Showbiz411

EXCLUSIVE: Who’s going to sit next to Kelly Ripa come this September? That’s when Disney TV, ABC, and Michael Gellman have to make a decision name a successor to Regis Philbin. I am told that three names are in the finals, with one the probable winner. The names are Seth Meyers from “Saturday Night Live,” former football great Michael Strahan, and singer Josh Groban. Yes, all these names startled me, too. But then I looked at the July co-host schedule. Strahan just finished a few dates with Kelly.

But on Monday, July 9th, Meyers starts a five day stint. It’s the first Monday to Friday stint for any co-host since Neil Patrick Harris from Novem ber 28-December 2 last year. (And NPH is still unavailable, thanks to “How I Met Your Mother” on CBS.) I’m told that if Meyers gets the job, and it seems likely, he’ll still do the news on “Saturday Night Live.” He may have to resign as head writer of the show, however, given the “Live” schedule. Meyers has been a popular co-host for Kelly, having sat in the chair in April and then again in May for multiple appearances. (He was also on a few times before that.)

It also seems key that Meyers is doing a full week in the middle of July sweeps. This is a big test.

Ripa’s preference for pal Anderson Cooper is well known, but unlikely since Cooper already has two shows — one on CNN and one in syndication. Others who’d like the gig have not been asked back as many times as Meyers. Strahan has been a strong contender, but in the end, I’m told, it’s Meyers who has the widest appeal, background and strengths.

No one’s asked me, and when I heard about Meyers I admit I was surprised. But the guy is very smart, and talented, and quick on his feet. Also, he’s been on “Saturday Night Live” forever, but can’t stay there for the rest of his life. He hasn’t developed a movie career or any outside career, really. So what to do next? He needs a talk show. Everything at night is taken. “Live with Kelly and Seth” may actually be a very smart move. Meyers would be a welcome addition to the show on a permanent basis–no matter how much we miss Regis!

Roger Friedman

Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News. Friedman previously wrote the Intelligencer column at New York Magazine, He writes for Parade magazine and has written for Details, Vogue, the New York Times, Post, and Daily News and many other publications. He is the writer and co-producer of a film about R&B Music called “Only the Strong Survive,” which was released by Miramax in 2003 and was a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals.