I honestly prefer the toned down show. I actually find it funnier and more interesting.

The show (especially Opie) was a bit too "shock jockie" and forced for my taste a few years ago. Even some of the old classic XM bits are a bit douchy nowadays. I think the show has matured a lot for the better.

But this is the era of the show that gave us the Happy Days riff. If they get rid of the extraneous pop-culture guests, this could be the future of the show.

How many times have Ant & Jim gone on extended riffs that became classics? Highways of the Future, 50's Party Planning, etc, are among my favorite bits. They stay funny longer than stand-up albums, for me.

50's party planning?

Boom

Boom

Thanks! I thought i've heard every show past 2008

I used to listen to the second-half life, then catch the first-half on the replay. Now I jump to the beginning and fast-forward through the crap. Sometimes it only takes about an hour to get through the show. I've felt the same. They're angry at everything. It's exhausting, and not productive in any way. And I actually LOVE the show when it's not dick jokes and stupid bits. Just the anger and aggression isn't what I want to hear for hours on end.

I've been listening for a really long time - and maybe I've just outgrown their show. I'm not planning on renewing XM when it's time - I'm just not enjoying what I subscribed for anymore.

Perhaps you've become jaded by the show's type of cringe humor. As an 18 year old when I first started listening, I thought it was the most outrageously awesome comedy ever. Now it's still the best radio around, but sure, you kind of grow accustomed to it and are no longer shocked by it.

Your post reminds me of a guy whose been in a relationship with a girl for a while and it just occurred to him that the 'honeymoon stage' of his relationship has passed him by.

They need to get some fresh comedians in.. The former regulars are just too popular or dead (patrice) now.

Soder was great that time he was in.

What frustrates me most is how they've transitioned into doing things that are so visual you can't really listen to the show without, for example, having to look up the youtube video they're watching, or the photos they're looking at, etc. (And listening to them talk about the food their eating is boring as SHIT.) As someone who primarily listens to them in the car, it's super frustrating. In their prime they had awesome bits that were hilarious to listen to, funny comics, and a great all around dynamic. Now it's boring a lot of the time and I end up changing the channel.

its WAY funnier than that show that used to be the Howard Stern Show

...then again I think SIDS is funnier than the current Stern show

To be fair, SIDS is pretty damn funny.

I've never heard Howard and from the few clips I've heard, I don't know how his show is actually funny. Howard just complains about everything and then Robin comes on to do some news. Where is the comedy in that?

I guess the prank calls were funny...back in the 90's. It's not funny anymore

When Artie was in the Jackie chair, it was funny because he was a constant source of entertainment. They would either poke fun at him, or he would fight with people, or he would brutally mock someone. He was also very very good at story telling, so he would take up large chunks of the show telling self depreciating stories. When he left, there wasn't any counter balance to Stern, it was just yes men, and there was a bunch more show for him to fill, so he started prattling on about cats and reality tv and boring shit like that.

Yes, it is. Sometimes they have their dull spots (music, and for some, the politics) but Ant going off on callers is always good. Plus they still have good bits now and then with the whole Seinfeld thing Ant does. So yeah, it's still funny.

Everything you mentioned about the planned events and hilarious bits...they've all been shackled by management, so they can't really do that anymore. They did go to Montreal and Chicago, but if you've been listening back in the day they used to have a lot more road trips. I mean, even the bus trip got cancelled. SiriusXM has really done a poor job managing the show.

I also don't think the full show can exist as a podcast, a lot of the show is based on recent news humor, and I'm not a fan of having to wait a week for them to talk about old news. Most podcasts I know come out every week so I don't know if this format would work for them.

The program is still entertaining. Sure, it's not as funny as it used to be, but it's still worth listening to. I don't listen to the full show anymore, but I do catch what I can when I wake up at 7 AM instead of 6.

The show as a whole still is funny. Different hosts get into ruts where their opinions or jokes become predictable and not clever or funny. But usually they get out of those ruts. As the go farther into their 50's it seems to get harder for them to pull out. I listen to the show for reactionary ill thought out but funny opinions on headlines of cable news.
"I think I liked you guys better when you were pretending to be young".

In all fairness, some of this can be attributed to the producer(s). If you have a really creative team that can come up with good stuff (ie: what another poster mentioned - baby bird, homeless retarded strippers, some of the early xm stuff) and keep being creative, it can bring their spark back. They just need a little spark everyday to get the fire going. And Sam isn't creative. He's boring and dull. He's a hack and one-trick pony. All he does is re-hash the same schtick of "behind-the-scenes" stuff and drama, etc that radio morning shows have been doing for the past 20yrs.

So Sam and Travis are to blame for racism and gun rants. Gotcha

No, that part I enjoy. I love when Ant goes on a tear

So x-rated fox and friends is what you're looking for? You outta be an older demo, or a recent listener.

I'm 26. I've been listening since early 06

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33 since 2000. So what.

You said "you outta be an older demo, or a recent listener". I responded to your dumb assumption, that's all.

And you look like a putz for doing so. Congrats.

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Well remember, baby bird came about form them having freedom and awesome comics coming in. Only the Egg Nog drinking challenge was planned.

5 reasons the show will never be "what it used to be"

1: Podcasting, the show regulars can reach more listeners by doing weekly podcasts than going on a satellite radio show.

2: TV and Netflix being a huge source for stand up and stand up style writing. most comics would rather be seen AND heard rather than just heard.

3: Cringe and shock humor a la early o&a, tom green, jackass, has no real place or value in the era where everyone can see beheadings and girls getting fucked by 10 black guys on the internet in SECONDS!

4: Many of the old "friends of the show" have started families or amped up their touring schedules because the desire for comedy is as strong as it's ever been. Most comedians tour schedules are the most rigorous schedules they have ever been on

1. SiriusXM being a semi-politically correct company that views O&A as just another Entertainment/Talk show rather than shock jockery (which is more or less not allowed anywhere anymore.

If you have a problem with the show Personally, I think your hate would be better off directed at SiriusXM rather than the boys themselves.

More Baby Bird!!! More Homeless Retarded Strippers!!!! more Rogan, Burr, Colin Quinn etc.. they should have a different comic in studio every day, The boys opinions get old after listening religiously everyday. What happened to bits like Doody Hat and baby diaper moustache? I miss East Side Dave. /s (sometimes I really think like that though) but seriously /s

I find the show just as funny in a different way. But that's kind of why I've been a long term listener of the show. It changes and evolves over time. They learn to adapt to an ever changing medium full of restrictions and creative roadblocks. 2008 was a good year for the show; tons of hilarious comic appearances, like you said.

Parts of it also stunk, just like today. Opie and Anthony obviously had tension, the restrictions on terrestrial were unbearable, they were losing markets and that part of the show was circling the drain.

I find the show has always been that way. It comes and goes in cycles. They'll have a lackluster few weeks here and there and then a string of awesome shows; repeat. I enjoy the current chemistry between the crew now, the stripped down version of O&A is the best (fuck WNEW and bits) and some of the segments they've done spontaneously in the last year have been their best work in ages (Piscopo saga, Happy Days episode, Tequila and Donuts Day).

Tldr; I like the show suckacawwwwk

Some stuff is funny but the go to bits conversations : Anthony and blacks, the weekly music break, making fun of erock, politics are very predictable. When was the last show they did where Anthony didn't do the same black people or political rant.

Yeah its def hit and miss these days. Way too bitchy. Also when Ant spent 10 minutes attempting to counter point Piers Morgan AFTER HE WAS OUT OF THE STUDIO infuriated me. It was a bitch move. Hmm my poor argument is being torn to shreds, so ill just wait till he leaves and no one is here to call me out to continue.

TBH, Opie's personality has improved a LOT. But the other two are just terrible when they're serious. Particularly anthony, he's just a parody of his old self. The racism and stuff used to be bit, but now it is this 100% serious angry, old man bitterness. He's completely devoid of any happiness, although he's still hilarious when not obsessing about the blacks.

Jimmy's seriousness is just shit too. But somehow he's become this incredible character actor.

Oh, and the other two are complete enablers when it comes to ant's racism. A democratic mayor for 4 years is going to revert nyc to the 70s, and the other two agree.

goin' back to the dinkins

just cuz u and me are poor, there are actually 25 million siriusxm subscribers, basically rich ppl in SUVs and truckers.

Also, the show is still funny. The only thing I don't like about the show is Ant's racial hatred. I even agree w/ some of the things he says I just hate the vitriol, anger, and hate he uses when expressing his opinion. Instead he should approach the issue with context, empathy, and understanding.

Yeah. Ants a genius, but his racial and political shit is just plain boring, its not that I disagree with him it just gets tedious day after day.

I wouldn't say it's "genius", but it's definitely a good skill. I have people in my family that can just naturally go off on crazy rants like him just as well, if they are passionate about a certain issue and angry. I think he gets his anger and ranting abilities naturally from his parents, but is cognitive enough to know how to maximize it for entertainment.

Yeah genius was a bit of an exaggeration, anyway I was referring to his humor not his rants.

You might be surprised hearing this, but he didn't even graduate HS. Amazing rite?

It wasn't for lack of ability.

Uh oh, you pointed out a fact about everyone's hero. How dare you, sir.

