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The King is leaving the building Cable news fixture Larry King says he'll continue to do specials June 30, 2010 By ANDREW RYAN
The King is stepping down.
Cable news fixture Larry King announced Tuesday night that he will be ending his nightly CNN interview program Larry King Live this autumn after 25 years on the air. And so begins the mad dash to fill his throne.
Going out like a true newsman, Mr. King, 76, scooped the news of his retirement before anyone else Tuesday via Twitter.
A few hours before Tuesday night's Larry King Live, he tweeted: "It's time to hang up my nightly suspenders."
The news topped Larry King Live, of course. Mr. King made a point of saying that he would be sticking around CNN to work on news specials and special-event coverage. "Who knows what the future will bring."
And then Mr. King interviewed Bill Maher.
Famed for his huge spectacles, colourful suspenders and easy-lob interview style, the Brooklyn-born Mr. King was a talk-radio veteran who transitioned to the fledgling cable news network CNN in 1985.
Over the years, he's interviewed thousands of celebrities, political figures, authors, religious figures - whoever was in the news that day.
Mr. King also became tabloid fodder in recent months with the news last spring that he and his latest wife, Shawn Southwick, were separating (he's been married eight times to seven women). The couple announced their plans to cancel the divorce last month.
In other words, Mr. King will retire this fall and will likely turn up on CNN's 2012 presidential coverage.
The much bigger story in the coming weeks and months will be the inevitable dogfight over Mr. King's replacement.
These are big suspenders to fill, and CNN will drag out the decision to the last possible minute, if its smart.
These are the top five contenders.
Ryan Seacrest
even odds
Bet on the smooth-faced dude from American Idol. Mr. King himself said last year that he hoped Mr. Seacrest would be his successor. He's young (36), sharp and sort of androgynous, and on the occasions he's filled in for Mr. King in the past, a surprisingly sharp interviewer. Hosting the most-watched program on U.S. television for several seasons is a plus, too.
Piers Morgan
2 in 5
In recent weeks, CNN has had to deny rumours that Mr. Morgan would be Mr. King's replacement. He's the prickly Brit currently holding court judging witless people on NBC's America's Got Talent.
He also won an edition of The Celebrity Apprentice, so that might help his chances. But does America really want - or need - another Simon Cowell?
Katie Couric
even odds
Besides Sarah Palin, who doesn't love Katie Couric? The spunky CBS Evening News host has allegedly been talking informally with CNN about the gig. She's 53, a good mom and a fearless interviewer, which might have CNN a bit wary. And such a smile! Don't underestimate Ms. Couric's popularity in the United States.
Jeff Probst
2 in 5
Hey, stop laughing. The Survivor host has filled in for Mr. King on multiple occasions and has acquitted himself quite nicely. He's keen as all get-out when he fills in for Regis Philbin. Mr. Probst also released a public statement this month that he wants Mr. King's crown. High hopes, but his torch will likely be snuffed.
Joy Behar
1 in 5
The public perception was that the veteran standup and panel member of The View was being groomed for Mr. King's chair when CNN's sister network gave her a nightly gabfest last fall. The kid had her shot, but on most nights she steamrolls all over the guests on The Joy Behar Show. A long shot, at best.
