Let’s talk about change, folks. Ryan Seacrest, the charming host we’ve all come to know and love, is officially stepping away from Live With Kelly and Ryan after six incredible years. That’s right—Ryan is leaving the show that helped him become a morning television legend. But don’t worry, we’ve got all the juicy details on why he’s leaving and who’s stepping into his shoes. Keep reading!
Why Is Ryan Seacrest Calling It Quits on 'Live With Kelly and Ryan'?
On February 16, during an emotional episode of the show, Ryan dropped the bombshell live on air. He revealed that this season would be his last as cohost. Now, this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. No, no, no. Ryan explained that he and Kelly Ripa had been discussing this move for quite some time. “It was a tough decision,” Ryan admitted, showing just how much this show has meant to him. “Last year, Kelly and I spoke, and I made the decision that this would be my final season.”
But here’s the thing—Ryan isn’t disappearing from our screens entirely. He promised to return as a guest host from time to time. After all, we can’t imagine a world without Ryan’s signature charm lighting up our mornings. He added, “Once American Idol kicks off from Los Angeles later this spring, I’ll head to the West Coast and focus on that.”
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Before this big announcement, Ryan had already missed a few episodes of Live With Kelly and Ryan. Back in January, Kelly was joined by none other than her husband, Mark Consuelos, who stepped in as a guest cohost. Mark, the beloved actor from Riverdale, has filled in for Ryan multiple times over the years when Ryan was busy with other projects or just needed a break. Mark even shared on Instagram that he was called in at the last minute to save the day. Ryan returned the very next day but never explained why he was absent.
The following month, Ryan missed more episodes, and once again, Mark stepped in to keep things running smoothly. In the past, Deja Vu Parker, the show’s DJ, has also filled in when Ryan wasn’t available. So, while Ryan’s departure may come as a surprise, it’s clear that the team has always had a solid backup plan.
Who’s Stepping In for Ryan Seacrest on 'Live'?
The obvious choice to take over Ryan’s role is none other than Mark Consuelos. Fans have already fallen in love with Mark during his guest appearances, and now he’s officially stepping into the cohost role full-time. Ryan’s legacy on the show will live on, but it’s time for new energy to shine.
Meanwhile, Ryan’s been busy filming season 21 of American Idol in Hawaii with judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. He even shared a heartwarming moment helping two fans with a gender reveal on stage, proving that he’s still the king of making people smile. “It was a privilege to be involved, and congratulations to the Padillas,” Ryan wrote in the caption.
Ryan’s career has always been about juggling multiple roles. From hosting American Idol since its inception to running his successful radio empire and producing hit TV shows, Ryan has always managed to keep us entertained. He joined Live as an official cohost alongside Kelly in 2017, and his presence has been nothing short of iconic.
Kelly has spoken openly about how special it’s been working with Ryan. “What’s unique is that Ryan Seacrest and I have a 20-plus year friendship,” she shared on the “Dear Gabby” podcast. “We’ve known each other a really long time. He’s the kid brother I never had.”
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