Last year’s ranking: 4
“Live With Regis and Kelly” continues to trounce the morning competition, even after “Live’s” 20 years on the air, which it celebrated last summer.

“Regis and Kelly together have made ‘Live’ the perfect morning chat show, and audiences have made it part of their daily routine to share a cup of coffee and a giggle every morning,” said one expert. Another said the team is “shallow and unsophisticated, and yet catchy and surprisingly popular—like a Britney Spears song.”

Regis, who holds the Guinness World Record for the most time spent in front of a TV camera, is set to host “Million Dollar Password” on CBS next year; he also has added the Oscars pre-show and Hallmark Channel specials to his “Live” workload.

Kelly, meanwhile, has turned her eyes to producing. With husband Mark Consuelos, she inked a deal with ESPN to produce and air “The Streak,” a one-hour documentary following a high school wrestling team that has been undefeated for 34 years.

“Together they play extremely well,” said a panelist. “Separately they lose some of their power and become minor players. Their banter and ping-ponging and barbs mixed with celebs, gossip and news makes them a team I wish I owned.”

“Live” ranks a strong third among all series in the category, averaging a 3.0 rating this season.

“The gold standard—they continue to have bank,” said a voter. “The key will be who replaces Regis when that day comes. He and Oprah are at the top in terms of professionalism … and how to be a talk-show host. If she is the grand dame, he is the master.”