TVSquad

Doesn't it seem like Larry King is aging at about five times the normal rate? I keep thinking he must be in his 90s, but in reality, he's only 74. And it looks like he'll be around a while.

According to a TVNewser report, CNN and King have agreed on a contract that will keep the suspender-clad one with the network through June 2011. For the record, he'll be 77 -- but he'll probably seem like he's 153.

A recent New York Times story speculated that ratings-challenged CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric might be eyeing King's CNN slot. "Couric discussed several things she might do if she left the anchor post, according to the executives, including a daily talk show to be syndicated by CBS, or replacing Larry King in a prime-time position on CNN," notes the Times story. Not so, a CNN spokesperson told TVNewser. "Larry is the best there is. He'll be here for a long time."

You know, I can get past the age thing if King didn't seem so hopelessly out of touch. While discussing the death of Heath Ledger in January, he asked a panelist, "Is his fiancee an actress?" Uh, yeah, Larry. Her name's Michelle Williams, and both she and Heath scored Oscar noms for Brokeback Mountain. (And for the record, she hadn't been his fiancee for quite some time).

Not long before that, King asked Jerry Seinfeld if his show had been canceled, prompting the comedian to request "a resume in here for Larry to go over." Last year, King called Ringo "George" on live TV. And just a couple of years ago, he admitted he'd never been on the Internet. You know, Larry, you might want to check that out.

With all due respect, doesn't it seem like it's time for Larry King to hand over the reins to someone else?