Sophia Michaels
Kelly Ripa went through multiple co-hosts on “Live” before settling on her husband, Mark Consuelos. However, his presence hasn’t pleased all viewers.
Ripa took the lead hosting role in 2011 when Regis Philbin retired. Michael Strahan joined as her co-host in 2012, and though they formed a popular duo, Strahan left under unexpected circumstances in 2016, which raised questions about their partnership. Ryan Seacrest stepped in next, hosting for six years before his exit in 2023. After two rapid changes in co-hosts, Ripa opted for Consuelos, who had previously filled in during absences.
Consuelos officially became a permanent co-host in April 2023. Although Ripa hoped his addition would bring a new dynamic, opinions among fans vary. One year post-debut, “Live” reportedly enjoyed a three percent rise in viewership, outperforming other daytime shows. Ripa commented, “Our relatable dynamic resonates with viewers as we showcase our disagreements openly.” Despite this, not everyone appreciates Consuelos as co-host.
Some fans think Mark Consuelos is a Nepo-husband
In 2023, as Mark Consuelos officially joined “Live” alongside Kelly Ripa, some viewers aired their grievances on Reddit, arguing that he was chosen due to nepotism. One commenter expressed frustration that out of all potential candidates, Ripa chose her husband, questioning the decision. The post spurred a discussion with fans voicing similar sentiments, with one suggesting that Ripa might have insisted on Consuelos to ensure a stable hosting pair.
Opinions diverged, as some viewers didn’t mind the supposed favoritism. Others, however, felt that Consuelos and Ripa’s chemistry had diminished. “Their previous moments as guest co-hosts were enjoyable, but daily interactions feel different,” one user remarked. There were also speculations that Ripa, known for her strong personality, favored Consuelos as a way to avoid the challenges of finding another temporary co-host.
