When I was a little kid, I set out a list of goals to accomplish in life. While most of my friends craved toys and video games, I yearned for a bit of global recognition. Needless to say, that isn’t quite how my life turned out — at least not yet. I distinctly remember fantasizing about being an illustrious writer and going on morning talk shows to promote my prized paperbacks. One of those talk shows was Live! with Regis and Kelly.
Ah, what a vivid imagination I have! You know, it’s been nearly ten months since Regis Philbin left the show and I am still in shock. After all, the man has been with the program since 1983 — before I was even born. Alas, it seems Kelly Ripa will finally be getting a new co-host. If you’ve been keeping up with the news then it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that Philbin’s replacement is former NFL player turned actor Michael Strahan. I have but only one thing to say …
What the hell?
Let me backtrack for a second. I think it’s common knowledge that Clacking in Color is all about diversity. I’m happy the brother is employed. I’m all for minorities getting more screen time on TV. We could use it. However, is Strahan the right choice? That’s my query. I’m both excited and confused by this announcement. Make no doubt about it — I believe that Strahan is a talented man, but to replace Regis? Hmmm … Clearly the show must be going in a different direction.
Sometimes change can be good. Other times it can be bad. I applaud the producers for trying something different, but perhaps it’s too bold of a move. Here’s my thing — Philbin has been in the game for decades. The man has multiple Emmy awards, a slew of other accolades, and has gone through several co-hosts in his tenure as the main host of the program. Philbin is experienced. He’s seasoned. He’s great. Strahan, on the other hand, is … well … not so seasoned. I’m not knocking him. I’m just stating facts. After all, it is true that Strahan does have some interviewing skills being one of the clever analysts for Fox NFL Sunday, but I feel that there is a difference between being a sports commentator and a talk show host. You don’t see Oprah volunteering at ESPN, do you?
Maybe the producers fell for Strahan’s charisma. I’m grasping at straws here, people. Go with me. I’ve seen Strahan give interviews and he does strike me as being rather articulate and he does have a funny sense of humor so there’s that. However, Ripa is known for being just as funny — even outrageous. How will two funny people work together? Shouldn’t there be a straight man? Heck, I don’t know. I don’t work in television. I just write about it.
In last week’s column, I mentioned Lucy Liu being cast as the new Watson in the latest Sherlock Holmes adaptation. I urged the haters to give her a chance before jumping to conclusions. Perchance I should take my own advice with Strahan being Philbin’s replacement. The twenty-fifth season of Live! is set to kick off in September with Strahan making his debut. I’ll remain optimistic. For all I know, he may be just what the doctor ordered.
And when have doctors ever been wrong?
Clacked by Jaylen Christie 
on Aug 28, 2012 @ 15:26 EST5EDT
Unfortunately I forget who said it, but on Twitter when this was announced the best response was “Everyone lost that betting pool.”
When Kelly came onboard, I had a different job so I worked weekends and had a few days off during the work-week. So I saw different people audition for Regis’s sidekick. I had no clue who Kelly Ripa was but as soon as I saw her alongside Regis I loved her! I thought she was perfect.
Now I never get to catch Kelly unless I see a clip. I thought Jerry O’Connell and Anderson Cooper were pretty great with her. I had no idea that Michael was even in the running. I’ve seen him doing football interviews and thought he was good. I guess I will have to DVR a few shows and check him out. His fiance, Nicole Murphy is on Hollywood Exes and she certainly comes across as the most successful, sane and beautiful woman on there. I’ll give the show a look after he joins.
*POST AUTHOR*
Good point! I remember when Kelly came on board and I was like, “Who is that?! She’s a horrible replacement for Kathie Lee!” But she rose to the occasion, and I think she’s awesome. Perhaps the same thing will happen with my opinion of Michael. Maybe he’ll win me over like Kelly did.
I love Michael as the new co=host for Kelly…they are so great together …relaxed, funny and in tune to each other…the only one I saw (and I saw them All) that was better was Neil Patrick Harris…but Michael Strahan was very close…I think the show will be great with Michael Strahan in the co-host seat.
Let’s not think of Michael Strahan as a replacement for Regis (who, admittedly, there toward the end was having TOO many senior moments) but as joining Kelly on the show. It’s a bold choice. Should be interesting to see how it plays out. Wonder how long a contract he signed?
I am not feeling this match. Nick Lachay would have been the wiser choice for sure. I would say of all the cohosts Michael Strahan was the one I paid the least attention to.
*POST AUTHOR*
Nick LaShay is an interesting choice, but I think I’d prefer Michael Strahan in this case. I’m interested to see how it turns out. Neil Patrick Harris would have been good.
I think Michael is a good match. And Kelly seems to like him.
It’s been strange with my Dad not on the tube everyday. I miss it very much. I just want to wish Mr. Strahan the best of everything. And I hope he has as much fun in the seat as did my Dad.
So, um, uh…I commented before. Long thought out comment that agreed with Otto66 to not see this guy as a Regis replacement for whatever reason becuase Regis is seasoned and this guy is not as seasoned…or whatever. The comment was long, but it never posted, so this is the watered down version. LOL. :-)
Jay, I agree with you, Michael has made several guest appereanses, and was good……… But who can really replace Regis? He’s the man!! But really wish Michal well. Great article, as alwsys!!
Hey, I think Michael was the best choice, I liked Kelly with joel of talk soup (he’s a funny-funny dude) I also liked Anderson Cooper – he and Kelly seem to be good friends , nick Lachey is very easy on the eyes but – definately there was not much chemistry between them. I think Michael will bring in different type of viewers that maybe did not watch morning shows. Remember its about ratings – keeping an audience. NO – one can replace Regis – Hey he was THE man – but it’s a new era – Regis -retired and it’s time to try something new, Regis was so into sports – he would talk to Kelly about the different sport games on Monday (she would sometimes be-clueless) Michael will be great for sport chat, and they seem (Kelly and Michael) to have a fondness for each other -they both have kids that they can talk about – which is great for converastion. I wish them well and I wish Regis good health and will be happy to see him when he makes a few guest appearances (I hope so)!!!!