the Air America offices weekdays at 3PM Eastern. Seder and Maron also hosted a post-show chat with viewers after each episode. Air America Media cancelled Breakroom Live with Maron & Seder on July 15, 2009.
In November 2009 Seder hosted a pilot for NBC of an American version of Have I Got News For You
.
Seder was one of the first Air America personalities to make the official announcement that Rhodes had chosen to terminate her contract with the network.
In November 2010, Seder began an independent online podcast, also called the Majority Report. The format closely matches the previous Air America program, with politically-oriented commentary by Seder and interviews with various guests. Seder plans to offer premium subscriptions to the podcasts, which allow subscribers access to expanded commentary not on the basic podcast, as well as DVDs of the 2004 TV series Pilot Season
, produced and directed by Seder, starring Sarah Silverman
and originally broadcast on the now-defunct Trio
cable network. Seder has gained some popularity on the Majority Report for frequently taking instant messages from a conservative with a form of slight mental retardation who goes by the screen name "Primer."
In late 2010, Seder began occasionally serving as substitute host of Countdown with Keith Olbermann
when Olbermann was on vacation. In December 2010, Seder also became co-host of the nationally syndicated progressive radio interview program Ring of Fire
, co-hosted by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
and Florida-based attorney Mike Papantonio
.
Comedian
A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy...
, writer, actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, film director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
, television producer-director, and talk radio
Talk radio
Talk radio is a radio format containing discussion about topical issues. Most shows are regularly hosted by a single individual, and often feature interviews with a number of different guests. Talk radio typically includes an element of listener participation, usually by broadcasting live...
host. Seder was born in New York City, New York into a Jewish family, and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester is a city and the county seat of Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. Named after Worcester, England, as of the 2010 Census the city's population is 181,045, making it the second largest city in New England after Boston....
.
His works include the film Who’s the Caboose (1997) as well as the television shows Beat Cops (2001) and Pilot Season (2004). He also appeared in Next Stop Wonderland
Next Stop Wonderland
Next Stop Wonderland is a 1998 romantic comedy film directed by Brad Anderson and written by Anderson and Lyn Vaus. * This film was an audience favorite at the Sundance Film Festival in 1998 and set off a bidding war among studio distributors, with Miramax Films paying $6 million for the $1 million...
(1998). Seder also made guest appearances on Spin City
Spin City
Spin City is an American sitcom television series that aired from September 17, 1996 until April 30, 2002 on the ABC network. Created by Gary David Goldberg and Bill Lawrence, the show was based on a fictional local government running New York City, and originally starred Michael J. Fox as Mike...
(1997), Sex and the City
Sex and the City
Sex and the City is an American television comedy-drama series created by Darren Star and produced by HBO. Broadcast from 1998 until 2004, the original run of the show had a total of ninety-four episodes...
(2000) and America Undercover
America Undercover
America Undercover is a television series of documentaries that airs on the cable television network HBO. Within the series are several sub-series, such as "Autopsy", "Real Sex" and "Taxicab Confessions". The series began in 1983 and, after a brief time being broadcast weekly in 2001, is now...
(2005).
Career
In March 2004, Seder became co-host along with Janeane GarofaloJaneane Garofalo
Janeane Garofalo is an American stand-up comedian, actress, political activist and writer. She is the former co-host on the now defunct Air America Radio's The Majority Report. Garofalo continues to circulate regularly within New York City's local comedy and performance art scene.-Early...
on Air America Radio
Air America Radio
Air America was an American radio network specializing in progressive talk programming...
's The Majority Report
The Majority Report
The Majority Report is a talk radio program originally on the Air America Radio network hosted by film actress/comedienne Janeane Garofalo, and actor/comedian Sam Seder, until Garofalo left in July 2006. Garofalo was reportedly originally asked by Air America to host the program and suggested Seder...
. In July 2006 Garofalo departed the show, offering positive comments about working with Seder. Seder was later offered a new contract with Air America Radio, and his show moved from the 7-10PM (Eastern) spot to a 9AM-Noon spot, retitled The Sam Seder Show
The Majority Report
The Majority Report is a talk radio program originally on the Air America Radio network hosted by film actress/comedienne Janeane Garofalo, and actor/comedian Sam Seder, until Garofalo left in July 2006. Garofalo was reportedly originally asked by Air America to host the program and suggested Seder...
.
