When Michael Strahan departed Live With Kelly And Michael, the hunt was on for his replacement.
Anderson Cooper is Ripa’s BFF, and has filled in many times, but he’s just renewed his contract with CNN.

What other LGBT celebs could give daytime the sparkle that it needs—and hold their own against television’s perkiest personality? We nominate 9 LGBT candidates that would make great co-hosts on Live with Kelly.
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Andy Cohen
bravo tvWith Anderson Cooper out, Ripa’s other gay BFF is the odds-on favorite. AC + KR forever!
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Thomas Roberts
glaad.orgThen again, if Ripa can’t get Cooper why not another famous out anchor?
Roberts is a pro with interviews—whether fluffy or probing—and his laidback charm is the perfect compliment to Ripa’s vibrancy.
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Kate McKinnon
Well, SOMEONE’s gonna have to play Hillary Clinton for the next eight years, right? Also, if you squint she kind of looks like Ellen.
Instagram/TheEllenShow -
Tyler Oakley
Ripa could add a whole new audience with the millennial YouTube star. Plus, he could actually make her come off like the somber one.
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Robin Roberts
GMA got Strahan, so why can’t Ripa get Roberts? They could trade morning-television war stories.
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Janet Mock
John Lamparski/WireImageMock has a Master’s in journalism is a familiar presence to TV audiences. She’d bring a much needed perspective to morning television.
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Alyssa Edwards
The Drag Race All Star deserves to win something, damn it! So, why not one of the most coveted spots on TV?
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Wanda Sykes
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for The Trevor Project)Wanda had her own late night talk show, so she knows how to shmooze celebs. Plus she’d bring the snark that the show’s been missing since Regis left.
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Rosie O’Donnell
Bruce Glikas/FilmMagicRosie’s had here share of controversy, but there’d never be a dull moment on the Live With Kelly And Rosie set. (As long as they stay away from split-screens.)