David

you can compare them to stern, but the comparison ends quickly thereafter. howard's on his way down and these guys are just hitting their stride. instead of being centered around just one person (one person whose show seems now to only consist of whining a lot about how everyone stole everything from him), it's a freeflow exchange of ideas and the topics change rapidly. yes, it can be gross and it CAN be cruel occasionally, but there's no doubt it's a damn funny show too. add in a strange cast of peripheral characters, assaults on the media, homeless shopping sprees, cringe-inducing interviews (like when opie welcomed cindy williams to "has-been corner" - painful) and funny, funny comedians. you'll be amazed how fast 4 hours goes by.