End of an Era: Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Bid Farewell to ‘Live’ Studio
The iconic television couple, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, recently had to bid farewell to their longstanding studio at 7 Lincoln Square on NYC’s Upper West Side. The duo, who have been co-hosting the hit daytime series ‘Live with Kelly and Mark,’ shared their experiences and memories of the place, which has been home to the show for an astonishing 37 years. The show is set to make a significant transition as it moves to a new home at 7 Hudson Square in downtown Manhattan.
The studio at 7 Lincoln Square has seen numerous famous faces over the years as the hosts of the show. It all started with Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford, followed by Kelly Ripa joining in 2001. After Philbin’s departure in 2011, Ripa hosted alongside Michael Strahan and then Ryan Seacrest. As of April 2023, Ripa’s husband Mark Consuelos has been co-hosting the show, making it a family affair.
While Consuelos may have officially joined as a co-host only recently, the couple shared that the studio has been more than just a workplace for them. “Our kids grew up here,” Consuelos revealed, referring to their three children – Michael, 27, Lola, 23, and Joaquin, 22. The kids were always backstage, even as babies, visiting their mom and later, both their parents.
“It’s going to be hard to replicate,” Ripa admitted, voicing her sentiments on leaving the place that had been a second home for their family for so long. “They came to work with me every day until they went to school,” Ripa recalled, referring to how their children would accompany her to work. The family-oriented environment of the ‘Live’ studio extended to their professional relationships as well, with Ripa mentioning how their children view some of the show’s producers as mother figures.
Interestingly, the ‘Live’ studio also played a critical role in Ripa and Consuelos’ personal life. Back in 1996, the couple had broken up, but destiny brought them back together on the set of ‘Live with Regis and Kathie Lee.’ After reuniting on the show, Consuelos realized he wanted to be with Ripa forever. Following this revelation, the couple flew to Las Vegas the very next day to get married.
As the show prepares for its move, the couple reflected on the countless memories they’ve built in the studio. Their story is a testament to how a workplace can transcend its traditional definition and become a cherished part of one’s personal life. Their shared memories and experiences at the Lincoln Square studio will undoubtedly remain an indelible part of their lives as they embark on this new journey.
The new studio, The Robert A. Iger Building at 7 Hudson Square, is part of the Walt Disney Company’s new NYC headquarters. Other renowned shows like ‘The View’ and ‘The Tamron Hall Show’ already occupy two of the studios in the building. ‘Good Morning America,’ another popular ABC show, is also set to move to this space by the end of the year.
As ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’ transitions into this new chapter in its broadcasting history, the hosts remain optimistic and excited about creating new memories. While the walls of the old studio reverberate with the echoes of their past, the new studio awaits the fresh tales of laughter, camaraderie, and on-air magic that ‘Live with Kelly and Mark’ is known for.