Michael Strahan Leaving 'Live!' Confuses Kelly Ripa's Pal Andy Cohen: 'It Ended Way Too Prematurely'

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Andy Cohen is sounding off on Michael Strahan's decision to leaveLive! With Kelly and Michael for a full-time position at Good Morning America.

During his SiriusXM radio show on Monday, the 47-year-old Bravo star revealed what he thought of the Live! drama, given that he's a TV executive and a close friend to Strahan's co-host, Kelly Ripa. "When I look at this whole situation, it's worth noting that the two of them, Kelly and Michael, they had such great chemistry -- such great chemistry," Cohen noted. "And I'm just looking at this -- it just seems like a premature end to a great relationship. It ended way too prematurely, and I think so much has been written about this situation and how it was handled."


WATCH: Michael Strahan Says He's 'Excited' for Kelly Ripa's Return to Live!

Ripa, 45, has not returned to Live! since being "blindsided" by the news last week. However, ET confirmed that she will return to the daytime talk show on Tuesday to co-host alongside Strahan. "I can't say this went down in the greatest way," Cohen said. "He had this great relationship on TV and it was a big, bad breakup."

The Watch What Happens Live host admitted that he's slightly confused as to why Strahan would want to step down as a co-host of the show. "The thing that no one is talking about is, to me, the job of co-hosting Live! is the greatest job in TV," he explained. "And [Kelly]'s so good at it and he was so good at it, but it's a job that you take and you take it for life. She's been at that job for 15 years."


WATCH: Michael Strahan Continues to Compliment Kelly Ripa Upon Returning to Good Morning America

He added, "I can't get over that he left Live! ...where it was the best show, Live! With Kelly and Michael -- your name is in the freakin' title! You can spend your life here. You can spend 15 years here and make serious bank, by the way."

Cohen pointed out that Strahan's new job at GMA could have its challenges. "He's now with five people sitting at that crowded anchor desk. It's like 18 co-anchors. And here's my thing. What happens if the ratings don't go up? What is going to happen to [this] sweet man? By then, she will have a new co-host," he said. "I don't know. I just don't see how you leave the greatest job in TV to be one of five people. That's what I couldn't get over."


WATCH: Regis Philbin on Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan Drama -- They Should Have Told Her Sooner

Cohen also gave his recommendation as to who should replace Strahan. "You know who I think would be great at that job? My buddy AC, [Anderson] Cooper," he endorsed. "He would be so good co-hosting that show."

Ripa has been on vacation celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary with husband Mark Consuelos, but when she returns to Live! on Tuesday, Cohen definitely plans on turning in. "I am really looking forward to tomorrow on Live!," he said. "I can't wait to see what she says. Who isn't going to be watching that?"


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On Thursday, Cohen showed his support for Ripa by posting a throwback pic of the two of them with the hashtag "MorningQueen."

ET also confirmed that Ripa sent an email on Friday night to the Live! staff in appreciation of their support. "(Sorry for this late Friday night email). I wanted to thank you all for giving me the time to process this new information," Ripa's letter read. "Your kindness, support and love has overwhelmed me. We are a family and I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday morning. Love, Kelly."