Kelly Ripa Hints at Future Departure from “Live with Kelly and Mark”
After more than two decades gracing our screens, beloved television personality Kelly Ripa has candidly discussed her future plans, hinting that her time at the helm of “Live with Kelly and Mark” might be drawing to a close sooner rather than later. The 55-year-old host, who recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of co-leading the popular talk show, reflected on her enduring role in an interview with Decider.
While Ripa expressed immense gratitude and affection for her position, she admitted, “Contrary to what everyone around here thinks, I don’t intend on working for the rest of my life.” She added, “But I think we’ll all make that decision when the time comes.”
Ripa, who currently shares hosting duties with her husband Mark Consuelos, 54, emphasised that should the day arrive for her to step down, she is committed to ensuring a seamless transition. Her priority will be to find the perfect co-host to carry the show forward. “I think there’s a way to sort of get new people on board and have them test co-hosts, and get the audience used to other people,” she explained. “I think it’s important. I love this show too much to see it sort of ever end with us.”
Ripa is adamant that “Live” will continue to thrive, even after her eventual departure. She views the program as a robust franchise, capable of enduring beyond its current hosts. “For me, I always say this job and this place is so special, that I really do believe in this show as a franchise. It’s a franchise show,” she elaborated.
She drew parallels to the show’s history, noting its previous iterations: “Before me, there was Regis [Philbin] and Kathie Lee [Gifford]. And before Kathie Lee, there was Regis and a myriad of other hosts.” Ripa expressed her firm belief in the show’s longevity, stating, “I believe this show will continue on for as long as linear television exists.” Her vision is for new talent to have the opportunity to shine. “I believe that there are too many talented people out there that really deserve the opportunity to find their own audience and grow the audience the way they see fit. Because I don’t intend to work for the rest of my life. I really do not.”
A Unique Career Path and The Appeal of “Live”
Ripa, who describes her job as “so special,” revealed that her admiration for “Live” predates her tenure as a host. She was initially captivated by the show’s distinctive and “unique” quality. “I really thought it was very funny, very irreverent, there was nothing else on TV like it,” she gushed.
However, it was the show’s flexible schedule that ultimately sealed the deal for Ripa when she first considered the role. This unique work arrangement allowed her to maintain a successful professional career while also prioritising her role as a mother to her three children: Michael, 28, Lola, 24, and Joaquin, 22, whom she shares with Consuelos.
“Working here has been unique to me in myriad ways because I’ve been able to work full-time professionally, and yet also raise a family, which is very different from most entertainers in this business,” she shared. She contrasted this with the typical itinerant lifestyle often required of actors and performers. “If you have a family, you’re often having to take your kids out of school and move across the country, or move depending on what series you’re working on, anywhere.”
The ability to provide a stable upbringing for her children was a significant factor. “And I was able to raise my kids in the same place, in the same town, going to the same school, all of their lives,” she said. “That really appealed to me. I knew the show was special from watching it, but the work schedule was what really appealed to me initially.”
The Secret to “Live’s” Enduring Success
When asked about the show’s remarkable ability to “withstand the test of time,” Ripa attributes its longevity to its relatable content and irreverent approach. “We cover the issues that people have in their own homes,” she explained. “We’re very irreverent. We cover the news, but we cover the absurdity of the news. We cover the absurd.”
Ripa elaborated on the show’s distinct role in the television landscape. “Our job when we come on the air, we are fully cognizant that the viewers at home have had five hours of news programming. So we try to bring them a lighter, less anxiety-inducing side of what the headlines have to offer.” This commitment to offering a balanced and often humorous perspective on current events appears to be a key ingredient in “Live’s” continued popularity.