On September 1, 2004, Sam Seder was briefly detained by the United States Secret Service
United States Secret Service
The United States Secret Service is a United States federal law enforcement agency that is part of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The sworn members are divided among the Special Agents and the Uniformed Division. Until March 1, 2003, the Service was part of the United States...
during his live, on-site coverage of the Republican National Convention
Republican National Convention
The Republican National Convention is the presidential nominating convention of the Republican Party of the United States. Convened by the Republican National Committee, the stated purpose of the convocation is to nominate an official candidate in an upcoming U.S...
at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
. Shortly after Zell Miller
Zell Miller
Zell Bryan Miller is an American politician from the US state of Georgia. A Democrat, Miller served as Lieutenant Governor from 1975 to 1991, 79th Governor of Georgia from 1991 to 1999, and as United States Senator from 2000 to 2005....
gave his speech, Seder began searching (with a sign in hand) on the convention floor for a willing homosexual Republican
Log Cabin Republicans
The Log Cabin Republicans is an organization that works within the Republican Party to advocate equal rights for all Americans, including gays and lesbians in the United States with state chapters and a national office in Washington, D.C...
to interview live on radio. It was not long before he was physically removed from the floor and after brief questioning, was asked (or according to some, "strongly encouraged") to leave the convention. Seder later commented that his wearing of a lapel pin that he had been given by a Secret Service agent at the Democratic National Convention earlier that year had kept him from being ejected from the convention completely.
In the closing minutes of their Wednesday, March 9, 2005 show, Garofalo announced that Sam and his wife Nikki were expecting a daughter. This event in his life slightly colored and affected Seder's commentary. On more than one occasion he has voiced concerns about just how he was going to explain elements of this world to his daughter as she grows up, after witnessing actions by the Republican Party
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
that Seder felt might adversely affect her future.
On August 9, 2005, Nikki Seder gave birth to a daughter, Myla Rae Seder.
On April 6, 2007, Air America Radio announced that the Sam Seder Show would end its run at the 9AM-Noon spot effective Friday, April 13, 2007, but that Seder would do a Sunday show, titled Seder on Sunday. The 9AM-Noon time slot was filled by Lionel
Lionel (radio)
Michael William Lebron , popularly known as Lionel, is an American nationally syndicated radio talk show host. Beginning May 2007, he hosted a daily three-hour radio talk show on Air America Radio. Lionel was a consistent performer for Air America and drew weekly audiences of around 1.5 million...
, who hosted a late night radio show on the WOR Radio network. This change is part of what Air America President Mark Green called "Air America 2.0", his plan to transform Air America into a profitable leader in progressive talk radio. The final Seder on Sunday was broadcast on June 1, 2008.
Seder also occasionally would substitute for Randi Rhodes
Randi Rhodes
Randi Rhodes is an American progressive talk radio personality, formerly featured on Air America Radio and Nova M Radio and now on Premiere Radio Networks. Her eponymous program, The Randi Rhodes Show, airs live Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm Eastern Time.-Early life:Rhodes was born in...
when Rhodes was on Air America (becoming the number one sub after KLSD
KLSD
KLSD is a sports station based in San Diego, California. The sports programming began on November 12, 2007. Previously, KLSD's format was progressive talk radio....
morning host Stacy Taylor lost his job when the station changed its format), as well as Mike Malloy on The Mike Malloy Show
The Mike Malloy Show
The Mike Malloy Show is a syndicated progressive radio talk show hosted by long-time radio personality Mike Malloy. Malloy came to talk radio in 1987, moving from his position as a writer and producer at CNN. He is married to producer Kathy Bay, with whom he has a daughter born in July, 2004...
on the Nova M Radio
Nova M Radio
Nova M Radio, later known as On Second Thought, was a radio syndication service providing progressive talk programming. Founded as Nova M Radio by Sheldon and Anita Drobny in 2006, its stated purpose was to purchase, own, and operate underperforming radio stations in small and medium sized markets...
network. In 2008 he also began a collaboration with Marc Maron
Marc Maron
Marc Maron is an American stand-up comedian and podcast host.He has been host of The Marc Maron Show, and co-host of both Morning Sedition, and Breakroom Live, all politically-oriented shows, produced under the auspices of Air America Media. He was also the host of Comedy Central's Short Attention...
on Maron v. Seder, an hour-long video webcast. In January 2009, Maron v. Seder was renamed Breakroom Live with Maron & Seder
Breakroom Live with Maron & Seder
Formerly an online webcast, Breakroom Live with Maron & Seder was an hourlong webcast that aired weekdays at 3PM Eastern. Marc Maron and Sam Seder hosted the show from the actual break room at Air America Media in New York; the show was evocative of past shows done by Maron and Seder on the network...
