Ryan confirmed the news Thursday on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" ... saying he was excited to return, and likened it to getting back in a relationship after an abrupt breakup.

TMZ broke the story ... Ryan was aiming for somewhere between $10 and $15 million, but the huge hangup was getting the coveted executive producer credit. Sources involved tell us he did not get the title, and his payday will be closer to $10 mil.

There were also logistical challenges. Ryan -- as first reported by TMZ -- would fly back and forth from NYC to L.A. to shoot 'A.I.' ... but a plan was hashed out so none of his jobs would be affected ... including his radio gig.