Stern Cuts Radio Schedule, Hands Channel to Cohen, and Launches HBO Max Series
Howard Stern is restructuring his media presence by reducing his SiriusXM radio schedule to one weekly show, handing over his second channel to Andy Cohen, and launching a filmed version of his show on HBO Max. The new season begins September 14, with streaming episodes debuting September 17.
Key points
- Stern will air only one live show per week on SiriusXM starting September 14, down from two.
- A filmed version of the show will debut on HBO Max on September 17, with new episodes released weekly on Thursdays.
- Stern is transferring SiriusXM Channel 101 to Andy Cohen, who previously pranked listeners by pretending to take over Stern's main channel.
- Stern retains Channel 100, which will feature a new lineup including an expanded 'Wrap Up Wednesday' hosted by Gary Dell'Abate and Jon Hein.
- The changes follow a three-year contract renewal with SiriusXM signed in December 2025 and recent layoffs of several regular staff members.
Background
Stern's move follows months of speculation regarding his retirement and a summer 2025 hiatus. In July 2026, the show underwent layoffs, affecting several morning ensemble members. Previously, in 2025, Stern and Cohen engaged in a prank where Cohen appeared to take over the show, fueling rumors about Stern's future.
How outlets are covering it
Rolling Stone emphasizes the schedule reduction and the new HBO Max partnership, noting the absence of details regarding Channel 101 in official press releases. The Hollywood Reporter highlights the specific transfer of Channel 101 to Andy Cohen, contrasting it with the previous year's prank, and notes that Sebastian Maniscalco's Comedy Radio is moving to Channel 102. Variety focuses on the global streaming aspect, quoting HBO Max executives on Stern's unique appeal and detailing the 'Howard Stern Decades' archive expansion. Yahoo News focuses on Stern's reaction to Cohen taking over the channel, quoting Stern's comment that it 'stings,' though this specific quote is not detailed in the other sources.
Why it matters
This restructuring marks a significant shift for one of radio's most prominent figures, moving from a traditional broadcast model to a hybrid streaming and reduced radio format. It also signals a major realignment of SiriusXM's channel lineup, with established personalities like Andy Cohen and Sebastian Maniscalco taking over previously occupied slots.
What to watch
Stern's new season begins September 14 on SiriusXM, with the first HBO Max episode airing September 17. Listeners can expect a new programming lineup on Channel 100 and the expansion of the 'Howard Stern Decades' archive within the SiriusXM app.
- Howard Stern Sets Season Premiere Date, Cuts Show to Once a Week Rolling Stone
- Howard Stern Hands Over One SiriusXM Channel to Andy Cohen The Hollywood Reporter
- ‘Howard Stern Show’ Set for Streaming With HBO Max Weekly Series Variety
- Howard Stern Not Pleased Andy Cohen Is Taking Over His Longtime SiriusXM Channel: ‘That Stings’ yahoo.com
- Andy Cohen to replace Howard Stern on SiriusXM channel in lineup shake-up The Independent
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