The Month That Made Me Love Kelly Ripa
Kelly Ripa is cute and fashionable and does a helluva job making me believe I need shiny new energy efficient appliances in my home. But still, I've never really been a fan. Until now.Yes, TV people, this was the month that made me love Kelly Ripa. She's now charming audiences sans Regis every morning with a roundup of guest co-hosts for 'Live! With Kelly' that makes me think someone's picking names out of a deep and diverse celebrity-filled hat over there. And you know what? The chemistry is totally there, with all of them.
But that's not what turned the tides and made me see the bright, talk show host light about Kelly Ripa. Here are just a few recent examples of her media perfection, in and outside of her 'Live!' day job.
1. Re-enacting 'Real Housewives' on 'Watch What Happens Live'
Bravo host Andy Cohen goes way back with Kelly and her hubby Mark Consuelos and has guest hosted 'Live!' several times (he was even on the rumored short list to replace Regis Philbin until Bravo made his chat show a nightly endeavor). But when Kelly and Mark did some 'All My Housewives' roleplay in the clubhouse, I couldn't get enough. Their Melissa and Joe Gorga 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' impersonations were spot on -- not many celebrities would even attempt that, let alone nail it.
2. Embracing her cheesiness on 'Live!' for a flash mob with Nick Lachey
Nick Lachey was filling in for Regis for the big 'Live!' Halloween show, but he's not always exactly what I'd call intriguing. Kelly pumped up her energy to accommodate, rocking purple lycra pants and showing off her best dance moves for a fun flash mob start to the show. How many moms of three do you know who'd do that?
3. Judging on 'Iron Chef America'
There was this adorable "training" video of 'Iron Chef' fact man Alton Brown showing Kelly how to judge on the food competition show, but the best parts came from her banter on the actual show, daring to disagree with food maven Donatella Arpaia several times. When it came time to critique the fine food offerings, Kelly was thoughtful, articulate and appreciative that she wasn't eating grilled cheese sandwiches.
4. Enjoying being Regis-less with fun guest co-hosts
Look, I love Regis. The man might even be eligible for national treasure status. But it was time to shake this show up, and Kelly hit the ground running in her first solo weeks. 'How I Met Your Mother' star Neil Patrick Harris was a highlight this week -- seeing these two "high" on some kind of bizarro helium, quoting movies with booming low voices, was a delight.
Let's get one thing straight: Live TV is not easy. You've got to hit your marks, nail the interviews and fit in all your segments, without the help of editing to trim away the not-so-great bits. All the bits need to be great and, as a host, you always have to be "on." This fun behind-the-scenes video of Kelly with co-host Jerry Seinfeld on her first day hosting without Reeg shows that Kelly never turns it off. And if you thought she over-shared on the show, just wait until you get to the part where she confesses that her underwear have fallen down. Somehow? Yep, adorable.
Tell me: Are you a fan of Kelly already? An even bigger fan now? My job here is done.
Holiday Gift Guide
- 'Law & Order' The Complete Series
- 'Glee' Christmas Album Vol. 2
- 'Happy Endings' Steak Me Home Tonight T-shirt
- 'Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)' by 'The Office' star Mindy Kaling
- 'Sons of Anarchy' SAMCRO "Leather Jacket" Onesie
- 'ESPN Films Collection' DVD Gift Set
- Cougar Town "Big Joe" Wine Glass
- 'Friday Night Lights' The Complete Series on DVD
- 'Doctor Who' Tardis iPhone Case
- 'Castle' & Friends Hoodie
- 'Pawnee: The Greatest Town in America' by Leslie Knope
- She & Him Christmas Album on Vinyl
- 'Community' Troy & Abed in the Morning Mug
- 'Arrested Development': The Complete Series
- 'The Chew' Apron
- 'Yo Gabba Gabba' Music Makes Me Move DVD
- 'Game of Thrones' Dragon Egg Paperweight
- 'Bossypants' by '30 Rock' star Tina Fey
- 'Mr. Magoo' Television Collection, 1960-1977
- 'Parks and Recreation' Li'l Sebastian T-shirt

340 Comments