ABC’s syndicated daytime program "Live with Kelly and Michael" got a boost from the debut of new co-host Michael Strahan, with its audience jumping 44% from a year earlier, reports Bloomberg.

Tuesday’s program, the first installment that included former New York Giants football player Strahan as the show’s new permanent co-host, was the most-watched daytime program in 14 of the country’s top 15 television markets, the story notes.

Strahan took over the spot alongside Kelly Ripa that was filled by Regis Philbin for years.