. It aired live from the kitchen in the Air America offices weekdays at 3PM Eastern. Seder and Maron also hosted a post-show chat with viewers after each episode. Air America Media cancelled Breakroom Live with Maron & Seder on July 15, 2009.
In November 2009 Seder hosted a pilot for NBC of an American version of Have I Got News For You
Have I Got News for You
Have I Got News for You is a British television panel show produced by Hat Trick Productions for the BBC. It is based loosely on the BBC Radio 4 show The News Quiz, and has been broadcast since 1990, currently the BBC's longest-ever running television panel show...
.
Seder was one of the first Air America personalities to make the official announcement that Rhodes had chosen to terminate her contract with the network.
In November 2010, Seder began an independent online podcast, also called the Majority Report. The format closely matches the previous Air America program, with politically-oriented commentary by Seder and interviews with various guests. Seder plans to offer premium subscriptions to the podcasts, which allow subscribers access to expanded commentary not on the basic podcast, as well as DVDs of the 2004 TV series Pilot Season
Pilot Season (TV series)
Pilot Season is a television miniseries written by Charles Fisher and Sam Seder and directed by Seder. It followed on from the 1997 film Who's the Caboose? and again had the character Susan Underman played by Sarah Silverman-Episodes:...
, produced and directed by Seder, starring Sarah Silverman
Sarah Silverman
Sarah Kate Silverman is a Jewish American comedian, writer, actress, singer and musician. Her satirical comedy addresses social taboos and controversial topics such as racism, sexism, and religion....
and originally broadcast on the now-defunct Trio
Trio (TV network)
Trio was an American cable and satellite television network.Trio went on the air in 1997, then originally owned and operated jointly by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Power Broadcasting Inc. as a venue for airing the CBC's arts, culture and entertainment programming in the U.S...
cable network. Seder has gained some popularity on the Majority Report for frequently taking instant messages from a conservative with a form of slight mental retardation who goes by the screen name "Primer."
In late 2010, Seder began occasionally serving as substitute host of Countdown with Keith Olbermann
Countdown with Keith Olbermann
Countdown with Keith Olbermann is an hour-long weeknight news and political commentary program that airs on Current TV, where it began airing on June 20, 2011. The program was broadcast on MSNBC from March 31, 2003, to January 21, 2011. On MSNBC, the show presented five selected news stories of...
when Olbermann was on vacation. In December 2010, Seder also became co-host of the nationally syndicated progressive radio interview program Ring of Fire
Ring of Fire (radio program)
Ring of Fire is a nationally syndicated American talk radio program hosted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Mike Papantonio, and Sam Seder. The trio focuses on exposing people whom they consider to be "corporate fat cats, polluters and media spinmeisters". The show has been on the air since 2004 and is...
, co-hosted by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Robert Francis Kennedy, Jr. is an American radio host, activist, and attorney specializing in environmental law. He is the third of eleven children born to Ethel Skakel Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy and is the nephew of John F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy...
and Florida-based attorney Mike Papantonio
Mike Papantonio
James Michael Papantonio , popularly known as Mike Papantonio, is an American attorney and radio talk show host. A prominent trial lawyer, he co-hosts Ring of Fire, a nationally-syndicated weekly radio program, with Robert F...
.
Filmography
Working list of appearances in television and film:- All American Girl TV actor (1994)
- The Show TV actor (1996)
- The Big FallThe Big FallThe Big Fall is a 2005 Lebanese short animation, written and directed by the Lebanese director Antoine Waked.-Synopsis:It's dark. It's raining. The streets are empty. A contract killer goes for his next victim...
actor (1996) - Who's the Caboose? actor director writer producer (1997)
- Spin CitySpin CitySpin City is an American sitcom television series that aired from September 17, 1996 until April 30, 2002 on the ABC network. Created by Gary David Goldberg and Bill Lawrence, the show was based on a fictional local government running New York City, and originally starred Michael J. Fox as Mike...
TV actor (1997) - Next Stop WonderlandNext Stop WonderlandNext Stop Wonderland is a 1998 romantic comedy film directed by Brad Anderson and written by Anderson and Lyn Vaus. * This film was an audience favorite at the Sundance Film Festival in 1998 and set off a bidding war among studio distributors, with Miramax Films paying $6 million for the $1 million...
actor (1998) - Home MoviesHome Movies (TV series)Home Movies is a dialogue-driven American animated series that originally aired from 1999 to 2004. The plot surrounds eight-year-old Brendon Small , who makes films with his friends Melissa Robbins and Jason Penopolis in his spare time...
