Who Will Replace Larry King?

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.)