We Weren’t Ready Anyway: Regis Delays Retirement Until November

by Mark Joyella | 1:24 pm, February 7th, 2011

» 1 comment

Regis Philbin‘s much-discussed retirement, announced last month and set for the summer, is now on hold. And there was much rejoicing. The 79 year-old co-host of Live with Regis and Kelly has reportedly agreed to delay his departure until November, so producers of the show can arrange an appropriate send-off–and, have time to find a replacement.

Since the impending retirement was announced, there has been much speculation about who could step into Philbin’s morning show shoes after 28 years.

The decision is critical to local television stations that carry Live, as the daytime landscape is set to change dramatically with the end of Oprah Winfrey‘s daytime talk show and the arrival of Anderson Cooper.

Philbin has said from the start his retirement has nothing to do with his health, but rather a desire to kick back after decades of daily television work.

Live with Regis and Kelly, Regis Philbin, Retirement

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The 79 year-old co-host of Live with Regis and Kelly has reportedly agreed to delay his departure until November, so producers of the show can arrange an appropriate send-off–and, have time to find a replacement.

Um… sweeps.

According to the link, he’ll be holding on until the end of the November and of course if somebody perfect were to become available between now and the end of November sweeps, I wouldn’t be surprised if they maximize the opportunity. But, Regis’ last month is guaranteed to handily win the timeslot, so they may stick with subs through the holiday season and not actually start (or even announce) the permanent replacement until the February ratings period.

…or at least, that’s what I’d do.