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Does Kelly Ripa need a permanent co-host on "Live! with Kelly"?

Stars like Jerry Seinfeld have stepped in for Regis, but should any of them stick around?

Kelly Ripa

 Kelly Ripa

Credit: AP Photo

So, the long goodbye is over. Regis has been gone for two weeks and Kelly Ripa has settled into a (sort of) solo gig on the renamed "Live! with Kelly." I say sort of because Ripa has been joined by stand-in co-hosts comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Jerry O'Connell, Neil Patrick Harris and, most recently, "Dancing with the Stars" pro Derek Hough -- and there are likely many more to come, as there's been no deadline for when a permanent co-host will be announced. While each of these co-hosts has been successful to varying degrees, what's been notable is how smoothly Ripa has stepped into the Regis chair.

 
In the past, Ripa worked overtime to be a comic foil to Philbin, a job that seemingly became difficult as the aging host started eyeballing the exit. He often seemed forgetful or simply distracted, inspiring Ripa to up the volume or, worse, roll her eyes like an exasperated teenager. Despite that, I've always thought Ripa was an improvement over Kathie Lee Gifford, who dominated conversations with gaggingly cutesy stories of her children Cody and Cassidy and only revealed an edgy, gleefully sarcastic side once she was able to steal the floor away from Hoda Kotb on "Today." There's a reason why, despite the Ripa haters (or rippers, I suppose), she's been on the show for eleven years. 
 
Still, with Regis gone, the general consensus among fans of the show seemed to be that the lifeblood of "Live!" left with Philbin. Ripa was dismissed as too high strung, too loud and too annoying on her own to float along until a new co-host stepped in. And, with ill-fitting celebrities like Seinfeld taking over hosting duties (the guy prattled on about overeating at Thanksgiving like he thought he was doing stand-up for Ripa instead of talking to her), it seemed that Ripa might really be in trouble. 
 
But, surprisingly, that certainly wasn't showing in the ratings. The first week of "LIve! with Kelly" actually outperformed "Live! with Regis and Kelly"'s numbers from the previous year by 17 percent in households and 29 percent among women 25 to 54. It could have been a curiosity factor, but people weren't tuning out because of a missing Philbin. Still, it wasn't until Seinfeld passed the hosting chair to Neil Patrick Harris that the show really found its rhythm, at least temporarily. 
 
Yes, Harris may have made an offhand comment that upset GLAAD during his stint (he apologized immediately), but the always affable actor was relaxed, fun and played well with Ripa, who seemed thrilled to have someone new to banter with. Where the chatter between Philbin and Ripa had a certain father-daughter affection, it was nice to see Ripa flirt (yes, flirt) with Harris and step more fully into the driver's seat on the show. 
 
Derek Hough, of course, is no Neil Patrick Harris -- and today's episode might have been Ripa's real test. Hough seemed slightly nervous in kicking off his two day stint and the co-host chemistry of last week was largely absent, leaving Ripa to pick up the ball. To her credit, she managed to keep conversation light and gracefully guide the show through interviews and even a harried Paula Deen cooking segment. Even Hough seemed to loosen up as the episode went on (he ends his two day stint tomorrow, to be followed by Josh Groban Dec. 7, 8 and 9; Tay Diggs Dec. 12; Kevin Jonas Dec. 13; Bryant Gumble Dec. 14 and Michael Buble Dec. 15 and 16). 
 
What was notable in the episode was that Ripa seemed more in control than during the Regis era, a time when her role was clearly sidekick-only. She wasn't as wacky, and she didn't seem to be trying too hard. There was a level of maturity that seemed, well, new. Regis taught her well. 
 
Of course, that's today (during Seinfeld's stint, Ripa fell too easily into the role of passive listener, unwilling to take the stage away from the comedian). There's likely some rocky road ahead for Ripa as she tries to modulate her performance to each new guest co-host, but I suspect it's good practice. I even question whether a permanent co-host is a great idea -- a constant influx of new voices and returning favorites seems like it could keep be more entertaining than a regular co-host. Even when a co-host falls short, Ripa is more than capable of propping up the show, and viewers who tune in to see a favorite star might be inspired to stick around after he or she leaves. Given that Harris, who seems perfect for the job, has too many commitments to take it anytime soon, it might be best to leave the chair open. There's no replacing Regis, after all -- so maybe the question is, why try? 
 
