Kelly Ripa, Jerry Seinfeld Host First 'Live!' After Regis Philbin's Exit (VIDEO)

WATCH: Live With Kelly And JERRY!

On Monday, Kelly Ripa hosted her first episode of "Live!" after Regis Philbin's departure. The show marked the beginning of what guest host Jerry Seinfeld jokingly dubbed "Operation: Smooth Transition."

The show was officially re-named "Live! With Kelly." Ripa took Philbin's old seat, while Seinfeld sat down next to her. "This is a little television moment," noted Seinfeld. Philbin's absence from the show did not go unmentioned. Seinfeld paid tribute to Philbin "one more time, for building this empire." After Ripa noted that everything "looks exactly the same," producer Michael Gelman said that changes to the set are coming next week.

Ripa and Seinfeld also teased a big announcement throughout the show. Some viewers may have hoped the news was Ripa's new permanent co-host, but it was actually a contest for a vacation to Hawaii.

Seinfeld, who will be filling in through Wednesday, is the first of a rotating cast of temporary co-hosts on the program. Neil Patrick Harris is also set to fill in from November 28 to December 2. Ripa will be trying out different guest hosts to find Philbin's replacement -- much like what Philbin did after Kathie Lee Gifford left the program.

WATCH:

Below, see a slideshow of big moments from Regis Philbin's farewell episode.

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