The Kardashians recently celebrated ten years on television, an impressive achievement in the era of Peak TV.
But throughout their careers, the cultural legitimacy that they seem to crave has eluded Kim and company.
They’ve made attempts to shake off the stigma of reality stardom, but audiences have been slow to accept the idea of the Kard clan as entertainers or or even talk show hosts.
Kim Kardashian’s attempt at a music career earned her more laughter than applause.
Kris Jenner’s short-lived talk show flopped with both critics and audiences.
Most recently, Khloe Kardashian tried to rebrand herself as an Andy Cohen-esque droll new voice in late night, but Kocktails With Khloe was canceled by E! after a just a few weeks on the air.
But this is the family who turned a “leaked” sex tape into one of a wildly lucrative multimedia empire, so it’s not hard to see persistent in their belief that mainstream acceptance is just around the corner.
It’s in that spirit that Kim has accepted a substitute spot on ABC’s Live With Kelly and Ryan in hopes that it’ll lead to a full-time gig.
It’s tough to imagine Kim as a daytime host, but she has reason to be hopeful.
According to Radar Online, Kim’s co-host soon-to-be co-host, Ryan Seacrest, sees her as the future of the long-running Live franchise.
Seacrest has been by the Kardashian’s side from the very beginning, helping to launch Keeping Up With the Kardashians back in 2007 and staying on as executive producer throughout the show’s ten-year run.
Rumors of on-set tension between Seacrest and current co-host Kelly Ripa have been circulating for months, and sources say Rya would love nothing more than for Kim to take Kelly’s spot in the seat next to him.
“She has Ryan’s support,” one insider tells Radar.
The insider says Seacrest has always been planning to choose Ripa’s replacement when she eventually moves on to a different gig.
“Ryan would love to get one of his friends to replace Kelly if she chooses to leave,” the source adds.
“He likes surrounding himself with people who adore him and are loyal to him.”
As for Ripa, she’s reportedly been open to the idea of seeking out greener pastures ever since former co-host Michael Strahan left Live unexpectedly last year.
“Kelly’s announced that if push comes to shove, she’s ready to walk,” says the insider.
Sounds like this is the chance Kim’s been waiting for.
But only time will tell if she’s capable of winning over skeptical viewers.
