“The King of All Media” Howard Stern recently celebrated his 60th birthday with a huge bash in New York City. In his “advanced age”, and possibly soaking up the final years of his broadcast career, Stern is suddenly more open to sitting on the other side of the mic.
What better place to discuss his career, life, achievements, regrets and fears on the show Stern refers to as “the most unimportant show in show business.” Stern takes a ride — in a 1969 Pontiac GTO nicknamed “The Judge” — in the season finale of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
Stern discusses himself, for about five minutes, then turns the tables on host Jerry Seinfeld and does what he does best — get candid with famous people.
The topic turns to Seinfeld friend, and Stern’s bitter enemy, Jay Leno. Stern attempts to take shots at the exiting Tonight Show host but Seinfeld puts a stop to it abruptly or left it all on the cutting room floor.
Stern: “Are you better than Jay Leno as a stand-up?”
Seinfeld: “That’s a stupid question.”
Stern: “Do you think you’re one of the best stand-ups that ever lived? Do you put yourself in the top five?”
Seinfeld: “Comedy is more personal that food. Somebody either hits you funny or they don’t.”
Stern: “I never gave a shit. I would just go on and say whatever the hell…”
Seinfeld: “Well, you’re alone in the room.”
Stern: “Well, that’s true.”
Seinfeld: “Oh, you just noticed that?”
Stern: “When he (Leno) goes on talk shows now…”
Seinfeld: “OK, Alright, let’s not get into character assassination now.”
Stern: “Who are you Jesus? Calm down. I want to make negative. Let me go there.”
The diner booth eventually turns into a therapist’s couch, which shouldn’t shock anyone when it comes to Howard Stern.
As with most episodes of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, I’m left wanting more.