Talk host Larry King’s CNN contract expires in 18 months, so the network is eyeing possible successors should the 75-year-old decide to retire, the New York Post’s Page 6 reports.

First choice for the CNN would be “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest, the gossip column says.

We wonder if Fox–and parent News Corp, which owns rival cable networks–would allow Seacrest to do such a gig on CNN. Paula, on the other hand…

–Elizabeth Jensen and Chuck Ross