Let's take a trip down memory lane. Since its debut in 1983, the Live talk show franchise has gone through some major changes. In 2023, Ryan Seacrest stepped away from the show after six years of cohosting with Kelly Ripa. And just two years later, in 2025, the show made the bold decision to leave its beloved Upper West Side studio after 37 years. Fans have been buzzing with questions: Is Kelly Ripa planning to hang up her mic anytime soon? Or will she continue hosting the iconic show? Let's break it all down.
How Kelly Ripa Became a Part of 'Live'
Back in 2001, Kelly Ripa stepped into the spotlight as the new cohost of Live, filling the shoes of Kathie Lee Gifford. Partnering with the legendary Regis Philbin, Kelly quickly became a fan favorite with her vibrant energy and charm. Together, they created a dynamic duo that captivated audiences nationwide. But change is inevitable. In 2011, Regis decided to step down, leaving Kelly to navigate the show with a series of rotating cohosts. This period tested her adaptability and resilience, but she handled it with grace and determination.
The Reason Behind Ryan Seacrest's Departure
Ryan Seacrest's arrival in 2017 was like a breath of fresh air for the show. As one of Kelly's closest friends, his presence added a layer of warmth and familiarity. However, in February 2023, Ryan made the difficult decision to leave the show. "Kelly and I have been talking about this for a long time," he revealed during an emotional farewell episode. "It was a tough decision, but I knew it was time to move on."
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Ryan's final episode aired in April 2023, with his family and then-girlfriend, Aubrey Paige Petcosky, in attendance. Kelly, visibly emotional, expressed her gratitude and love for her longtime cohost. "From the bottom of my heart, we just want to thank you for being an original, authentic addition to this show," she said, fighting back tears. "You are forever our family. We will never say goodbye to you. We will only say, 'See you soon.' I love you."
Is Kelly Ripa Staying or Leaving?
Ryan's departure wasn't the end of the show's evolution. Kelly welcomed a new cohost soon after: none other than her husband, Mark Consuelos. While Kelly hasn't announced any plans to leave the show, insiders suggest that this version of the show—with Mark—is likely her final chapter. "Kelly wasn’t going to go through another public search for a cohost," a source revealed. "Her audience loves Mark, and he’s never going to surprise her and quit—she hopes!"
Of course, Mark's acting career keeps him busy, so Kelly occasionally brings in temporary cohosts when needed. "Kelly’s fine with a fill-in cohost if Mark gets a juicy acting gig," the source added. For now, Kelly seems content working alongside her husband, with whom she shares three children: Michael, Lola, and Joaquin.
"Live has been a dream job for Kelly, but I think this version with Mark will be her last," the insider noted. "Kelly dreams of relaxing more, vacationing, producing projects, and maybe looking after a grandkid or two." But don't count her out just yet. In August 2023, Kelly told E! News, "I am very steadfast in everything I do, and so when you have me, you have me for life. Having said that, I don’t intend to work at this job for the rest of my life. I do talk about retirement with great interest, but right now I’m very happy, especially working with Mark."
A New Chapter for 'Live'
In April 2025, Kelly and Mark bid farewell to their iconic Upper West Side studio, where they spent 37 memorable years. The show has now moved to the Walt Disney Company’s new NYC headquarters downtown. "Our kids grew up here," Mark shared with People, reflecting on the old studio. "They’d come visit mom here a lot—they were always backstage, even when they were babies."
"They came to work with me every day until they went to school," Kelly added. "They would go to All My Children with me, they would come here with me… we meant it when we say they grew up in this building, in these four walls." The move marks a new chapter for the show and its beloved hosts, but the heart and soul of Live remain unchanged.
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