The anger makes it funny.

MILLIONS LISTEN TO ME. MILLIONS

GO FUCK YA MOTHA

Instead he should approach the issue with context, empathy, and understanding.

Where's the fun in that?

Ant is one of the funniest people I've ever listened to. Having said that, his politics are purely based on self interest. All he gives a shit about is lower taxes and less gun laws. He doesn't have any real political philosophy. If he died tomorrow he wouldn't give a shit what the politics were next week.

context, empathy, and understanding.

Fuck off you fucking faggot

I'm a normal guy who signed up.

im a normal guy who signed up because i like radio and music. i do agree with you though, there is a severe lack of anything other than stern advertised ever. they still have a jamie fox channel and they still have an eminem channel. its been the same shit forever. here and there they add something like ozzys channel but the whole thing needs a major face lift.

how funny is it that art belle just up and quit on them. just look at the internet player. when you sign on there wasn't a thing about him, the only direct link is to howard. its all fucked up.

I work in an office, I subscribe to the internet radio service at this point pretty much only for the O&A channel, especially Ron & Fez. I don't use any of the music services, I already have Spotify and Google Play All Access for that, and they're way better for music anyway. I don't think SiriusXM is all that appealing, and honestly, if/when I get bored of the channel I'll cancel the service.

Plus it's hard to justify. Spotify is $9.99/mo, as are Rdio, Google Play All Access and MOG. Podcasts and internet radio are free, not to mention content like BBC World Service, CNN, etc are available as free streams online. Pandora's free with ads, I think the paid service is like $3/mo?

SiriusXM's Internet only package is $15.99/mo. A lot to ask for if all you listen to is O&A and Ron & Fez.

I find myself skipping the 1st hour a lot (on purpose). Due to getting ready for work and such I used to rewind the 1st hour and listen to the show while I traveled. I find myself cringing so hard at Jimmy's opinions lately. Generally they get silly the 2nd hour and on.

In my opinion the show is funny, but their long redundant rants are annoying. That brings down the show a lot.

I'm starting to think that there needs to be changes or the show grows more and more tired and pessimistic. The drive, ambition and energy that the show used to have is gone. The problem is not that they have changed or are getting older, but the situation and platform that the show currently is on. And who can blame them? They have no real competition, there are no ratings, they have no apparent goals to aim for. Absolutely no momentum. I still enjoy and love the show but I know it could be regurlarly even better and more exciting.

Maybe any change at this point would be good. Perhaps it would make the show instantly much more interesting if they were put on the same channel with Howie. Suddenly they would have a new audience and they would constantly need to beat howie and be the better show every day. And they would! ...Or maybe leave SiriusXM completely.

All three of them should move to LA and do the show from there, how crazy would that be!

Every single day of this show makes me laugh several times, so yeah.

I used to listen to Drew and Mike until 2006 and I could go through an entire show without one single laugh.

With O&A, I remember being surprised how I would be able to laugh more than once a show, and I still can.

So whatever sins they commit, they get a free pass from me, permanently.

Off-topic but since you mentioned them.. 3yrs ago I was visiting relatives for Christmas and had a layover in Detroit and had a pocket radio and was scanning and heard a best-of of Drew & Mike and actually found them really funny and creative. They were making fun of the people they were interviewing and not in a hack way. I have no idea how old the clips from the best-of were, it could have been 10yrs old, but I actually found it to be good radio, and I hate 99.9% of radio shows I hear

Most likely very old, yeah. Around 2005 they stopped making fun of anything, they just read Newsweek articles on the air and talked about sports and more sports and took calls from some sports announcer guy, they had a weekly thing where they'd just talk about hockey for up to an hour.

I used to love Drew and Mike though, in the late 90s and early 00s, in fact there's a torrent on piratebay with a ton of clips of theirs.

thanks for the info, man. i only listened to them that one time, but i know that they recently split up and left wrif because drew wanted to take the show to afternoons (less competition) and mike wanted to stay morning because they were still #1 in their demo. the station also wanted them to stay at mornings. drew went onto do afternoons at 105.1 detroit sports wmgc (station's ratings aren't good at all). i tuned into him for a few mins and he was okay. maybe he's the one who pushed for more sports on the show? mike started his own podcast, called the detroitcast (i think dcast would be a better name)

I think they should've quit years ago, but yeah I think at least they're more suited to sports talk stuff.

I think Drew and Mike both have separate podcasts. I heard a podcast with them together a couple months ago, and I thought it was really cool, until after 20 minutes they talked sports for basically an hour.

