Regis Philbin Is Retiring: Who Should Replace Him?

By Amber James Posted Jan 18th 2011 04:22PM

Not long after 'Live With Regis and Kelly' host Regis Philbin announced he was retiring from morning television, fans began to wonder who would replace the iconic host.

Although his exact end date has not been specified, he plans to leave the program sometime in late summer. "I don't want to alarm anybody, but this will be my last year on the show," he said on Tuesday's episode. "There is a time that everything must come to an end."

During the last year, while Philbin underwent hip replacement surgery, the show tested out many great potential hosts. His replacement will have pretty big shoes to fill, but PopEater thinks we know of some ideal candidates.

As one of the most successful 'Housewives,' Bethenny Frankel has been vocal about wanting her own daytime talk show within the next five years. She already has a spinoff show, two New York Times bestsellers and a yoga DVD, so she's about due for her hosting debut. Frankel isn't afraid to dish about her life and has the sass and intelligence to stand on her own next to Kelly Ripa.

Back when Philbin was recovering from his successful hip replacement, PopEater readers were vocal about getting Anderson Cooper to take over during his absence. Although the Silver Fox has received rave reviews when he's filled in for Philbin in the past, he's already locked in a daytime talk show for himself. If he can balance both, Cooper would be an ideal candidate.

If Kathy Griffin can tone down her comedy (and insults) for daytime TV, she would be a shoo-in as a 'Live' co-host. She'd bring a ratings boost for the network and give the press something new to write about every day as she blasts everyone from Sarah and Bristol Palin to Oprah Winfrey.

Let's be honest, we're going to miss Simon Cowell on 'American Idol,' but having a dose of his honestly with our morning coffee would definitely be a good way to start the day. Plus, he wouldn't be afraid to ask the tough questions of all the celebrity guests. We'd just hope he'd keep his comments to himself when musicians perform on the show.

Mark Consuelos seems like an obvious choice, as he has filled in for Regis on several occasions. And as Ripa's husband, the two already have chemistry, so we can avoid all the awkwardness right from the start.

The endearing Mario Lopez has bonded with every superstar as an 'Extra' host, so this gig would be a breeze for the 'Saved By The Bell' alum. Plus, there's nothing like a little eye candy at 10AM.

Even though Betty White vowed to step out of the spotlight in 2011, America can't get enough of the 'Golden Girls' star. Who doesn't love Betty? (Honestly, we'd tune in just to see her!) Plus, she's the type of person that Hollywood A-listers would open up to without question.

Who should replace Regis?

Tags: live with regis and kelly, regis philbin

Comments

(637)

Tuesday 18 January

By mw

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Well, here we go. I don't think her hubby would work, they would talk about their home life too much. Maybe Mario Lopez or Anderson Cooper. Not Kathy Griffin. Betty White should be a guest co-host, she would be funny.

By Slash

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Sarah Palin

By pocha54

This show will be DOA without Philbin. Gelman is a 100% nerd with no talent. Ripa has been riding on coat tails for 10 years. I think the unemployment rate is going to rise.

Wednesday 19 January

By Liz Marable

I think it should be Leigh Anne Tuohy from the Blind Side. I just watched that movie and I think she would call it like she sees it and that would be refreshing and real!!!!

By JJ

I think your right.
I agree definitely NOT Kathy Griffin. Love Betty White. But I realy think it will be hard to fell his shoe. Anyone can be replace it just takes time.

By DIANE RASTELLI

i think it should be mark consuelos or mario lopez
i would love to see one of them on there
hope it happends

diane

By DIANE

best of luck to you regis you will be missed

By Brock

I LOVE Kathy Griffin and I think she'd be dynamite with Kelly - why don't you like her?

By Charlene

I would like to see Mario replace Kelly and Betty replace Regis. Kelly is cute...and that is it.

By sem

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Mario Lopez is the best DOUCHEBAG on tv, a definite NO. Anderson Cooper and Jeff Probst have had the best chemistry with Kelly over the last couple years, doubt Anderson has any interest since he has his own show.

By Lisa

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WOW, PEOPLE STILL WATCH THIS SHOW???? ZZZZZZZZZ BORING ZZZZZZZZZZ

By PEGGY

MARIO LOPEZ ABSOLUTELY, BETTY IS FUNNY BUT TOO OLD AND MARK IS DEFINITELY A KEEPER

By city girl

Please no Bethany, Kathy or Simon. The ideal person is Anderson Cooper.

By leon

I was thinking of Michael J. Fox. He might be fun on the show.

By Greg Simmons

Kathy is a dissusing person. She has a garbage mouth. This would a down fall of this show.

By Laura

I'd watch if Michael J Fox was on it. It's hard though to depend on a weekly show when the guy's got all these issues to deal with sadly =(

By dan

I agree Anderson cooper would be the best choice from those given. HE is hysterical when he guest hosts and he and kelly seem to have a a decent raport.

By eric

It should be Ashton Kutcher. He's done the show at least once and he was great as a co-host, he isn't doing all that much in movies, people like him, and he set up their twitter account if that counts for anything.

By jme

Excellent choice eric... I agree. Ashton is so funny, and from what I've seen - 'clean' funny. Seems to love life, just like Regis; and in the morning that's what we all need to start off a good day.

By pavlvsdog

Ashton Kutcher would be perfect!

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