Private Parts

Based on a best-selling autobiography this comedy drama is the surprisingly sweet-natured life story of a controversial radio personality. Howard Stern who stars as himself is a nerdy New York kid who dreams of a disc jockey career despite being a self-loathing klutz who lacks a traditional broadcaster's voice. A strikeout artist in college Stern's romantic travails end when he meets and marries Alison (Mary McCormack) a beautiful social worker. Stern's early career at several radio stations is undistinguished. Bored he makes his life the centerpiece of his show including his obsessions with sex and bathroom humor and he finds willing cohorts in news reporter Robin Quivers and producer Fred Norris. After an abortive tenure at a Washington D.C. station that loathes his high-rated antics he lands at NBC in New York. Again Stern clashes regularly with executives especially Kenny Pig Vomit Rushton (Paul Giamatti) who runs roughshod over Stern's team. At home Stern's tendency to discuss the intimate details of his marriage takes a toll reaching a meltdown when he jokes about Alison's recent miscarriage on-air.