LARRY KING REPLACEMENT OFFICIAL BETTING ODDS AND PREDICTIONS

It's truly the end of an era on CNN as one of the network stalwarts is set to officially retire this fall. For many younger folks, you may not remember just what an upstart CNN really was in its early days and when Larry King was unveiled as an evening talk show host, it was one of the things that helped anchor the network in its fledgling early years. 

Larry King's replacement is going to be somebody who is, in all likelihood, somebody with no discernable left/right bias and an engaging personality that people can connect with but not be overwhelmed by. 
There are a lot of potential contenders for the gig and King, who is actually named Lawrence Harvey Zeiger, has reportedly claimed that he wants Ryan Seacrest to take over his job although I don't know if it's on the record or not. It could be wishy-washy internet blog stuff, but that's supposedly the word around the campfire.  
Popular Irish bookmaker Paddy Power is taking bets on Who Will Replace Larry King and the current betting favourite is Piers Morgan, who you'll know from America's Got Talent, he's priced at 6/4 and has more than enough experience to get the job done. I'm put off by the shortness of the price, however, and I'd give it some thought at 3/1 but never at 6/4. I also think he may be considered a little too "sideshow" for this role. I know that they certainly won't want a host who is more of a story than some of his guests, so that's why I'm put off Morgan. I also doubt whether CNN will want to invest in somebody who audiences may not be able to connect with like King. 
Joy Behar has filled in for Larry quite a few times in the past and she's likable enough but she really has her own thing going on right now with a fairly successful daytime show. Again, I think she puts off a certain section of the audience, and they may want to go with somebody who doesn't wear their politics on their sleeve as much as Behar. She trades at 4/1. 
My bet here is going to be on Ryan Seacrest, who King has apparently given his tacid approval to. Paddy Power is pricing him as the clear third favourite with a 6/1 price. I think the fact that American Idol is starting to wind down may mean he is looking for a new challenge. Maybe Brian Dunkelman can host AI?
Anderson Cooper has just seen a price cut from 8/1 to 6/1 and there have been rumours that he was set to leave CNN for a while and this may be the networks attempt to keep the Silver Fox on board. Katie Couric is priced at 8/1 while CNN's John King trades at 10/1 alongside Diane Sawyer. 
Nancy Grace's odds to take over Larry King's job are priced at 12/1 while Julie Chen can be backed at 18/1. Popular Daily Show Host Jon Stewart is listed at 20/1 to replace Larry King and I think that would be a little too good to be true for CNN. I think it would be a great fit, but I think Stewart is happy at Comedy Central with his fake news show. 
Wolf Blitzer is priced at 25/1, but I think he's a little too "Situation Room" for my likings. Lou Dobbs trades at 40/1 and there is no way they would do that. Campbell Brown is also listed at 40/1 and it is sort of the same deal. Dan Rather is 50/1 and that would be a hell of a story, while Regis Philbin and Jay Leno are both at 80/1. 
You can back Simon Cowell or Oprah at 100/1 while Kermit the Frog is priced at 500/1 to take over from Larry King.