Jimmy Kimmel Would Be An A+ Permanent 'Live!' Host

Let the search for a new co-host begin! After news broke that Michael Strahan was leaving Live! With Kelly And Michael for a full-time gig over at fellow morning program, Good Morning America, the fate of Live! has been up in the air. The show, originally hosted by Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford — has had it's fair share of host changes in the nearly 30 years it's been on the air. But, with current co-host Michael Strahan leaving the show sooner than expected, the search for his replacement is on. However, many perspective hosts comfortable in their current hosting positions, it seems like filling this talk show position may be harder than fans would like. Fortunately, as The Wrap reported, ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel stepped in as Live! 's first guest host for May 16. Now, with Kimmel's experience running his own live talk show, he certainly has the chops for the job. But, his guest hosting position also brings up some questions. And the number one question on my mind is that if his guest hosting gig is a success, will Jimmy Kimmel leave his show join Live! permanently?

Right now, Kimmel has a lot on his plate. He has an upcoming job hosting the 2016 Emmys and his own late night talk show. So, agreeing to host the May 16 show with Ripa — and how ever many more they have him guest host on — would be a two live shows a day kind of feat. Not to mention the fact that Jimmy Kimmel Live currently films in Los Angeles and Live With Kelly And Michael currently films in New York. Therefore, if for some reason Kimmel was selected as Ripa's next right-hand man, changes would essentially have to be made. As in, Kimmel would have to move his late night show to New York, Live! would have to move to California, or Kimmel would have to quit his late night talk show all together.

However, there is one thing to consider here. Both the morning show and late night talk show are with ABC. Meaning that, if anything, arrangements might be able to be made to accommodate both shows accordingly. And, if for some reason Kimmel is ready to leave his late night show behind, then the 13-year-long show will have to find it's own replacement as well. (Maybe we could finally get more women in late night TV?) But, of course, all of this speculation is just that. But, I do think Kimmel would be an amazing co-host alongside Ripa as he definitely proved himself over the years. Now, it's just up to how it goes and what Kimmel wants to do next.

Other rumored guest hosts who could potentially be in the running for the position as well include Ryan Seacrest and Ripa's close friends Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen. However, none of them have been confirmed to appear on the show as a guest host as of yet. But, what viewers do know is that May 13 will be Michael Strahan's last day on Live!, according to ABC News, and Jimmy Kimmel will be guest hosting on Live! May 16. Set those DVRs.