Jerry Seinfeld is walking back comments he made about Howard Stern’s comedy chops after a conversation on Dana Carvey and David Spade’s Fly on the Wall podcast sparked headlines and social media chatter.

The Unfrosted star and comedy legend appeared on the May 8 episode of the show, where the discussion turned to the explosion of comedy podcasts — and Stern’s long history with the format.

Jerry Seinfeld Amy Sussman/Getty Images

The Comments That Sparked a Backlash

“Howard Stern invented this, right?” Seinfeld said during the taping, referencing the modern, conversational style of talk radio and podcasting. “But we’re better than him now. Howard is interesting. Howard is a great interviewer, but comedy chops, I mean, can we speak candidly?”

Carvey responded with a diplomatic nod to Stern’s on-air partner Robin Quivers: “Well, he got Robin, and Robin is a big part of how he’s funny.” But Seinfeld pressed on, calling Stern “outflanked” by other comedy shows and praising Carvey and Spade’s chemistry.

“This is the best one on the air,” Seinfeld told the hosts. “You’re not jumping on each other, which is annoying to listen to.”

Seinfeld’s Larger Point on Podcasting

Seinfeld also spoke broadly about the boom in celebrity-led podcasts, joking about the demand for intimate, personality-driven shows.

“Who knew there was a market? Who knew people wanted to get to know us? Who gets the credit for figuring it out?” he asked. “Jesus Christ, make us laugh — how interesting do you think you are? You’re not that interesting, okay? You’re not. When you’re funny, you’re worth it.”

His quip about Stern being “outflanked” was quickly clipped and circulated online, interpreted by some as a dig at his longtime friend.

The Apology

On Thursday, Seinfeld moved to clarify his intent in a statement to Entertainment Weekly.

“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,” Seinfeld wrote. “I 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. Anyway, it was bad and I’m sorry, Howie. I still love you. Please forgive me.”

Stern’s Enduring Legacy

Stern has yet to respond publicly to the remarks or the apology, but his career arc underscores why Seinfeld’s comments drew so much attention. From his start at Boston University’s WBTU in 1975, Stern’s brash, “shock jock” style made him one of the most influential and controversial voices in radio.

His nationally syndicated show, running from 1986 to 2005, built an army of devoted fans. In 2006, a record-breaking $500 million deal brought Stern to SiriusXM, where he still anchors two dedicated channels. In recent years, the emphasis has shifted from edgy comedy to long-form interviews, with Stern landing high-profile guests including a rare sit-down with President Joe Biden.

Friends, Rivals, and the Comedy Podcast Boom

Seinfeld and Stern have known each other for decades, both dominating their respective corners of entertainment — Stern in radio, Seinfeld in stand-up and television. The rise of podcasts has blurred those lines, with comedians, actors, and media personalities competing in the same on-demand space.

While Seinfeld’s comments seemed meant to praise Fly on the Wall and the chemistry between its hosts, his choice of words about Stern struck a nerve with fans who see Stern as a pioneer.

By quickly issuing a public mea culpa, Seinfeld appears eager to keep the exchange from turning into a feud.

Bottom line: In the age of viral clips and endless podcasts, even a passing remark between friends can become headline news. For Jerry Seinfeld, the lesson may be that when Howard Stern’s name comes up, choose your adjectives carefully — and if you slip, be ready with a heartfelt “Please forgive me.”