13 People Most Likely To Replace Michael Strahan

If you're a fan of Live! With Kelly and Michael, or even just a fan of some good old fashioned television drama, you've probably heard the news that Michael Strahan decided to leave Kelly's side and go full time at Good Morning America - blindsiding his co-host in the process. As many long-time fans of the show will know, when former co-host Regis Philbin decided to retire, Kelly Ripa held the show solo for quite awhile while testing out a series of co-hosts that could potentially earn the permanent gig beside her every morning. From former athletes to actors to musicians to broadcasters, it was an extensive search, and the job was eventually awarded to former NFL player Michael Strahan. However, it appears that Ripa will have to repeat the process all over again, just a few years after she initially needed to search for her co-star.

Luckily, the initial search was just a few years ago, so there's a possibility that the show still has extensive notes and a good memory on what worked and what didn't from the co-host trials. Sure, some of the potential candidates might find their schedules too busy now, having earned various permanent gigs since then, but there's a good chance that the next candidate might come from that pool of potential co-hosts. Alternatively, since Ripa was blindsided and very upset with how things played out, there's a chance that the pick might be someone completely out of left field - maybe she's had enough of men who retire and wants to rock the morning slot with a lady by her side.

Whatever the final decision is, here's some speculation about 13 co-hosts that might replace Michael Strahan on the show.

13 Mark Consuelos

Consuelos, Ripa's husband of twenty years, would make an excellent choice as Ripa's next co-host. One of the biggest dynamics of Live! that differentiates it from the majority of morning shows is that there is a male and female co-host, sipping their coffee and chatting together. Sure, there are guests who come on to be interviewed, and there are various segments - but the parts that most charmed audiences were when the duo would simply chat about things, like a married couple chatting over their morning coffee. So, what better co-host than Ripa's real life husband? And, as an added bonus, he's an actor - so he'd feel totally comfortable in front of the camera.

12 Andy Cohen

Andy Cohen was one of the many potential co-hosts in the pool during the original search, and it's easy to see why - he has experience hosting a daily talk show with drama-starting guests like the Real Housewives, so well-behaved celebrities in the morning would be a walk in the park for him. Additionally, he's pals with Ripa in real life, so the chemistry and friendliness factor would already be there. Plus, Cohen is one of the few potential co-hosts who wouldn't have to relocate from Los Angeles - he's already based in NYC, as that's where his current talk show Watch What Happens Live is filmed. There's only one problem - his current show is filmed in the late evening, while Live! starts filming quite early in the morning, so Cohen might need to master the cat nap to keep up with that schedule.

11 Anderson Cooper

Over the years, whenever there's a need for a co-host on Live!, whether it was during the original search for a permanent co-host or simply for a few days while Strahan was on vacation, Anderson Cooper was frequently the one who stepped in. There's no surprise why - Ripa is known to be good friends with him in real life, and the trained reporter is a consummate professional. Sure, the topics discussed on Live! are generally a lot lighter than what Cooper might cover as a correspondent for news outlets, but hey - that might be a nice change of pace for the silver fox.

10 Rachel Zoe

Traditionally, Live! has always had a male and female co-host, but who's to say that tradition can't be broken in this case? If Ripa were to opt for a female co-host, we have a feeling that Rachel Zoe would be a fun addition. First of all, the two are friends in real life, so they wouldn't have a catty dynamic. Second, Zoe has experience on television from her time on her own shows, The Rachel Zoe Project and Fashionably Late With Rachel Zoe. And third, quite honestly, the fashion on the show would be absolutely insane. Zoe and Ripa could have daily shoe-offs to see who rocked the fiercest stilettos that day, and their two larger-than-life personalities would make for great television.

9 Peyton Manning

Okay, this one is a little bit out of left field, but given that they went for a former NFL player last time, perhaps that's the direction they're looking for this time. As many know, legendary quarterback Peyton Manning finally hung up his jersey and retired. Manning has certainly earned enough money from his years in football that he doesn't need to work, but if he's looking for a new gig, Live! might be just the ticket. From his appearances on SNL, we know that he's surprisingly funny and can roll with the punches quite well. From his time on the football field we know he works well under pressure. Plus, he's just an all around nice guy and family man - and his quiet demeanor may be the perfect foil to Ripa's bubbly personality.