TV voiceover (1999) - Sex and the CitySex and the CitySex and the City is an American television comedy-drama series created by Darren Star and produced by HBO. Broadcast from 1998 until 2004, the original run of the show had a total of ninety-four episodes...
TV actor (2000) - Happy AccidentsHappy AccidentsHappy Accidents is a 2000 American film starring Marisa Tomei and Vincent D'Onofrio. The movie revolves around Ruby Weaver, a New York woman with a string of failed relationships, and Sam Deed, a man who claims to be from the year 2470...
actor (2000) - Endsville actor (2000)
- Beat Cops actor writer producer (2001)
- Saddle RashSaddle RashSaddle Rash is a canceled comedy animated series. The pilot episode was featured on March 24, 2002 on Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" programming block. Saddle Rash was created by Loren Bouchard, co-creator of Home Movies...
TV voiceover (2002) - I'm with BuseyI'm with BuseyI'm with Busey was a comedy/documentary television show which aired on Comedy Central in the summer of 2003. It revolved around a young writer named Adam de la Peña, who met and befriended his childhood idol, actor Gary Busey...
director (2003) - Pilot SeasonPilot Season (TV series)Pilot Season is a television miniseries written by Charles Fisher and Sam Seder and directed by Seder. It followed on from the 1997 film Who's the Caboose? and again had the character Susan Underman played by Sarah Silverman-Episodes:...
TV actor director writer producer (2004) - America UndercoverAmerica UndercoverAmerica Undercover is a television series of documentaries that airs on the cable television network HBO. Within the series are several sub-series, such as "Autopsy", "Real Sex" and "Taxicab Confessions". The series began in 1983 and, after a brief time being broadcast weekly in 2001, is now...
TV actor (2005) - Lucy, the Daughter of the DevilLucy, the Daughter of the DevilLucy, the Daughter of the Devil is a computer-animated cartoon aired by Cartoon Network as part of its Adult Swim programming block. It was written & directed by Loren Bouchard, produced by Bouchard, Seth and Josh Piezas, and animated by Fluid Animation. It starred Melissa Bardin Galsky as Lucy,...
TV voiceover (2007) - Assy McGeeAssy McGeeAssy McGee is an animated sitcom featuring police detective Assy McGee, a parody of tough-guy cops, who is literally a walking pair of buttocks. Along with his partner Don Sanchez , the trigger-happy McGee solves crimes in a fictionalized Exeter, New Hampshire. Larry Murphy voices all of the main...
TV voiceover & writer (2008) - Bob's BurgersBob's BurgersBob's Burgers is an American animated television sitcom, which premiered on January 9, 2011 on the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series was created by Loren Bouchard and focuses on the Belcher family, who runs a hamburger restaurant. On April 7, 2011, Bob's Burgers was renewed for a second season...
TV voiceover (2011)
Further reading
- F.U.B.A.R.: America's Right-Wing NightmareF.U.B.A.R.: America's Right-Wing NightmareF.U.B.A.R.: America's Right-Wing Nightmare is a comedic political book written by Air America Radio host Sam Seder and co-authored by Stephen Sherrill. The book uses humor and a liberal stance to focus on topics ranging from Gay Republicans to the Apocalypse. There is also an audiobook available...
, co-authored with Stephen Sherrill, 2006, (ISBN 0-06-084671-2) - Wait! Don't Move to Canada: A Stay-and-Fight Strategy to Win Back America by Bill Scher, foreword co-authored by Seder and Janeane GarofaloJaneane GarofaloJaneane Garofalo is an American stand-up comedian, actress, political activist and writer. She is the former co-host on the now defunct Air America Radio's The Majority Report. Garofalo continues to circulate regularly within New York City's local comedy and performance art scene.-Early...
, 2006, (ISBN 1-59486-396-2)
External links
- Sam Seder Show
- Majority Report Radio
- December 12, 2005 appearance on CNNCNNCable News Network is a U.S. cable news channel founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. Upon its launch, CNN was the first channel to provide 24-hour television news coverage, and the first all-news television channel in the United States...
to discuss the "War on the War on the War on Christmas" (Transcript) (Video). - F.U.B.A.R.: America's Right-Wing Nightmare
- Seder at the RNC