Do you think Kelly needs a permanent guest host? And if so, who do you want to see get the job?
 
 

 

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Next 91 Comments
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    KP

    Josh Groban is always a pleasure. Not as a permanent host, though--he needs to get back in the studio to make some new music.

    December 5, 2011 at 5:48PM EST Reply to Comment
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      Mary I would love to see more of Josh on Live with Kelly! They are so cute together! Josh makes me smile every time he co-hosts!

      December 8, 2011 at 12:47PM EST
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    Annie

    I honestly think the only one capable of taking over permanently is Neil Patrick Harris. Kelly is a talk show host genius but I do miss Regis. Not a bad idea to keep rotating. No one but NPH could do it well.

    December 5, 2011 at 6:09PM EST Reply to Comment
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      DougMac I just dont think he'd want the job, but he would be great at it. What did he say to get GLAAD upset?
      Nick Lachey was a good fill in host for Regis when he was on vacation, and he'd probably jumap at the opportunity

      December 5, 2011 at 6:29PM EST
    • Oh -- he used the word "tranny" during a science segment (I didn't want to repost "tranny" and thus compound the problem, but there you go). He was kidding around -- he and Kelly had inhaled some chemical that lowered their voices. He apologized right away. Here's a story link -- http://crushable.com/entertainment/neil-patrick-harris-tranny-apology-911/

      December 5, 2011 at 7:12PM EST
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    maria moniz

    Write a comment...hey kelly u doing good by ur self,co-host its ok doesnt have to be permanent my name is maria moniz

    December 5, 2011 at 6:13PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Jill

    I heard that the spot was offered to Tony Danza

    December 5, 2011 at 7:38PM EST Reply to Comment
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      PattyC I'd love to see either Tony Danza OR Wayne Brady. Both of their shows were great even though they were short lived

      December 6, 2011 at 10:54AM EST
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    JR

    I was really hoping to see Pat Sajack step in. He was great, very quick, funny, entertaining and a great storyteller when he cohosted before.

    December 5, 2011 at 7:38PM EST Reply to Comment
    • I've heard that a lot -- he seemed to be a big hit with a lot of viewers. But I think that would mean moving the show from NY (or "Wheel" to NY, either way).

      December 6, 2011 at 12:05AM EST
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      leemats I believe "Wheel" is in production for only 12 weeks a year, so Sajak could be a possibility without either show relocating.

      December 6, 2011 at 2:10AM EST
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    jane doe

    Y'all are kidding, right? Maturity? Ha -- gutter-mind maturity is more like it. Does EVERYTHING have to be about sex? Flirting w/NPH? Whah?? Disgusting, suggestive comments to a kid almost young enough to be her son, today? Whah??? The show is all about self-centered, turn it all on me (Kelly), all the time. Don't watch anymore.

    I think these so-called "oh what a great show it is" are written by publicist plants.

    Gimme a break. I can't take airhead comments anymore. Haven't watched since the first week.

    December 6, 2011 at 12:24AM EST Reply to Comment
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      leemats I just looked it up. NPH is 38. Ripa is 41. He's not almost young enough to be her son.

      December 6, 2011 at 2:16AM EST
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      Sue Baumgartner I'm with you. Who wants to listen to such dribble. How about hearing about the theater, restaurants, things that are happening in New York. Regis always was out & about & had interesting stories to tell about people & places.
      The show is borrrring now!!!!

      December 6, 2011 at 11:29AM EST
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      HundleyFan WTH?!, Jane Doe. You don't watch the show anymore, yet you talk about Ripa making "disgusting, suggestive comments"? Like what? Oh, that's right. You can't list any because YOU DON'T WATCH THE SHOW ANYMORE. Sheesh.

      December 6, 2011 at 5:15PM EST
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      rknight Kelly cannot hold this show together. She screams the name of her co-host "Oprah" style, so annoying and daily talks of "he who shall not be named" as irritating as Kathie Lee and her childrens' stories. I have not watched an entire show since regis left.

      January 19, 2012 at 11:57AM EST
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    Christine Blais

    I agree. There is no replacing Regis however that being said, the show must go on and while we shall always cherish the days with Reege , I wish to see Kelly continue to grow and no co host will do unless NHP can fill that seat. I love them both and their chemistry was unbelievable. Truly play off each other well

    December 6, 2011 at 12:37AM EST Reply to Comment
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    sam

    NPH all the way!

