Jerry Seinfeld Apologizes for Saying Howard Stern Lacks ‘Comedy Chops’

Jerry Seinfeld has apologized to Howard Stern for comments he made about the radio personality in a recent podcast interview, including that Stern lacked “comedy chops.”

“I really feel bad for what I said about my friend Howard Stern in a conversation with David Spade and Dana Carvey, talking about the glut of comedy podcasts,” he told TMZ, referring to his appearance on Carvey and Spade’s “Fly on the Wall” podcast.

While discussing the popularity of podcast culture with Carvey and Spade, Seinfeld asked the two fellow comedians, “Howard Stern invented this, right?”

“But we’re better than him now,” Seinfeld continued. “Howard is interesting. Howard is a great interviewer, but comedy chops, I mean, can we speak candidly?”

Spade said “Sure,” while Carvey said, “No!” as they both laughed. “Well, he got Robin, and Robin is a big part of how he’s funny,” Carvey said of Stern’s co-host Robin Quivers. 

“Yeah, they’re all great but let’s face it, he’s been outflanked by some very, and yourselves, I mean absolutely, this show, comedy podcast? This is the best one on the air,” Seinfeld added. “Because you guys play nice together, it’s smooth, you’re not jumping on each other, which is annoying to listen to.”

Seinfeld told TMZ he “meant to say he must feel surrounded, but I said ‘outflanked’ which sounded terrible and insulting.”

“And of course, none of these little shows are any threat to his giant show,” Seinfeld continued. “Anyway, it was bad and I’m sorry, Howie. I still love you. Please forgive me.”

Following his remark about Stern in his “Fly on the Wall” interview, Seinfeld expressed shock over the boom in comedy podcasts.

 “Who knew there was a market?” he asked rhetorically. “Who knew people wanted to get to know us? Who gets the credit for figuring it out?”

Seinfeld later criticized comedians who get deeply personal on their podcasts instead of bringing humor to the show.

“Jesus Christ, make us laugh, how interesting do you think you are?” he said. “You’re not that interesting, okay? You’re not. When you’re funny, you’re worth it. This is my line, which you know me, you know me, no but you know that I draw that line. If you’re not that funny, we’re not that interested in you.”

Listen to the full “Fly on the Wall” interview with Seinfeld.