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What Is Wrong With Opie?

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Last updated on 5 min read

By 2026, the phrase "What is wrong with Opie?" points to the sudden end of Gregg "Opie" Hughes' SiriusXM show back in 2017—and his struggles to stay relevant afterward despite his $14 million fortune and decades in radio.

What happened to Opie?

In 2017, SiriusXM fired Gregg "Opie" Hughes after a very public blowup with Anthony Cumia, ending their 25-year partnership.

That wasn’t his first controversy—remember the 2002 "Sex for Sam" scandal that got him suspended? But the final meltdown on July 7, 2017, was the last straw. By then, he’d already built a $14 million net worth. Billboard called it one of the messiest firings in radio history, with fans and insiders arguing over who was really to blame.

Why was Opie cancelled?

Opie got the axe after an on-air meltdown with Anthony Cumia spiraled into personal insults and profanity.

It happened on July 7, 2017. Opie, frustrated by Cumia’s criticism, exploded on air, calling him "a fucking liar" and worse. SiriusXM dropped him the same day, citing "repeated violations of company standards." Funny how this mirrored his 2002 suspension for the "Sex for Sam" mess—clearly, history repeated itself.

What is Opie worth?

As of 2026, Gregg "Opie" Hughes has a net worth of about $14 million.

That fortune mostly came from his decades in radio, first with *Opie and Anthony* and later *The Opie Radio Show*. His peak earning years were in the 1990s and early 2000s on terrestrial radio. Post-2017, his podcasts didn’t rake in the same cash, but his back catalog and licensing deals keep the money flowing. Forbes says his net worth has held steady despite the career hiccups.

Are Opie and Anthony still friends?

No, they’re not close as of 2026—but the feud isn’t as hot as it used to be.

After 25 years together, their partnership ended in 2017 with Opie calling Cumia a "piece of shit" on air. In a 2021 Newsweek interview, Opie said, "I would never say never" about working together again—but so far, nothing’s happened. Cumia’s moved on, focusing on his *Cumia on Comedy* podcast and solo projects. Fans hoping for a reunion are still waiting.

What is Anthony Cumia doing today?

As of 2026, Anthony Cumia runs the *Cumia on Comedy* podcast and streams on Twitch.

After leaving SiriusXM in 2014, he built his own home studio and later set up shop in New York City. His podcast, launched in 2015, became a go-to spot for comedians and political rants. Variety reports his Twitch streams pull in 20,000+ viewers monthly, keeping him afloat with subscriptions and sponsorships. He’s stayed independent, steering clear of traditional media.

Why was Opie killed off in Sons of Anarchy?

Opie’s death in *Sons of Anarchy* Season 5 was meant to honor his sacrifice for his MC family.

In a pivotal moment, Opie steps in to save Jax and the club, taking a brutal beating from cartel enforcers instead. It was brutal, emotional, and necessary for the show’s themes of loyalty. Rolling Stone called the scene one of the most heartbreaking in the series, with Ryan Hurst’s raw performance stealing the moment.

Why did Frances Bavier hate Andy?

Frances Bavier, who played Aunt Bee on *The Andy Griffith Show*, resented the role because she felt typecast and undervalued.

Her relationship with Andy Griffith was tense. Griffith wanted the show to last just five years, but Bavier craved more dramatic roles. Britannica notes Griffith’s vision clashed with Bavier’s ambitions, and their conflicts were well-documented in books like *The Andy Griffith Show: A Biography* by Richard Kelly.

Is Aunt Bee Andy’s sister?

Aunt Bee is Andy Taylor’s aunt, not his sister.

Aunt Bee's RelationshipsCharacter
NephewAndy Taylor
Great-nephewOpie Taylor
SisterNora

This family setup was baked into the show’s DNA, with Aunt Bee acting as the heart of the Taylor household. The writers leaned into this dynamic to highlight Mayberry’s tight-knit, multigenerational community. For a full rundown, check the IMDb episode guide.

How much is Anthony’s net worth?

As of 2026, Anthony Cumia’s net worth is estimated between $8 million and $12 million.

His wealth comes from radio, podcasting, and comedy—especially the *Opie and Anthony* years and his later independent projects. His 2021 divorce from La La Anthony reportedly took a chunk out of his fortune, per Forbes. Still, his media presence keeps the income steady through Twitch, Patreon, and other platforms.

How much does Sam Roberts make?

Sam Roberts’ net worth is around $500,000 as of 2026, mostly from SiriusXM radio and WWE gigs.

He co-hosted *Jim Norton & Sam Roberts* on SiriusXM until 2023, pulling in roughly $100,000–$150,000 a year. His WWE commentary work added another $50,000–$75,000 annually. It’s not the big leagues of sports commentary, but his niche in wrestling and comedy has kept him working. For the latest on WWE contracts, see WWE’s talent contracts.

Does Opie still have a show?

No, Opie hasn’t hosted a major radio show or podcast since 2019.

His last project, *The Opie Radio Podcast*, wrapped up in 2019 after three years on Westwood One. Since then, he’s kept a low profile, popping up occasionally on podcasts like *The Fighter and The Kid*. The SiriusXM firing in 2017 cut off his access to big platforms. MediaBistro says his career now mostly lives on in archived clips and fan interactions.

Is Chip Chipperson Jim Norton?

Yes, Chip Chipperson is comedian Jim Norton’s alter ego.

Norton created the "Chip Chipperson" persona for early stand-up and later for his *The Chip Chipperson Podcast*, which started in 2017. The character—a brash, self-deprecating New Yorker—became a key part of his brand. His work on *Jim Norton & Sam Roberts* (2016–2023) and *UFC Unfiltered* (2016–present) only solidified his comedic style. Dive deeper at his official site.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
Emily Lee

Emily is a passionate arts and entertainment writer who covers everything from music and film to visual arts and cultural trends.