    December 6, 2011 at 12:49AM EST Reply to Comment
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    sam

    NPH all the way! Kelly isn't bright you need someone witty for her to banter with!

    December 6, 2011 at 12:50AM EST Reply to Comment
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    Pipp

    Well, I just really hope Neil Patrick Harris won't do it when himym is over. I mean, he's a really good at it, it would be a true waste of talent. He should be acting on stage or screen and when he is 60 he can be the new Regis, or better: Letterman.

    December 6, 2011 at 7:30AM EST Reply to Comment
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      paxmama Loved NPH. Their chemistry together was PERFECT! Regis has big shoes to fill. Kelly needs some time to settle into her new position. If NPH isn't going to be cast as the new co-host, I agree that rotating co-hosts might be the way to go for now! :)

      December 6, 2011 at 9:35AM EST
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    joe

    I don't watch anymore.I wasn't crazy about Regis, but I don't like a different co-host all the time.

    December 6, 2011 at 10:32AM EST Reply to Comment
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    Erica

    How about some fellow All My Children alums? Susan Lucci...Cameron Matheson? I really like Jerry O'Connell. I thought Derek Hough did great too! I think my top pick, though, would be her hubby, Mark Consuelos!

    December 6, 2011 at 11:11AM EST Reply to Comment
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      Tamara Arnold Reply to comment...

      December 11, 2011 at 4:28AM EST
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      Tamara Arnold yes Mark her husband is the best and natural choice

      December 11, 2011 at 4:39AM EST
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    Remi

    Kelly is trying to hard --it is hard to watch. Her depracating humor was OLD many years ago. Time for the show to go.

    December 6, 2011 at 12:29PM EST Reply to Comment
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      Joanne Foy It is so sad to say but I agree with you. I have taped the shows lately and cannot get through one whole show.

      December 8, 2011 at 1:56AM EST
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    jonu lexico

    Kelly should drop trying to do Oprah. She is better than that...........

    December 6, 2011 at 1:08PM EST Reply to Comment
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    ja

    Anderson Cooper would be an excellent cpartner for Kelly..maybe his show will be cancelled.

    December 6, 2011 at 3:18PM EST Reply to Comment
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      HundleyFan I believe Anderson Cooper's talk show was renewed for a second season.

      December 6, 2011 at 5:10PM EST
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    CS

    no permanent host needed, keeps it more fresh .... however, what happens when/if she can't be there?? In the past, at least 1 of them (the shows namesake) was always there

    December 6, 2011 at 3:29PM EST Reply to Comment
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      HundleyFan Well, almost always. There was one time years ago when Regis was on vacation and Kelly called in sick.

      December 6, 2011 at 5:19PM EST
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    Lola

    I don't like show anymore. Ripa is too over bearing and obnoxious!

    December 6, 2011 at 11:38PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Lola

    Rips had become obnoxious and overbearing

    December 6, 2011 at 11:38PM EST Reply to Comment
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    sammy

    Neil Patrick Harris was totally boring, he cannot keep up with Kelly and her quick witted tempo. how can a gay guy get in trouble for a gay slur???? Jerry O is the guy. She needs someone that can keep up and is happy sitting in the second chair

    December 7, 2011 at 3:00AM EST Reply to Comment
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    leighann

    I think that DEAN MCDERMOTT would be the best to replace Regis. He is a fresh new face to TV. Thats just me. Hope you consider him. We love him on tori and dean. Think he is a very nice and funny and great man.

    December 7, 2011 at 10:10AM EST Reply to Comment
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      M Someone needs to send this suggestion in to them. Glad to see someone else was thinking this. I think Dean McDermott would be a good co-host and would pair nicely with Kelly.

      December 21, 2011 at 12:41PM EST
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    K

    Neil Patrick Harris- they have a certain chemistry and he is just so enjoyable to watch. I can't stand Bryant Gumble so I hope he doesn't get the job. His ego is WAY too large.

