The TV Zone

Here's some very, very (very) intriguing gossip, that may well be of the "where there's smoke there's fire" variety:

MSNBC is reporting as we speak that Ryan Seacrest is "in negotiations" to take over Larry King's role at CNN by year's end. Courtney Hazlett of "The Scoop" has this, without the usual round of denials, but suggests that he'd be "adding" to his hosting duties. That's absurd -- there's no way Seacrest would or could do both CNN at 9 and "Idol" -- unless, of course, he's like some sort of Cylon from "Battlestar Gallactica" and has a body double out there (hmmmmm).

No, he'd leave "Idol." There has been bounteous speculation on this very subject -- Ry to LK's slot -- in the past, but always pooh-poohed. Hazlett pulled up an old quote from the Times, which cites LK's tacit approval of such a move: “He’s the classic generalist. The only thing I don’t know, and I’ve gotten to know him pretty well, is how versed he is in politics, world affairs. Does he read the paper? Is he interested in Iraq? Because if he is, he’s going to be very good.”

(Not to be a snotty twit -- because of course, I'm not -- but how well do YOU know those things, LK?)

Seacrest, I imagine, would be fine, assuming he knows how to ask questions and how to listen; he's certainly no dummy and is quick on his feet, and he's done the show before. Can't imagine how he couldn't handle this -- but let me think a little while and I am sure I'll come up with several ways he couldn't. Would viewers of this show with an ancient demographic embrace this relative child? That's another matter altogether.

Could LK be moved aside if Ry is available? Of course. We reported right here at TV Zone not too long ago that CNN neglected to give LK a lock on his 9 p.m. time slot when he got his new contract. Katie Couric is interested, too, and if CNN wants to keep this vital hour open to someone with bona fide news credentials, who do you think might be a better pick?

This would also be an elegant out for "American Idol" and Ry; the show's going to do some overhauling next season, and you know what happens with "overhauls;" first, the set is changed, then the host, then ...

But -- as always -- I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm sure I'll get the e-mail denial any minute from CNN, telling me how "bogus" the MSNBC story is, and that "we love Larry, and that he'll be the host at 9 p.m. FOREVER!"