Howard Stern returns to SiriusXM radio show after trolling listeners

Radio icon Howard Stern has returned to his SiriusXM show following a masterfully executed prank that had fans, staff, and even the media speculating about his retirement. Known for pushing boundaries and toying with expectations, Stern orchestrated a fake cancellation stunt that temporarily convinced many he was walking away from his decades-long radio career.

The Build-Up: Fake Promos and Retirement Hints

In the weeks leading up to his scheduled return from summer hiatus, Howard Stern and his team began airing cryptic promos suggesting that his time on SiriusXM might be over. The phrases used in these segments—such as “Is this the end?” and “Goodbye from the King”—sparked widespread speculation among fans and insiders.

The stunt was timed perfectly. With Stern’s massive multi-year contract set to expire at the end of the year, many believed the promos were foreshadowing his departure.

Compounding the mystery was his decision to delay his return after the summer break. Normally back after Labor Day, Stern instead aired reruns for an extra week, further fueling the fire that he might be done for good.

The Prank: Andy Cohen’s “Takeover”

On September 8, 2025, SiriusXM listeners tuning in expecting the grand return of Howard Stern were instead greeted by Andy Cohen, who claimed to be taking over the station with his own show dubbed “Andy 100.”

Cohen played along with the gag perfectly, acting as though he was now the face of the network. His opening monologue included jabs at Stern, quips about fresh energy, and over-the-top self-praise. The performance was humorous but ambiguous enough to keep many wondering if it was real.

Then, about an hour into the show, Howard Stern made his triumphant return—live on air.

The Reveal: Stern Comes Clean

In classic Howard fashion, he took the mic and revealed that the entire affair had been a carefully planned joke. The promos, the delay, and even Andy Cohen’s takeover had all been part of a long con designed to troll listeners and media outlets alike.

Stern explained that he wanted to come back with something unexpected—and he certainly delivered. He thanked Andy Cohen for playing along and joked that the prank had been so effective, he might never be able to truly retire because no one would believe him.

Contract Status Still Unclear

While the prank is over, questions still linger about Stern’s future with SiriusXM.

His current contract, rumored to be worth over $500 million, is set to expire at the end of 2025. Although Stern did not announce a new deal upon his return, he reassured fans that negotiations are ongoing.

SiriusXM executives have expressed interest in retaining him, but with shifting media trends and increasing competition from podcasts and streaming services, the landscape is more complex than it was during Stern’s last contract renewal.

The Impact: Why This Matters

A Master of Showmanship

Howard Stern has always been more than just a radio host—he’s a showman, a provocateur, and a media strategist. The fake cancellation stunt served as a reminder of his deep understanding of audience psychology. He used suspense and uncertainty to draw massive attention, and then flipped the narrative with perfect timing.

Audience Engagement in the Modern Era

In an age where most shows struggle to stay relevant, Stern has once again proven his ability to command headlines and capture public interest. Even with a declining daily listenership compared to his peak, he remains one of the most influential figures in broadcasting.

Reactions from Fans and Media

Fans React

Many longtime listeners praised the stunt as “classic Stern,” with social media filled with laughter and relief. Some admitted they fell for the trick entirely, while others claimed they had “seen it coming” from the beginning.

Media Scramble

The media, however, wasn’t as forgiving. Multiple outlets ran speculative pieces about Stern’s cancellation before his reveal, only to be embarrassed when the prank was exposed. It wasn’t the first time Stern has trolled the press—and likely won’t be the last.

Declining Numbers but Enduring Influence

While Stern’s SiriusXM channel once boasted millions of listeners, his current daily audience has reportedly declined. Some attribute this to changes in radio habits, while others point to the rise of on-demand content and podcasts.

Even so, Howard Stern’s influence on modern media remains undeniable. He pioneered a style of raw, unfiltered conversation that paved the way for many of today’s most popular podcasters.

Howard Stern’s History with SiriusXM

Here’s a quick overview of Howard Stern’s journey with SiriusXM:

Stern’s move to satellite radio in 2006 was a game-changer—not only for his career but also for the medium itself. His arrival boosted Sirius’s subscriber base and helped establish satellite radio as a legitimate entertainment platform.

The Prank as Strategy

This wasn’t just a random gag. For Stern, the prank had multiple benefits:

• Publicity Boost: The story dominated entertainment headlines, keeping Stern top of mind.
• Contract Leverage: By stoking fears of retirement, he may have strengthened his negotiating position.
• Fan Loyalty: The stunt reminded fans of the unpredictability that makes Stern’s show unique.

It was a marketing masterclass—one that many brands could learn from.

Table: Key Events in the Stern Prank Saga