Regis Philbin’s solo TV show could be a real winner

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Apparently, when Regis Philbin announced that he’ll soon exit ‘Live With Regis & Kelly,’ he didn’t mean that he was quitting TV.

According to the New York Post: ‘Philbin has been in preliminary talks with syndicators, including Harpo and Sony, about hosting a talk show similar to ‘Live’ but with more news coverage.’

Maybe the new program could turn into Philbin’s big Emmy champ?

When it comes to Emmys, Philbin has had some poor luck when teaming up with partners. ‘Live’ has frequently been nominated for Daytime Emmys since it debuted on national TV in 1988, but it’s never won best talk show. The only time he won the Emmy for emcee duties was when he was hosting solo in between stints with cohosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Kelly Ripa in 2001. That was the same year he won best game-show host for his solo gig with ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.’

Back in 1982, when Philbin first appeared on TV solo, ‘The Regis Philbin Show’ won best variety show.

Philbin also received a solo Emmy with the lifetime achievement award in 2008. There was one instance when he won an Emmy with a TV partner. In 2006, Philbin and Kelly Ripa were honored for appearing in the TV special ‘Walt Disney World Christmas Parade.’ However, it was one of those bizarre noncompetitive races –- an ‘area award’ category that can have one, multiple or no Emmy winners. The category is called ‘outstanding special class special.’

-- Tom O’Neil