The stuff I really loved about them were their bits, Cliff Notes Theater and old goofy stuff, Gay Per View which I know O&A has played before (it's Drew's voice in the bit), but the best was when they'd call people for news stories and just do ridiculous shit, and I'm pretty sure that unlike most phone scam bullshit, it was actually real, because they would open the call by telling them they were on the radio and WRIF in Detroit etc, "and we're calling to ask about the doctor who chopped off the wrong foot," basically calling in as if they were reporters. As the show went on, the HINJINX! with those calls got less and less until they were just talking about things, the calls got boring, and then I think the calls stopped entirely as far as I knew, just reading from newspapers and listing sports scores for 10 minutes.

nowadays i skip the first hour unless its show related, im so sick of hearng news i dont give a shit about plus they are so predictable, and honestly jim and ant have become angry whiney cunts, well ants not bad when he's ranting but jim has gotten worse, opie is the only i guy that doesnt make me wanna skip the show, yeah he can be douchey and not funny, but he never has a stance on alot of things, you dont really know his politics or any of that shit, his stories might be boring, but atleast its not frustrating or annoying.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

I don't have much history to go on but I prefer a conversational flow show instead of forced bits. I got a taste of that last week with the over-the-top "let's do this" cereal fight.

They get on certain subjects for too long, but eventually move on to something else. Don't worry the Redskins free speech thing will be over soon too.

I don't mind the politics or anything as long as it feels genuine. I spent years listening to maybe the most contrived, insincere scripted show ever - Bubba the Love Sponge. The O&A show is refreshing in that regard. Sure they pump things up for the radio, but at least they're not pushing bumper stickers, mud flaps, cd's, personal appearances at a race track or Rent-a-Center, etc.

I spent years listening to maybe the most contrived, insincere scripted show ever - Bubba the Love Sponge.

Oh god. Bubba stinks. Do you listen to Cowhead? While not amazing I find that show listenable.

I've never really gotten into Cowhead mostly because it never properly fit into my listening schedule.

It's still funny. I do find that I read the threads here before I go to the replay though to see if there's any sections I want to skip.

I like it a lot lately. It's more relaxed and casual. Not every day needs to be CAARAAAZYYYY for me.

In terms of what's out there today on radio, O&A is the best show out there. Maybe the show is slowly dying, but I'd like to hear them on a podcast or something since I do feel their show is being held down by Sirius xm. I still find a lot of their humor to be funny, and while people will take what Ant says about blacks seriously, I crack up during the ridiculousness of his rants and can find some merit to his arguments, even if it has become so diluted over the years. So they don't suck, but the show can certainly improve and it's nothing like it was in the early days.

I really prefer the show the way it is now. I want to hear experiences described, opinions, political thoughts, etc. whether serious or funny.

As far as the bits, I know what tits look like. I don't need them described to me by three men. It's just as entertaining as when they eat. I also don't need them to describe a man eating another man's vomit. I REALLY don't want to hear what homeless people are up to in a mall.

I think that between 2011-2013 it's been the best it has been since 2004-2007. I don't like the hour long complaining about the black community or sensitivity EVERY OTHER DAY! But as far as the comedy material, I think it's great.

In my opinion, no. I think their heyday was back during the early XM days. I could tune in at any time during the show and there was always something funny or at least interesting going on. That's just not the case any more, I've listened to more classic shows from 04-08 than I have any live shows for the longest.

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wait for them to be fired and start a podcast

you honestly thing the 3 of them will do a podcast with each other? I highly doubt it.

It'll never happen.

Yep I agree with that. Anthony will lock himself in his house and scream about black people on ustream. Norton might do his own thing and Opie will try his hardest to go viral and fail every time.

Why not?

I don't think the chemistry with Opie and Anthony is the same anymore. I don't see Opie and Norton driving out to Anthony's house to podcast. Say if they do something in the city I don't see Anthony leaving his compound because they could be black people out there....

I see the current contract ending and if they don't re up they will probably go their own way.

Is the show still funny?

You're asking people to give you your opinion on something you fucking dipshit. Its subjective, either you find ti funny or you dont, if you dont, stop fucking whining like a school girl bitch and turn it off.

Also, the show is still funny. The only thing I don't like about the show is Ant's racial hatred. I even agree w/ some of the things he says I just hate the vitriol, anger, and hate he uses when expressing his opinion. Instead he should approach the issue with context, empathy, and understanding.

When Artie was in the Jackie chair, it was funny because he was a constant source of entertainment. They would either poke fun at him, or he would fight with people, or he would brutally mock someone. He was also very very good at story telling, so he would take up large chunks of the show telling self depreciating stories. When he left, there wasn't any counter balance to Stern, it was just yes men, and there was a bunch more show for him to fill, so he started prattling on about cats and reality tv and boring shit like that.