Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Bid Farewell… See more

 

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Bid Farewell… But What’s Really Happening?

A headline claiming that Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are “bidding farewell” has caught the attention of fans, prompting questions about whether the beloved television couple is preparing to leave Live with Kelly and Mark.

But the verified picture is considerably less dramatic.

As of September 2026, Ripa and Consuelos are still hosting the daytime program together. ABC's official episode listings show the pair returning for Season 39 on September 8, with new episodes continuing through September.

So what is behind the farewell headline?

A Return, Not a Final Goodbye

The couple recently returned to the studio following the show's seasonal break.

Their return came after Ripa had spent time away from the program while recovering from gum-graft surgery. Consuelos also revealed that he had picked up an elbow injury while playing tennis with his wife during their time off.

The two discussed the injuries on air with the humor that viewers have come to expect from them.

Rather than announcing an exit, they were back together behind the familiar Live desk.

Why Fans May Have Seen “Farewell”

The word “farewell” can be particularly misleading when it appears in social-media headlines.

Television programs regularly say goodbye to guests, seasons, vacations, special episodes or longtime members of their production teams. In this case, there has also been recent attention surrounding a familiar face from the show's history: longtime executive Art Moore.

Ripa and Consuelos reunited with Moore for dinner and later shared an update about him on the program. Moore retired from ABC in 2024 after 53 years with the network, including 36 years associated with Live.

For longtime viewers, his retirement naturally carried an emotional sense of goodbye.

But it was not a farewell from Ripa and Consuelos themselves.

Their Partnership Remains a Major Part of the Show

Ripa and Consuelos have an unusual dynamic on daytime television because they are not simply professional co-hosts—they are also married.

The pair have frequently turned their real-life relationship into part of the show's appeal, joking about everything from family life to injuries and everyday disagreements.

That chemistry has continued into the show's 39th season.

ABC's September listings show them sharing hosting duties on episodes featuring guests including Lizzo, Kal Penn, Tift Merritt, Gal Gadot and Jim Kwik.

Those listings provide a straightforward answer to the question raised by the viral headline: there is no indication in the official schedule that the two have permanently left the program.

A Temporary Break Created Confusion

The confusion may partly stem from the show's regular breaks between seasons.

Live with Kelly and Mark frequently uses prerecorded episodes and seasonal scheduling changes, which can make viewers wonder whether one of the hosts has quietly departed.

Ripa's recent medical recovery also meant that she was absent from some episodes, adding another layer of uncertainty for viewers who follow the program primarily through clips and social media.

But an absence from several broadcasts is not the same as an announcement of departure.

What Fans Can Take From the News

For now, the evidence points to continuity rather than a permanent goodbye.

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos remain the hosts of Live with Kelly and Mark, and the show's official schedule confirms their continued appearances in September 2026.

That doesn't mean the program will never change. Daytime television shows evolve constantly, and hosts, producers and other familiar personalities eventually move on.

But a dramatic “farewell” headline should not be treated as confirmation of such a change without an official announcement.