In an emotional shift for their long-standing show, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos recently shared their heartfelt memories as “Live with Kelly and Mark” transitions to a new studio location in New York City. The show aired its final episode from its original Upper West Side set on April 1, 2025, marking the end of an era after 37 years at 7 Lincoln Square.
Ripa expressed the challenge of leaving a place filled with cherished moments, noting, “It’s going to be hard to replicate.” Over the years, this studio has been home to various hosts, beginning with iconic figures like Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford. Ripa became a part of the show in 2001, later co-hosting alongside Michael Strahan and Ryan Seacrest. Now, she shares the hosting duties with her husband, Consuelos, who joined as an official co-host just last year.
Reflecting on their time in the studio, Consuelos mentioned the significance it held for their family. “Our kids grew up here,” he recalled, adding that they often visited Ripa backstage during her work. The studio wasn’t just a workplace for the couple; it became a nurturing environment for their three children, Michael, Lola, and Joaquin.
Ripa remembers the days when she brought her children to set before they started school, illustrating how the workplace allowed her to balance motherhood and her career. “It was a time when maternity leave wasn’t really a thing… but I could bring my kids to work with me,” she said. This unique opportunity helped her thrive as a dedicated mother and a working professional.
The ties to the studio extended beyond mere work to friendships forged over the years. Consuelos pointed out that many of their closest friends are people they’ve met through the show, emphasizing the familial bond they share with the crew.
Interestingly, the studio is also where Ripa and Consuelos reignited their romance in 1996. After a brief breakup, they unexpectedly found themselves at the studio, which eventually reminded them of their love for one another, leading to a quick reunion and marriage.
As they prepare for this new chapter at 7 Hudson Square, the new home of ABC’s productions, the couple acknowledges the mixed feelings surrounding the move. “We owe a lot to this place,” said Ripa. As they embark on this fresh chapter, they carry with them the memories and connections formed in their beloved studio.
“Live with Kelly and Mark” will now continue in the new building, which is part of Disney’s new headquarters in New York City, providing it with modern facilities for the future of daytime television. The show remains a staple of ABC’s lineup, airing weekdays as it continues to engage audiences with relatable content and genuine conversations.
