Ryan Seacrest's hectic schedule is worrying some of his bosses, a new report states.
"There are people at the network who are extremely worried that he is overdoing it," an ABC source told the New York Post.
Another source added, "People internally have started to ask questions."
Fans became concerned about Ryan's health earlier this month when they felt he exhibited signs of a stroke during the "American Idol" finale. Toward the end of the show, which was produced virtually, fans noticed that Ryan seemed to have a swollen eye and was slightly slurring his words. Immediately there was worry, and many viewers took to Twitter to openly wonder if something severe was happening.
The following day, Ryan took an unexpected day off from co-hosting "Live" with Kelly Ripa, further concerning fans.
"It was a last-minute thing and there was a sense of panic at ABC when we were told that Ryan couldn't make it that morning," the ABC source said.
Ryan later equated it to "exhaustion," and his rep said he was simply overworked and denied that Ryan suffered a stroke on the air.
Still, the ABC source said the "Idol" incident was "extremely disconcerting."
"Live" is set to go on a weeks-long scheduled hiatus next month, and ABC bigwigs are thrilled, hoping Ryan can take some time off.
In addition to hosting "Live" and "American Idol," Ryan has a syndicated radio show, "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," which runs for five hours Monday to Friday, as well as the weekly "American Top 40" music-radio countdown program. He also hosts multiple specials throughout the year and covers the red carpet for E! at major award shows. He also has a production company, a skin care line and a fashion line, among other things.
"People underestimate just how much work Ryan puts in every day," a friend told the Post. "[Right now,] he wakes up at 4 a.m., has producer meetings by 5 a.m. and has to be ready to film at 6 a.m. LA time as 'Live' goes on air at 9 a.m. EST. Add the radio show every day, in addition to hosting "Idol" and additional content for his platforms."
"He has definitely had to adjust his body clock," the source continued. "While some of us can turn off or take a break throughout our workday, he almost always has a camera on him or a microphone in his hand. He's always on."
The pandemic, friends say, is actually making life easier for the media mogul, noting that he no longer has to commute between Los Angeles and New York City, something he was doing several times a week.
"This whole time [he] has been in his house in LA because of the pandemic. It's been a lot of shooting, but people internally … are concerned about his fatigue," a television-industry insider said. "Everyone is rooting for him to be OK and knows he's a hard worker and juggling a lot of things — but he's a hard worker with no commute."
At the end of the day, friends just want Ryan to be more cognizant of his health. They also know that he likes being a workaholic.
"He is the consummate professional," the television-industry insider said. "That's why it's so worrying to see him [like this]. I just hope he gets a break."