8 Josh Groban

When the studio was originally searching for a replacement for Regis Philbin, it was rumored that Josh Groban was in the top 3, almost earning the gig before they eventually went with Michael Strahan. On paper, it seems like a bit of a puzzling choice - while Groban is definitely comfortable in front of an audience, apart from a few guest starring gigs here and there, the majority of his performance time is spent singing. However, the co-hosting appearances that Groban has done with Ripa prove that he's a worthy co-star. He brings a certain kind of nerdy charm to the chair that many smooth, polished actors lack, and it's incredibly endearing.

7 Neil Patrick Harris

For quite some time, Neil Patrick Harris was too busy to do, well, anything, because he was constantly on set filming the hit sitcom How I Met Your Mother. Now that the show has ended, the in demand multi-talented actor has a bit more flexibility with his schedule. One plus in his column is that he and husband David are based in New York, for the most part, so it'll be easier to incorporate the show into his schedule. NPH is also absolutely hilarious, would lend his musical talent to some great segments, and would be able to share amazing stories about his far-too-adorable family.

6 Joel McHale

Joel McHale is no stranger to any sphere of the entertainment industry. He's led a cast of talented actors on a popular sitcom, Community, he's hosted weekly satire show, The Soup, and his gregarious personality has meant he's earned more than his fair share of hosting gigs and guest starring roles on various shows. Simply put, he's kind of hard to hate. He's funny, he's charming, he's comfortable taking the lead or thinking on his feet, and he works hard. In short, he's kind of the male version of Kelly Ripa - so why not select him as the next co-host? Sure, McHale being based in Los Angeles might be a challenge, but actors move for jobs all the time so it's not a dealbreaker.

5 Mario Lopez

Once upon a time, Mario Lopez was only known as an actor, when he played dreamy wrestler A.C. Slater on the hit series Saved by the Bell. Nowadays, he does take acting roles here and there, but the majority of his time on screen is spent as a host. He's hosted America's Best Dance Crew, The X Factor, events on the red carpet, and much, much more. He can talk to just about anyone, and make it all seem effortless. While most of his hosting duties have involved prime time shows or red carpet events, we have no concern about his ability to transition seamlessly to the morning time slot.

4 Maria Menounos

We're not sure exactly what it is about her, but whenever Kelly Ripa took a few days' vacation and left Michael Strahan to find a female co-host to share the show with temporarily, nine times out of ten it was Maria Menounos. We're not sure what exactly it is that the studio loved about her, but perhaps it's precisely because she's not over the top. She's simply a funny, down to earth everygirl. If they're looking to up the casual factor and make it seem like the show is just two cool ladies chatting over their morning lattes, then Menounos might just be the perfect complement to Kelly Ripa. They're bubbly, they're beautiful, and they're both hilarious. What's not to love?

3 Seth Meyers

Back when the original search for a co-host occurred, rumor had it that Seth Meyers was one of the main contenders for the role. Since then, Meyers has transitioned into a host himself - he's behind the late night desk on Late Night With Seth Meyers. However, before he got his own show, Meyers was a head writer for Saturday Night Live as well as a comedian, actor, producer, voice actor, and much more. Simply put, he's a multi-talented force to be reckoned with - and he's based in New York! He would make an excellent addition to the morning show, if he could balance the two schedules.

2 Anna Faris

This one, admittedly, is a little out of left field. We're judging this one solely on the fact that Anna Faris is absolutely hilarious, and unlike other blonde bombshell actresses, she hasn't based her career on her looks - she goes all out when it comes to comedy, and is basically worth her weight in gold in whatever production she's working on. Plus, if you've listened to her podcast Anna Faris Is Unqualified, you'll know that she's more than comfortable interviewing celebrities, going off script and improvising, and coming up with interesting segments and topics of conversation. Basically, she'd be perfect. Plus, maybe hubby Chris Pratt and their adorable son Jack would stop by from time to time.

1 Faith Ford

Okay, another long shot, but regardless - the producers are likely considering all their options! Earlier in her career, Kelly Ripa starred alongside actress Faith Ford on the television show Hope & Faith - and why not bring back a familiar face. Since the sitcom was axed, Faith Ford hasn't been too heavily involved in the acting world, taking a bit of a step back. However, that also means she doesn't have as heavy a schedule as some starlets currently balancing television shows or existing hosting gigs - and the two TV sisters have always seemed to get along.