Turn off the lights. The party’s over.
And by “party,” we mean “awkward, dramatic, tumultuous separation.”
Michael Strahan signed off from “Live! with Kelly and Michael” for the final time Friday, ending what was an interesting breakup that began last month when it was announced the Pro Football Hall of Famer was leaving the popular morning TV show to join “Good Morning America.”
Strahan’s exit was cordial, as he and co-host Kelly Ripa were in good spirits throughout their final show together. The last few weeks have been marred by controversy, though, as rumors circulated that Ripa was blindsided by Strahan’s morning transition and that the pair’s relationship wasn’t quite as strong as it so often seemed on-air over the last four years.
Nevertheless, Strahan’s finale went smoothly. The former New York Giants defensive end called the day “bittersweet” and even ended the show by planting a friendly kiss on Ripa, who gave a farewell toast.
“I didn’t know what to expect coming from sports and you guys opened up your homes and hearts to me,” Strahan told the studio audience.
And with that, the Strahan-Ripa era is over. Now, it’s time to find Ripa a new co-host.
