If you needed proof that it’s time for Larry King to retire—beyond the plummeting ratings—you got it during his painful interview with Lady Gaga. The interaction was a total dud, despite Gaga’s obvious willingness to have fun. “If he can no longer hit a hanging curve ball over the middle of the plate, shouldn’t CNN be thinking hard about who is on deck?” writes David Carr of the New York Times.
The answer is: pretty much no one—Eliot Spitzer has been discussed, but he’s a long shot, as is King’s choice, Ryan Seacrest. Katie Couric’s contract is up, but Carr sees “zero chance” she’d do it. So CNN should let a parade of guest hosts wear the proverbial suspenders. Then announce King’s retirement, and give him a year-long victory lap. "You could probably count on both Obamas, both Clintons, both George Bushes, both Martha and Jon Stewart, with maybe some Tiger, a little Oprah, all stopping by for some much deserved ring-kissing." (More Larry King stories.)