In a recent interview with Time magazine, former NFL star Michael Strahan opened up about his strained friendship with ex-co-host Kelly Ripa, three years after his abrupt departure from their daytime talk show, “Live with Kelly and Michael,” to join ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
His exit left both Kelly and their audience in shock, causing their once strong bond, known for its great chemistry and humor, to fall apart. Michael admitted that they haven’t spoken in a long time and that their relationship remains unresolved.
One significant reason for their rift was Michael’s decision to join “Good Morning America” without giving Kelly a heads-up, which left her feeling blindsided. Following his announcement, she took nearly a week off—labeled a “pre-scheduled vacation” by ABC—and upon her return, emphasized the importance of communication and respect in the workplace.
Michael’s departure led to a series of guest co-hosts until Ryan Seacrest was named his permanent replacement. Meanwhile, Michael’s career continues to flourish with roles on “Good Morning America,” “Fox NFL Sunday,” and “The $100,000 Pyramid.”
Despite the fallout, many fans still support Michael, with social media commenters expressing their loyalty and some arguing that he doesn’t owe Kelly any explanations.
One commenter even mentioned that the head of Disney had advised Michael to keep his move quiet to avoid alerting the competition.
This unexpected fallout reminds us that relationships can be complex, even in the world of television, and leaves us hopeful for a possible reconciliation in the future. What are your thoughts on this situation?