Live! with Kelly and Michael

Written by Pat's Papers | Tuesday, 4 September 2012 9:15 AM

Michael Strahan made his debut this morning as Kelly Ripa’s co-host on Live!, a year and a half after Regis Philbin announced his plan to retire.

When I co-hosted the show in the spring, the New York media graciously adopted me as a local favorite and presented the Live! gig as my “dream job.” If I’d been choosing the words I’d probably have gone with “it’s the kind of job every broadcaster dreams about.”

Luckily, I already have one of those. I have a great gig at NY1.  But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t start in on a few “what if” scenarios after my first day with Kelly in March went well.  When the producers of Live! called back two months later for a second act, I became convinced that it was a job I could do if given the chance. Michael Gelman and Art Moore and the entire production staff made it easy to be smart and comfortable. And Kelly is so good at what she does. Maybe that’s why it took so long to find a replacement for Regis—Kelly made everyone who co-hosted with her look like they belong.

So I’m a little sad today. I’m not crushed. I’ve got a job I love. But the Live! job had some shiny-new-car appeal and I’m sorry it’s Strahan driving instead of me.

There’s no injustice here. Michael was a standout in auditions. He appeared on the show 16 times and got better each time. He’s funny and warm and somehow manages not to let his physical size get in the way of sharing the stage with Kelly. They’ll be a great team. And if either one of them needs a co-host for a day, I’d love to return.

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