SB.. After more than 35 years, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos say goodbye to the live studio

After more than 35 years of filming in the same location, the beloved talk show Live with Kelly and Mark has officially bid farewell to its longtime home. On April 1, 2023, the show filmed its final episode at its iconic studio on the Upper West Side of New York City. The transition marks the end of an era for the show, which has been a staple of afternoon television for decades.

The Historic Studio at 7 Lincoln Square

The studio where Live with Kelly and Mark was filmed for 37 years is located at 7 Lincoln Square, at the intersection of 67th Street and Columbus Avenue. This historic location was home to the show for decades and became a familiar backdrop for viewers. Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford were the first hosts to establish the show’s iconic set, and over the years, other well-known hosts such as Michael Strahan and Ryan Seacrest have joined the program after Philbin’s departure in 2011.

The Upper West Side studio became more than just a filming location; it became a symbol of the show’s rich history and the personal milestones of those involved. For Kelly Ripa, who joined the program in 2001, this space was a significant part of her career and personal life. The shift to a new location signals both the end of a chapter for the show and the beginning of an exciting new phase.

Mark Consuelos’ Addition to the Show

In April 2023, Kelly Ripa’s husband, Mark Consuelos, officially joined the Live program as a co-host. Though Consuelos was a more recent addition to the lineup, his presence on the show added a special dynamic. Ripa had already worked with several co-hosts over the years, but the arrival of her husband brought a unique energy to the set. Together, Ripa and Consuelos shared hosting duties, bringing their natural chemistry to the audience every day.

Ripa and Consuelos shared their thoughts with PEOPLE magazine about the significance of the studio and how it marked an emotional moment for them. Despite Consuelos being a newer addition to the show, the couple expressed how much the studio meant to them personally. Consuelos, reflecting on the importance of the studio, shared, “This is where our children grew up. Even as infants, they were always backstage and would frequently come visit mom here.”

A Family Connection to the Show

Ripa and Consuelos are the proud parents of three children: Michael (27), Lola (23), and Joaquin (22). The family’s connection to the show goes beyond just their professional roles. The couple explained that the studio had a deep personal significance, especially since it had been a place where their children grew up. They were regularly backstage, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Ripa reflected on the challenges of balancing work and family life, especially in the early days of her career when maternity leave was not a common practice. She mentioned, “You must keep in mind that I gave birth to my children during a period when maternity leave was not common; we were ill-prepared to deal with that. The good news is that you can work with your children. I was also able to work full-time and be a mother full-time at the same time because they are very considerate of our hours here because it is a live morning television show. This is quite uncommon and something I do not take for granted.”

The Reigniting of Their Relationship

The Live studio also has sentimental value for Ripa and Consuelos due to the role it played in rekindling their romance. The couple, who initially split up in 1996, unexpectedly reunited on the Live stage in 1999. The appearance was supposed to be a surprise feature for an All My Children fan for Mother’s Day. Despite their initial reluctance, both Ripa and Consuelos ended up on stage together, and it was in that moment that their relationship was reignited. The next day, Consuelos proposed, and the couple quickly married in a private ceremony in Las Vegas.

This personal connection to the studio makes the decision to move on even more emotional for the couple, as it represents not only the end of an era for the show but also a significant chapter in their shared personal journey.

Moving to a New Location

The move to a new studio represents a new beginning for the show. According to PEOPLE, Live with Kelly and Mark is one of the last ABC shows to relocate to the newly renovated 7 Hudson Square, which is part of The Robert A. Iger Building in downtown New York City. This move marks a major shift in the television landscape, as several other ABC programs, including The View and The Tamron Hall Show, have already made the transition to the new location.

In addition to Live with Kelly and Mark, Good Morning America is also expected to move to 7 Hudson Square by the end of the year. The new complex, which is home to The Walt Disney Company’s New York headquarters, offers a modern, state-of-the-art environment that will enhance the production quality of these programs.

The Future of Live with Kelly and Mark

While the move to a new studio represents a significant change for Live with Kelly and Mark, the show’s core mission remains the same: to entertain and inform its viewers with engaging content and lively discussions. Ripa and Consuelos will continue to bring their charisma and dynamic chemistry to the audience as they embark on this new chapter in a new location.

This transition symbolizes the evolution of the show, which has undergone several changes over the years while maintaining its core appeal. Ripa’s long tenure as host, combined with Consuelos’ addition to the team, promises an exciting future for Live with Kelly and Mark.

Conclusion

The move of Live with Kelly and Mark from its longtime studio at 7 Lincoln Square to a new home at 7 Hudson Square marks a pivotal moment in the show’s history. For Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, the transition holds deep sentimental value, as it signifies both the end of an era and the start of a new one. As the show moves forward into this exciting new chapter, it will continue to be a source of entertainment and inspiration for its loyal audience.

Sources:

• PEOPLE magazine, 2023
• The Walt Disney Company, 2023
• ABC, 2023