Dax Shepard responds to Cher’s comments that Kristen Bell 'deserves better'

Dax Shepard addressed Cher’s remarks to Kristen Bell during podcast appearance while attending the 2026 Golden Globes

Dax Shepard has responded to comments made by Cher during a recent episode of his Armchair Expert podcast, in which the singer told him that his wife, actor Kristen Bell, deserves a better partner.

Cher appeared as a guest on the January 5 episode of the podcast, where the exchange took place in a light-hearted discussion that also included Bell.

Speaking to Access Hollywood at the 2026 Golden Globes, Shepard said the remarks were expected and taken in good humour. “I think we both expected that,” he said. “That’s why you love Cher.”

Shepard’s co-host, Monica Padman, also addressed the reaction to the episode, noting that headlines had focused on isolated comments. She said listeners should hear the full conversation, adding that “everything she says is perfect.”

During the podcast episode, Shepard openly acknowledged that Cher did not appear to approve of him as Bell’s partner. “Who would be your dream partner for her? ’Cause I know you think she could do better, and I don’t disagree,” Shepard said during the discussion. Cher responded by saying, “The truth is, I trust her. So you must have something that I don’t see.”

Shepard later told Cher that he is not threatened by Bell’s success. “I’m not threatened by her shining. Love it. The shinier she gets, the better,” he said. Bell echoed the sentiment, describing Shepard and Cher’s partner Alexander “AE” Edwards as “guys who polish you so you shine more.”

Cher and Bell first met while working together on the 2010 film Burlesque. Bell and Shepard became engaged that year and married in 2013. They share two daughters, Lincoln and Delta.

Armchair Expert received its first Golden Globe nomination this year in the Best Podcast category but lost to Good Hang with Amy Poehler.