Is Jeff Gordon set to join Kelly Ripa on ‘Live!’ later this year?

Could ABC be broadcasting “Live! with Kelly and Jeff” later this year? It’s a little too early to know for sure, but early suggestions right now make us feel like the retired racing icon could have the inside track to landing the co-hosting gig following the departure of Michael Strahan earlier this year.

According to TVLine, Gordon is currently at the top of the wishlist for the show as it tries to set in stone a new host to appear alongside Kelly this fall. Gordon has some experience working with her thanks to a series of guest-hosting stints over the years; he even worked alongside former host Regis Philbin at one point, as well. For the time being ABC is not commenting on the subject, but to us it feels like Gordon could be the frontrunner.

One of the things that appeals to us about Jeff getting to be on the show consistently is that he has a different energy than Kelly, and comes from a completely different sort of world. We know that there are some out there who would rather see one of her good friends like Anderson Cooper or Andy Cohen on the show, and as talented as they are, they already have shows. Also, would their points of view be a little too in line with her own? It is something to consider.

Ultimately, we figure some sort of announcement will come later this summer, given that ABC is going to want enough time in order to properly launch the new version of the show and promote it across various platforms.

If Gordon does end up hosting “Live,” is that something you can get behind? Share below, and head over here to get some other TV news on all we cover, sent right over to you via our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)