Former All My Children star turned talk show host Kelly Ripa is among the daytime celebrities included in The Hollywood Reporter’s 35 Most Powerful People in Media.  In THR’s profile, Ripa discusses the ongoing search to replace Regis Philbin as her co-host.

But even amid talk of firming up the chair, Ripa says there’s “no urgency” to finding a permanent replacement and notes the show’s steady performance since Philbin’s exit. (It recently matched its February 2011 sweep rating of a 2.7 in households and is now the top syndicated talker among the coveted women 25-to-54 demo.) READ MORE

If Katie Couric’s departure from CBS was Hollywood’s worst kept secret, then Meredith Vieira’s intention to leave The Today Show was a close second.  Vieira announced her decision to leave Today in June, this morning.

“After months of personal reflection and private conversations between my family and my friends, I’ve decided to leave Today in June.”

After Vieira revealed her decision, Matt Lauer announced Ann Curry will be joining him as co-host. After speaking poignantly to Meredith, Curry revealed Natalie Morales will replace her as newsreader.  Watch the clip after the jump! READ MORE

It looks as if Meredith Vieira may be able to sleep in a bit later in the morning very soon. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Vieira will leave The Today Show in June. Reportedly, Ann Curry will replace Vieira as Matt Lauer’s co-host on the No. 1 rated morning show. the announcement could come down as soon as next week.

By elevating Curry and Morales, Today executives have the benefit of personalities who are familiar to viewers at a time of pronounced tumult in television news in general. 

  READ MORE

This is what you miss when you don't watch The Today Show: Ewoks humping Al Roker's leg, doing the moon walk and Ann Curry trying to stop them from downing vodka. They may have even been drunk, according to Warming Glow.  Watch the whole clip after the jump. It's a bit long, but it's worth it. Now, why can't we have Halloween more often? 

RELATED: Star Wars Characters "Today" Show Hosts Are | Spooktacular Talk Show Hosts READ MORE

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Peter Reckell dropped by The Today Show to discuss his first Daytime Emmy nomination after being with Days of Our Lives for over two decades.

Shoutout to arielade for the tip!