    December 7, 2011 at 10:33AM EST Reply to Comment
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    Patricia Gaston

    Kelly Rippa is a Shinng Star in her own right. She is amazing! She compliments everyone she works with! I wish she copuld give us an early Christmas present with Josh Groban and have him sing "You are Loved." In a time when so many people are hurting this song give us faith and hope. Kelly, "YOU ARE AMAZING!!"

    December 7, 2011 at 10:40AM EST Reply to Comment
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    SAVR

    I have stopped watching the show. Kelly is so over-bearing and arrogant. She needs to go away. She cannot stop talking and doesn't give anyone else a chance to say anything..Her co-host? How about Tom Bergaron(sp). I love him and he would make the show that same way that Regis did.

    December 7, 2011 at 10:45AM EST Reply to Comment
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      Joanne Foy I loved the show and I watched it everyday and enjoyed the chemistry with Regis and Kelly. He was truly funny and loved him getting annoyed at the phone segment. He was so funny and I love the first 15 minutes of just them sharing what they did the night before or the weekend. Noone can replace Regis. They should have thought of paying him more money Jo Jo

      December 8, 2011 at 1:47AM EST
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    judy layne

    I don't think she can EVER REPLACE REGIS so I suggest that she just goes with different co-hosts each week. I hope it continues to be a popular show without Regis but I really wonder if she can do it!!!

    December 7, 2011 at 10:56AM EST Reply to Comment
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    Ivonne P.

    PLEASE Galman, rotation CO-HOST is not a bad idea but donnot, again donnot, attempt the NO brainner one, it really look S T U P I D. I may suggest Letterman, Jimmy Kammel, Jerry Seinfeld, OR the Hubby Mark, you need someone that is not boring to watch. To tell you honestly since Regis is gone, I have to get used to it, but I check every day who was on for that day but believed me if I tell you this, NO one that I like. So I stop watching the program. But dont get me wrong I love Kelly Repa, she is unique and one of a kind but Galman you must get the right MAN for that empty (CHAIR). I love the show very much. Lady Ivonne

    December 7, 2011 at 11:35AM EST Reply to Comment
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      Anne Love the weekly hosts, not so much the daily ones, but it's great to have fresh people on weekly, face it no one is Regis. The show will stay a hit if it stays FRESH !!

      December 7, 2011 at 11:50AM EST
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      david Maybe instead of watching the show you could take an English class?

      December 7, 2011 at 4:38PM EST
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    AustinTX Friend

    I think that Kelly could carry the show on her own because she is AWESOME. If you have to have someone with her I thought that Neil Patrick and Kelly had great chemistry. He was great!

    December 7, 2011 at 2:20PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Aaron

    Aaron Have been a fan Regis and morning talk, going back to his days in L.A., with varous co~hosts. Am happy to see the baton passed to Kelly, and feel, at this stage of the game~she is more than ready and higly capable/very entertaining. Prefer the musical chair approach, as every morning, it seems like an exciting and captivating hour. Kelly was born for this role, and her personality is electric/fun.

    December 7, 2011 at 6:00PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Stephanie

    I love Kelly, and she certainly could do the show alone with a constant rotation of guest co-hosts. However, if they were to pick someone permanently, my vote is for Mike Catherwood. He is great with her and would give the show a fresh look and spin.

    December 7, 2011 at 10:33PM EST Reply to Comment
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    Bill

    They do need to replace Regis. Kelly cannot host the show herself and keep the ratings up and viewers interested. Kelly's humor is ok but somewhat dry. A neighbor also mentioned that her humor is always about her. Regis always made the humor exciting and funny because it was directed to other things not just him. I do think she is trying but she's not the rise and shine host.

    December 7, 2011 at 11:50PM EST Reply to Comment
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      Joanne Foy Agreed it is so sad to say and I am so depressed at Regis leaving. Sorry Kelly but the rating are going to plumet sooner than later.

      December 8, 2011 at 1:58AM EST
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    Danielle

    NPH was a perfect fit! I would watch the show every day if he was on it.. He is hysterical

    December 8, 2011 at 12:35PM EST Reply to Comment
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      karzen brown kelly the hand and arm movement is very annoying to watch daily.less talk about the family. trying to hard. try and relax more.

      December 21, 2011 at 1:01PM EST
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      Amy I think they should go with an unknown. They did when they picked Kelly and it was very successful . They should give a new face a chance.

      February 29, 2012 at 8:43PM EST
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