The winner-take-all "Live!" sweepstakes have already begun.

With news of Michael Strahan's plans to leave the morning show "Live! With Kelly and Michael," a group of potential replacements are already clamoring for his seat.

Anderson Cooper, Neil Patrick Harris Top List of Rumored Replacements

At the head of the list are rumored to be CNN anchor Anderson Cooper and actor Neil Patrick Harris. Both have previously sat in as guest hosts of the show and Anderson is rumored to be close friends with Ripa.

"It's likely Kelly will bring up Anderson's name as a replacement," said a source.

The 48-year-old Anderson is reported to be interested in the opportunity, but may need the approval of his CNN bosses for any potential negotiations to move forward.

Meanwhile, producers are rumored to have "loved" Harris when they were previously looking for a cohost.

"He was a front-runner, and he has less going on now than he did three years ago during the search that ended with Michael getting the gig," a source added.

After a four year run, Strahan recently signaled he has had enough and reports are he will be starting a full-time gig on "Good Morning America" later this fall.

"Live!" was never going to be a forever job for him," noted a source.

Added another of the opportunity "GMA" will give Strahan to connect with people in his reporting, "they provide something different for him and they give Michael a platform that he couldn't do at 'Live!'"

Ripa Reported Angry Over Being Kept in the Dark Some

Meanwhile, Ripa is reported to "livid" over being kept in the dark about Strahan's GMA talks. TMZ has reported Ripa wasn't told about the negotiations and never received a call from Disney, which owns both "Live!" and "GMA."

Some media outlets are even reporting Disney bosses may now be considering giving "Live!" the boot and adding a third hour to GMA.

Related