Former New York Giants defensive end and NFL commentator Michael Strahan is to leave “Live! With Kelly and Michael” to be part of the popular morning show Good Morning America.
The soon-to-be full time co-anchor had already worked for “Good Morning America” a couple of years ago. Strahan is also known as a Hall of Fame inductee and for starring in the recent film “Magic Mike XXL.”
Strahan’s departure
After four years of appearing on Live!, people are starting to wonder who will come up as a replacement, as Strahan was recruited to replace Regis Philbin in 2012.
Michael Strahan is to start working on Good Morning America on September, but without having to replace anyone. Strahan is seen as a host that is able to connect with a wide variety of people. James Goldston, president of ABC News, argues that Good Morning America will serve as a platform where he will be able to tell stories and expand his reach. He commented that “Michael has been a stellar addition to the broadcast. Over the past two years on ‘GMA,’ he’s proven to be a tireless and versatile broadcaster.”
People argue that there have been tensions and arguments between Michael Strahan and former co-host Kelly Ripa. But Strahan did not address the matter and only let out positive comments about his partner, as he stated “I am so thankful to her and the entire team.” Strahan and Ripa won a Daytime Emmy for outstanding entertainment talk show host in 2015.
Currently, Good Morning America competes with Today, which was most watched morning show in the country until Ann Curry’s departure, but now Good Morning America is holding the lead. Stahan’s inclusion to the roster is a bold step into regaining retention towards the 25-to-54-year-old demographic, which is the one that advertisers seek as targets.
Live! With Kelly and Michael proved Strahan’s success with American audiences, as the show ranked second out of all syndicated daytime talk shows, sitting just behind Dr. Phil’s show.
Fans are not taking the transfer too well, as many have voiced their feelings on their Twitter accounts, but others have taken part in the discussion of who should become Kelly Ripa’s new co-host.
Two of the most brought-up names to serve as Strahan’s replacement are Anderson Cooper and Neil Patrick Harris. Cooper may be a suitable choice as he is a close friend of Ripa, but many seem to incline toward Neil Patrick Harris, as he has already proved his hosting skills in the latest issue of the Oscars.
Source: Washington Post