As Kelly Ripa Returns, Michael Strahan Prepares His Exit

04.26.2016

​Kelly Ripa made her return to Live with Kelly and Michael on Tuesday, after taking several days off to "process" Michael Strahan's impending departure.

"Our long national nightmare is over," she said, making light of the situation. "I am fairly certain there are trained professional snipers with tranquilizer darts in case I drive too far off message."

She went on to explain to viewers that "I needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts, after 26 years with this company. I earned the right. And, let's be honest, I know half of you called in sick to be here, so we get each other."

Ripa also said that the issue was about respect: "What transpired over the course of a few days has been extraordinary, in the sense that it started a much greater conversation, about communication, and consideration and, most importantly, respect in the workplace."

She also said that "apologies have been made, and the best thing to come out of all of this is that our parent company has assured me that Live is a priority," apparently referring to persistent stories reporting that ABC would be expanding Good Morning America to a third hour, potentially threatening Live. Neither change seems likely in the near future, due to the complications of network-affiliate contracts and syndication.

Strahan stood by her side, and once she was done, he said: "You love this show, you love the fans, you love the staff. I love you. I'm so happy you're here."

RELATED: Michael Strahan to Join 'GMA' Full Time

How much the on-air duo really love each other seems to be in question, however. With Ripa back, Strahan will now leave the show much sooner than planned, with his last day scheduled for Friday, May 13.

"After meeting with the producers of both Live and Good Morning America, and after speaking with Kelly and Michael, we have decided on a plan that best advantages both shows for the future," according to a statement from ABC. "To that end, Michael's last day on Live will be on Friday, May 13, which not only gives the show the chance to have a nice send-off for him during the May book, but to also immediately begin the on-air search for a new co-host.

"This plan also allows GMA to start integrating Michael into the show more often this summer before his full-time start in September."

Strahan won't be full-time at GMA until September, says a network source, but will host a primetime reboot of $100,000 Pyramid for ABC this summer and "take a much deserved vacation."

While it's clear that ABC execs mishandled the transition, or perhaps more correctly, underestimated Ripa's reaction to the way she was told, all of the drama around the situation has put the show in the spotlight. Ratings for Ripa's return on Tuesday are expected to be through the roof, and likely stay high through Strahan's last day on May 13.Â

Live, executive produced by Michael Gelman, has had to handle host transitions a few times now. First, when Kathie Lee Gifford exited and the show brought on Ripa to join Regis Philbin after a long search. Live then found Strahan, who appeared 20 times on the show before getting the job, after Philbin retired in 2011. Â Having guest hosts offers the show fun marketing opportunities. When Philbin exited, one of the first guest hosts was Jerry Seinfeld, which grabbed a lot of headlines.Â

READ MORE: The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, Variety