Quick Read
- Kelly Ripa celebrated her 25th anniversary on ABC’s ‘Live’ on February 20, 2026.
- She hinted in an interview that she does not intend to work for the rest of her life.
- Ripa’s sons, Michael and Joaquin, surprised her during the anniversary special with a family montage.
- Mark Consuelos, Ripa’s husband, joined as her co-host in 2023.
- Ripa attributes the show’s longevity to its irreverent take on news and New York City’s role as a ‘third co-host’.
NEW YORK (Azat TV) – Daytime television icon Kelly Ripa, 55, celebrated her 25th anniversary as co-host of ABC’s Live on Friday, February 20, 2026, marking a quarter-century since her official debut on February 12, 2001. Ahead of the special commemorative episode, Ripa candidly discussed her future, hinting that she does not intend to work indefinitely, a significant revelation for the long-standing face of morning television.
Kelly Ripa’s Candid Future on ‘Live’
In an exclusive interview preceding her anniversary special, Kelly Ripa stated, ‘I don’t intend to work for the rest of my life. I really do not.’ While emphasizing that she has ‘no plans to announce yet,’ her remarks signaled a clear, albeit non-urgent, intention to eventually step away from her role. This acknowledgment comes as a notable shift for a personality synonymous with a show that has been a staple in American households for decades. Ripa’s husband, Mark Consuelos, joined her as co-host in 2023, following Ryan Seacrest’s departure, and is currently in his third season alongside her.
Celebrating a Quarter-Century on Daytime Television
The milestone 25th-anniversary episode of Live was filled with celebratory moments, including a surprise appearance by Ripa’s sons, Michael and Joaquin. Michael Consuelos presented his mother with a bouquet of flowers and introduced a montage of clips featuring Ripa and her family from her extensive tenure on the show, leaving her visibly emotional, as reported by Hello Magazine. Ripa originally joined the show as a temporary replacement for Kathie Lee Gifford alongside legendary host Regis Philbin in 2001, quickly cementing her place and evolving the show’s dynamic.
The Enduring Appeal of ‘Live’ with Kelly Ripa
Reflecting on her journey, Ripa recalled being a viewer of Live before joining, finding its irreverent and humorous approach unique, as she shared in a Decider interview. Over her 25 years, Ripa has navigated significant cultural shifts, yet the show has endured. She attributes its longevity to its ability to ‘cover the absurdity of the news,’ offering viewers a ‘lighter, less anxiety-inducing side’ to current events. The stability of raising her children in the same town while working also contributed to her long-term commitment. Furthermore, Ripa credits New York City itself as a ‘third co-host,’ providing an endless supply of authentic, relatable content, from landmark guests to everyday observations about city life and even the weather.
Paving the Way for ‘Live’s’ Next Era
Despite her hints at a future departure, Kelly Ripa conveyed a strong commitment to the franchise’s legacy. She believes the show will continue ‘for as long as linear television exists’ and that ‘talented people out there… deserve the opportunity to find their own audience.’ This forward-thinking perspective suggests that Ripa is already considering the show’s evolution beyond her own tenure, focusing on strategic succession planning to ensure Live thrives into its next chapter.
Kelly Ripa’s candid acknowledgment of a finite career path, while not signaling an immediate exit, strategically positions her as an anchor who understands the importance of generational transition for a legacy television franchise.