Live with Seth and Kelly? The shortlist of candidates to replace Regis Philbin as the permanent co-host of what used to be called Live with Regis and Kelly is reportedly down to three contenders — former New York Giant Michael Strahan, singer Josh Groban, and Saturday Night Live head writer Seth Meyers. Meyers, reportedly the frontrunner, has guest hosted the show with Kelly Ripa numerous times since Philbin left the show in November. Showbiz 411 reports that he's set to do a weeklong test run beginning on July 9 — the only guest host besides Neil Patrick Harris to have landed a five-day stint — and that if it goes well, Meyers will likely be offered the gig. Can he fill Regis' shoes?
Seth Meyers is the perfect choice: Seriously, the other options are Michael Strahan and Josh Groban? "I think I speak for everyone when I say: HIRE SETH MEYERS," says Josh Kurp at Uproxx. The move makes sense for the comedian. His seven-season tenure as SNL's head writer is the longest span since Jim Downey in 1986-1995. It would be good for both Meyers and SNL to move on. Besides, his "goofy and safe" style of comedy was never a perfect fit for SNL — but it's just right for daytime talk.
"Seth Meyers is the frontrunner to be the new Regis"
Hold on. This is a flawed match: Hiring Meyers would be a shrewd move by Live producers, as he would "hip-up what can be a mighty musty affair on its worst days," says Richard Lawson at The Atlantic. However, this move wouldn't be as rewarding for Meyers himself, as he would see his industry cred tarnished by taking a gig on a stodgy show like Live, as opposed to cashing in his cool points to start his own show. Besides, Ripa may not even need a co-host. She's been splendid on her own thus far, and "it could be fun to have a rotating panel of conversation partners."
"Seth Meyers to replace Regis?"
And what would happen to SNL? If Meyers takes the Live gig, he would reportedly still be able to serve as anchor of SNL's "Weekend Update," while stepping down as the late-night show's head writer, says Daniel D'Addario at The New York Observer. Already, SNL heavyweights Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, and — it's looking increasingly likely — Jason Sudeikis are out. What remains to be seen, then, is whether this will be "a period of renewal" for SNL, or "another 'Saturday Night Dead' epoch."
"Another Saturday Night Live star may soon depart — to sit by Kelly Ripa"
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