It used to be one of the most comforting sounds in the podcast world: Tig Notaro’s deadpan delivery clashing with Cheryl Hines’ infectious, bubbly energy. They were the duo behind Tig & Cheryl: True Story, a show ostensibly about documentaries but really about two best friends making each other laugh until they couldn't breathe.
Then, the episodes just stopped.
People noticed. Fans of the "Snerkbol" community (the self-named listeners of the pod) started asking questions. Was it a scheduling conflict? A creative pivot? Honestly, the truth is a lot more complicated and, frankly, a bit sadder. It wasn’t a Hollywood "creative differences" cliché. It was a slow-motion collision between a deep friendship and the polarizing reality of American politics.
The Gnat on the Arm: How It All Started
Tig Notaro and Cheryl Hines weren't just colleagues. Their history goes way back to the early 2000s. Long before Curb Your Enthusiasm became a cultural titan or Tig became a household name for her legendary stand-up sets, Cheryl actually helped Tig get her first manager. They were tight.
When they launched True Story during the pandemic, it felt like a lifeline for listeners. They’d watch a documentary—or pretend to—and then spend an hour talking about anything else. Who they were attracted to in the film. Cheryl’s inability to pronounce basic words. Tig’s literal interpretation of everything.
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But there was always a shadow in the background: Cheryl’s husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
For years, Tig described RFK Jr.’s controversial views as a "gnat on the arm." It was something she could ignore because she loved Cheryl. People have different opinions, right? You disagree on the thermostat, you disagree on a policy, you move on. But as 2024 approached and Kennedy’s political ambitions shifted from environmental law to a presidential run—and eventually a high-profile endorsement of Donald Trump—that gnat became an elephant in the room.
Why Tig Notaro and Cheryl Hines Finally Drifted Apart
In late 2025, Tig finally opened up about the rift on Tom Papa’s Breaking Bread podcast. She didn't sound angry. She sounded heartbroken. She admitted that once the political spotlight intensified, the "agree to disagree" stance just didn't hold water anymore.
"You're okaying a particular ride for this country to go on," Tig explained.
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That’s the crux of it. For Tig, it wasn't just about politics; it was about fundamental trust. She mentioned that Cheryl even tried to get her to "hear Bobby out," suggesting a four-hour sit-down to discuss his ideas. Tig thought about it. She really did. But she woke up the next morning and realized she just couldn't do it. She didn't trust the direction things were going.
Once the podcast ended in 2023, the silence became permanent.
Tig recently shared on her other podcast, Handsome, that she hasn't really heard from Cheryl since she stepped away from their joint show. She still sends the occasional "thinking of you" text, and Cheryl responds politely, but the "ridiculous" friendship they once shared is effectively over. It’s a classic case of the personal becoming political in a way that’s impossible to untangle.
The Fallout and What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that this was a sudden "cancel culture" move. It wasn't. This was a years-long erosion.
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- The Marriage Factor: Cheryl has been married to RFK Jr. since 2014. They survived a lot of headlines together, including some pretty wild scandals.
- The Breaking Point: It wasn't just the husband; it was the endorsement of a movement that Tig felt fundamentally contradicted her own world.
- The Emotional Toll: This wasn't a PR stunt. Tig visibly got emotional talking to Tom Papa about how much joy the friendship used to bring her.
Cheryl, for her part, has stayed relatively quiet on the specifics of the fallout. On an episode of Howie Mandel Does Stuff, she touched on the difficulty of navigating her husband's public life while maintaining her own identity and friendships. She’s consistently maintained that you don’t have to agree with your spouse on everything. But as Tig pointed out, "agreeing to disagree" is for the temperature of the room, not for things that change the fabric of society.
Where They Stand in 2026
As of early 2026, the two remain in separate orbits. Tig is busy producing documentaries like Come See Me In The Good Light and touring. Cheryl continues to navigate the complex world of being a political spouse in a high-stakes administration, with her husband serving as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
It’s a stark reminder that even the strongest Hollywood bonds aren't immune to the divisions of the real world.
If you're looking for the "True Story" magic, you can still find the old episodes. They're a time capsule of a version of their friendship that doesn't exist anymore. It’s a bit like looking at old photos of an ex—you remember the fun, but you also know why you're not in the room together anymore.
What We Can Learn From the Rift
- Boundaries Matter: Sometimes, "stepping away" is the only way to preserve your own peace, even if it means losing someone you love.
- Communication Isn't a Cure-All: A four-hour conversation couldn't bridge the gap between Tig and the Kennedy platform.
- Friendship Evolution: Not all friendships are meant to last forever. Some are seasonal, and that’s okay.
If you are navigating a similar rift in your own life, it might be worth listening to Tig’s interview on Breaking Bread. It’s a masterclass in how to hold onto your values without becoming a person consumed by bitterness. You can care about someone and still decide they don't belong in your inner circle anymore.
To stay updated on Tig’s latest projects, her podcast Handsome with Fortune Feimster and Mae Martin is the current home for that same "ridiculous" energy she used to share with Cheryl. For those following the political side, keeping an eye on Cheryl's public appearances on shows like The View provides a window into how she’s handling her new role in the national spotlight.