ABC News announces a primetime special on Regis Philbin, his life and legacy as a television pioneer

‘Regis Philbin: The Morning Maestro – A Special Edition of 20/20’ airs tonight

ABC News announced a primetime special on television pioneer Regis Philbin, his life and his legacy as the legendary host of the “Live” morning franchise for 28 years – following his passing last Friday. The special edition of “20/20” features an exclusive interview with “Live with Kelly and Ryan” host Kelly Ripa, Philbin’s former co-host for a decade. The program will also include Philbin’s final television interview with Jimmy Kimmel in March, as well as interviews with his co-hosts through the years, including Kathie Lee Gifford and Mary Hart; interviews with his childhood friends; a tour of the Bronx where he grew up; an emotional surprise visit with students at his high school; and a trip down memory lane with Philbin screening some of his favorite clips of “Live.” 

“Regis Philbin: The Morning Maestro – A Special Edition of 20/20” airs Tuesday, July 28 (8 p.m. EDT), on ABC.