The End of an Era: Greg Gutfeld Calls Out Howard Stern

In a blistering on-air takedown, Fox News host Greg Gutfeld has declared that Howard Stern — once hailed as the “King of All Media” — has lost his edge, his rebellious spirit, and even his credibility.
During a segment that quickly caught fire online, Gutfeld accused Stern of becoming a “wussified” version of his former self, trading in his legacy of shock-jock rebellion for a polished, politically safe persona.
The remarks, which sparked heated debates across social media, have many fans asking: Is the reign of the radio rebel truly over?

Stern’s Meteoric Rise as a Radio Revolutionary

Howard Stern’s career has long been defined by his defiance of norms.
From the 1980s through the early 2000s, he was the loudest voice in American radio — unapologetically controversial, boundary-pushing, and often offensive.
He thrived on challenging political correctness, skewering celebrity egos, and talking about taboo topics no one else would touch.
This fearless approach earned him both a massive fanbase and relentless criticism from watchdog groups.
But, as Gutfeld points out, the Howard Stern of today is barely recognizable compared to the man who once shocked the world.

From Rebel to Mainstream Darling

According to Gutfeld, Stern’s transformation is not just about personal growth — it’s about abandoning the very qualities that made him famous.
“He used to stand for freedom of speech, irreverence, and taking on the establishment,” Gutfeld said.
“Now, he is the establishment.”
Over the past decade, Stern has moved into the world of A-list celebrity interviews, political alignment with mainstream liberalism, and an increasingly cautious public image.
For Gutfeld, this shift represents a betrayal of Stern’s original fans, many of whom valued him precisely because he refused to conform.

The COVID Divide That Broke the Illusion

One of Gutfeld’s sharpest criticisms centers on Stern’s stance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The radio host was vocal about his support for strict safety measures, including long-term self-isolation, which he openly admitted practicing even after vaccines became widely available.
For a man once celebrated for his boldness, Gutfeld said, this new hyper-cautious persona clashed with his image as a fearless truth-teller.
“He went from the guy who would party with anyone, anywhere, to someone who’s terrified of leaving his house,” Gutfeld quipped.
This perceived contradiction fueled the “hypocrite” label that Gutfeld attached to Stern during his takedown.

Hypocrisy in the Spotlight

The “hypocrite” charge doesn’t just stem from pandemic behavior.
Gutfeld argues that Stern’s career was built on mocking celebrities, politicians, and public figures for their self-importance — only for Stern himself to become part of the Hollywood elite.
“He’s not the outsider anymore,” Gutfeld said.
“He’s sitting at the table with the same people he used to make fun of.”
This shift, in Gutfeld’s view, has stripped Stern of the authenticity that fueled his dominance in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Fans React: A Divided Audience

The public reaction to Gutfeld’s comments has been polarized.
Some longtime listeners agree with the Fox News host, lamenting Stern’s shift toward safer, more politically correct territory.
“Howard used to be dangerous — now he’s just another celebrity interviewer,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Others defend Stern, arguing that personal growth, political awareness, and maturity don’t necessarily negate his past contributions.
“He’s evolved. You can’t expect someone to stay 30 years old forever,” one supporter countered.

A Career of Reinvention — or Capitulation?

To understand the controversy, it’s important to note that Stern has reinvented himself multiple times over his career.
After dominating terrestrial radio, he made the bold move to satellite radio in 2006, freeing himself from FCC restrictions and further cementing his image as a pioneer.
Yet, critics like Gutfeld argue that this latest reinvention feels less like evolution and more like surrender — an attempt to fit into Hollywood circles rather than challenge them.
In their eyes, Stern’s willingness to adapt has crossed into an abandonment of his core identity.

The Personal vs. Public Stern

Another factor in this debate is the difference between Howard Stern the public figure and Howard Stern the private individual.
Stern has been open about his struggles with anxiety, his preference for privacy, and his desire to spend more time with his wife and close friends.
These personal choices, however, can be at odds with the “King of All Media” persona that fans came to expect.
Gutfeld’s critique suggests that Stern’s personal life now dictates his public image in ways that weaken his cultural impact.

The Bigger Question: Can Rebels Age Gracefully?

At the heart of this controversy is a broader cultural question: Can rebellious entertainers maintain their edge as they get older?
For many, rebellion is tied to youth — to the energy, recklessness, and risk-taking that naturally fade with time.
But Gutfeld’s point is that Stern didn’t just mellow; he actively aligned himself with the very forces he once fought against.
In doing so, he may have accelerated the perception that his reign as a cultural disruptor has ended.

Gutfeld’s Own Rebel Brand

It’s worth noting that Gutfeld himself has built a career on being provocative, irreverent, and critical of political correctness — qualities that once defined Stern.
His comments can be seen as a warning to any public figure who trades rebellion for acceptance: The audience notices, and they will hold you accountable.
In this way, Gutfeld’s attack on Stern is as much about maintaining a certain brand of authenticity as it is about personal rivalry.

The Final Blow: “The King Is Dead”

Perhaps the most headline-grabbing moment of Gutfeld’s commentary was his blunt declaration: “The King is dead.”
For fans of radio history, this was more than just a jab — it was the symbolic end of an era.
If Stern no longer represents fearless speech and anti-establishment energy, then the title of “King of All Media” may be up for grabs.
The question now is whether Stern cares about reclaiming that crown, or whether he’s content to leave it behind.

What’s Next for Howard Stern?

Stern shows no signs of retiring from SiriusXM, where he remains one of the platform’s biggest draws.
He continues to secure high-profile celebrity interviews and retains a loyal base of listeners who value his humor, honesty, and interview skills.
However, Gutfeld’s critique has reignited a long-simmering conversation about whether Stern is still relevant as a cultural rebel — or whether he has transitioned fully into mainstream entertainment.

The Legacy Debate Continues

Regardless of where one stands, there’s no denying Stern’s impact on American media.
He broke barriers for free speech on the airwaves, challenged societal taboos, and paved the way for countless other personalities.
Even if his style has changed, his legacy as a pioneer remains intact.
The real debate — fueled by Gutfeld’s fiery remarks — is whether that legacy should be celebrated as evolution or mourned as the death of a cultural icon.