Reflecting on 25 Years with Kelly Ripa

It’s been a quarter of a century since Kelly Ripa shared her first episode of Living with Regis and Kelly alongside the late Regis Philbin, stepping into the role previously held by Kathie Lee Gifford back in February 2001. Over these years, Ripa has established herself as a staple on weekday mornings, engaging with a variety of guests on her daytime talk show, and connecting with numerous co-hosts like Philbin, Michael Strahan, Ryan Seacrest, and her husband, Mark Consuelos, who joined her in their current show, Live with Kelly and Mark.

Sitting down with DECIDER to look back at her impressive career in daytime television, Ripa acknowledged that she always felt she was meant to be on Live. Even as a viewer, she found the show to be “a bit special.”

“It was just something unique,” she mentioned. “So funny and irreverent; I really believed there was nothing else quite like it.”

When asked about its irreverent nature, Ripa explained that despite the rise of streaming and podcasting, the show has maintained its relevance in traditional television. “We address the absurdities of life,” she said, adding, “Our role on-air is to be mindful that our audience has already consumed hours of serious news, so we aim to offer a lighter, more playful perspective on current events.”

As Ripa’s 25th anniversary approaches, she reflected on how much the show has meant to her and what it entails for the future.

DECIDER: This month marks my 25th anniversary with the show, Live.

Kelly Ripa: It’s hard to believe.

Was there a moment you realized this show was distinct from any other roles you’ve had?

Honestly, it felt different immediately. I had been a fan before joining, so I already knew it was something special. Watching it brought me joy; its humor and irreverence made it stand out. Working here, I’ve been lucky. I could support my family while maintaining a steady routine—most entertainers don’t have that luxury. Juggling family life as you travel with work is tough, but here, my kids have grown up in the same town and school, which has been really important to me. That was a big draw.

The talk show format has influenced so much, from podcasts to social media. What keeps Live enduring?

I think it centers around the relatable issues that families face at different life stages. We blend news coverage with a bit of humor; we report the absurd along with everything else. Understanding that viewers tune in after five hours of serious news helps us keep the tone lighter and less stressful.

You’ve mentioned that this role may not be permanent. How do you envision Live‘s future?

This job is incredibly meaningful to me. I genuinely believe in the franchise. Regis was pivotal, and then there were others. I see Live continuing as long as traditional television is here. Talented individuals should have the chance to reach audiences and grow. While I don’t plan on working forever, I think it’s crucial to bring in new faces and allow the audience to adjust to changes.

Completely understandable.

Actually, people around me might disagree! [Laughs] But I truly don’t see myself in this role indefinitely. We’ll know when it’s time, and I think gradually introducing new co-hosts is a good idea, so it won’t feel abrupt. My love for this show runs deep, and I can’t imagine it ending with just the current team.

New York City serves as an important backdrop for your show.

Absolutely!

How vital is the city to Live and its storytelling?

New York is practically a co-host itself. The audience is diverse, drawing from all corners of the nation and even internationally. But the essence of New York adds a unique narrative. Living here provides endless stories. For instance, our recent winter was characterized by persistent snow that stuck around, allowing for weeks of humor or complaints. If the snow melts and it rains, well, I’ll probably complain about that too—complaining about the weather feels like a part of our show, as essential as coffee and our signature moments.

Live with Kelly and Mark broadcasts on weekdays. Check out the show for local listings.