Update: Seth Meyers Shoots Down Rumors of Replacing Regis on "Live!"

[JamesG]

"SNL’s" Seth Meyers in Lead to Co-Host with Kelly Ripa; Choices Narrowed to Final Three
07/05/2012
by Roger Friedman


Who’s going to sit next to Kelly Ripa come this September? That’s when Disney TV, ABC, and Michael Gellman have to make a decision name a successor to Regis Philbin.

I am told that three names are in the finals, with one the probable winner. The names are Seth Meyers from "SNL", former football great Michael Strahan, and singer Josh Groban. Yes, all these names startled me, too. But then I looked at the July co-host schedule. Strahan just finished a few dates with Kelly.





But on Monday, July 9th, Meyers starts a five day stint. It’s the first Monday to Friday stint for any co-host since Neil Patrick Harris from November 28-December 2 last year.

(And NPH is still unavailable, thanks to "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS)

I’m told that if Meyers gets the job, and it seems likely, he’ll still do the news on "SNL". He may have to resign as head writer of the show, however, given the "Live!" schedule. Meyers has been a popular co-host for Kelly, having sat in the chair in April and then again in May for multiple appearances.

(He was also on a few times before that)





It also seems key that Meyers is doing a full week in the middle of July sweeps. This is a big test.

Ripa’s preference for pal Anderson Cooper is well known, but unlikely since Cooper already has two shows — one on CNN and one in syndication. Others who’d like the gig have not been asked back as many times as Meyers.

Strahan has been a strong contender, but in the end, I’m told, it’s Meyers who has the widest appeal, background and strengths.

http://www.showbiz411.com/2012/07/05...to-final-three

[JamesG]

Seth Meyers on "Live!" Rumors: 'No, No, No, No, No'
7/10/2012
by Seth Abramovitch


"Live with Kelly and Seth"? Not so fast.

The internet was quick to jump on the rumor that Seth Meyers, who spent his second day co-hosting "Live!" alongside Kelly Ripa today, was the most likely candidate to replace Regis Philbin on the syndicated morning chatfest -- a story first floated by Showbiz411.com's Roger Friedman.

But the "SNL" head writer and Weekend Update anchor has shot the rumor down.





Speaking to the Orlando Sun-Sentinel in advance of his stand-up date July 19 at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Meyers couldn't have been more emphatic about his plans for the 2012-13 season. And they don't include any live TV appearances while the sun is still out.

"No, no, no, no, no," Meyers tells the Sun-Sentinel. "I know Regis’ replacement is a very important thing down there. But, right now, what I would say to you: I’m really in love with the job I have. I’m very excited to be going back to 'SNL' for the election season, which is always fun."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...philbin-347086

[hawkeye123]

Why is Regis leaving? I never heard anything of this.

[retrofan05]

Originally Posted by hawkeye123

Why is Regis leaving? I never heard anything of this.

Regis left the show several months ago. They even changed the name of the show to Live! with Kelly. I believe they've had a different guest co-host each week since Regis left.

[hawkeye123]

Originally Posted by retrofan05

Regis left the show several months ago. They even changed the name of the show to Live! with Kelly. I believe they've had a different guest co-host each week since Regis left.

Why did Regis leave? I haven't watched the show in a long time.

[JamesG]

Originally Posted by hawkeye123

Why did Regis leave? I haven't watched the show in a long time.

It was mainly due to contract issues. Regis chose not to renew his ABC contract after it expired in 2011.

He also explained on the show that he's getting up in years and wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren.



Regis wrote a memoir and it was published right after he announced he was leaving called How I Got This Way. He dedicated parts of the book to important people in his life: his wife, Donald Trump, David Letterman...

What I found odd was that he didn't mention "Live!" producer Michael Gelman at all. They always seemed friendly together, on stage anyway, and for him to completely not mention him at all in his memoir after working with him for so long was very odd.

So... it was mainly due to contract issues, but I'm not familiar with what exactly went down.

[hawkeye123]

Originally Posted by JamesG

It was mainly due to contract issues. Regis chose not to renew his ABC contract after it expired in 2011.

He also explained on the show that he's getting up in years and wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren.



Regis wrote a memoir and it was published right after he announced he was leaving called How I Got This Way. He dedicated parts of the book to important people in his life: his wife, Donald Trump, David Letterman...

What I found odd was that he didn't mention "Live!" producer Michael Gelman at all. They always seemed friendly together, on stage anyway, and for him to completely not mention him at all in his memoir after working with him for so long was very odd.

So... it was mainly due to contract issues, but I'm not familiar with what exactly went down.

It sounds like there could have been a falling out between him and, the producer. But yeah they always seemed friendly too me .Regis was always joking around with him. I hope the reason he left was just because he wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren. I always liked Regis. The show won't be the same without him. That's for sure.

[JamesG]

Originally Posted by hawkeye123

It sounds like there could have been a falling out between him and, the producer. But yeah they always seemed friendly too me .Regis was always joking around with him. I hope the reason he left was just because he wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren. I always liked Regis. The show won't be the same without him. That's for sure.

One thing I noticed is that "Live!" has gotten a little more raunchier after Regis left. Kelly seems to be more "free" when she's with co-hosts around her own age.

Things with some of the 50 Shades of Grey jokes and there was this one story that co-host Michael Strahan mentioned about the man who died from a heart attack after having a threesome when he was warned that he has heart problems; all while cheating on his wife.

I can't see Regis mentioning this.

[hawkeye123]

Definitely not Regis was always old school, as far as I can remember. What a difference in personality’s Michael Strahan and Regis Philman lol

[howierules86]

Originally Posted by JamesG

One thing I noticed is that "Live!" has gotten a little more raunchier after Regis left. Kelly seems to be more "free" when she's with co-hosts around her own age.

Things with some of the 50 Shades of Grey jokes and there was this one story that co-host Michael Strahan mentioned about the man who died from a heart attack after having a threesome when he was warned that he has heart problems; all while cheating on his wife.

I can't see Regis mentioning this.

I was just wondering how many people still care about the show now that Regis is gone (I always thought he just wanted to retire). For the record, I don't give a rat's ass about Kelly Ripa having her own show. I remember several days during Regis' last few years where she would fawn over a (much younger) guest co-host for Regis that day in the most annoying way possible, and I got so sick of that gag, it's not even funny. I've also seen her interrupt Regis while he was talking during the host chats an inexcusable amount of times as well.