Kelly and Mark Drop Shocking On-Air Announcement That Has Fans Talking

Kelly Ripa’s empty chair on ABC’s “Live With Kelly and Mark” this week has set social media ablaze—and the timing couldn’t be more curious. Less than a week after co-host Mark Consuelos enjoyed his own summer hiatus, viewers tuned in on Monday, 4 August to find comedian-actor Jackie Tohn covering for Ripa, followed by guest co-hosts Jenna Dewan (Tuesday) and Rita Ora (Wednesday). The unannounced swap triggered a flood of “Where is Kelly?” comments across X, Facebook and Instagram, with many fans wondering whether the married duo are intentionally staggering their vacations or if something bigger is brewing. Why Ripa Is Off the Air According to production insiders, the absence is a planned summer break rather than an emergency. Taping schedules for the nationally syndicated talk show traditionally lighten in August, allowing hosts to recharge before the high-rating fall premiere window. Last summer, Ripa missed several August episodes to accept Disney Legend honors at D23; this year, she and Consuelos spent late July promoting their ESPN docuseries “Running With Wolves,” chronicling their new Italian soccer investment, Campobasso FC. With that press tour wrapped, Ripa is believed to be enjoying downtime with family. Mark’s Break Came First Consuelos himself was missing the week of 28 July, when “Live” enlisted Jerry O’Connell, David Muir and Carson Kressley to fill the seat beside Ripa. His absence sparked similar speculation, reaffirming the couple’s tag-team approach to vacations and keeping at least one familiar face on camera. Fan Frustration—and Ratings Gold Viewers’ confusion may be annoyance on the surface, but for ABC it’s a proven ratings booster. “Where is Kelly?” searches surge each time she disappears, and fan chatter often converts into higher next-day tune-in once word spreads of celebrity guest hosts. By rotating recognizable names—Tohn, Dewan, Ora—the show satisfies curiosity clicks while preserving its star power equity. A Bigger Move on the Horizon Behind the scenes, “Live With Kelly and Mark” is preparing to relocate from its historic Upper West Side studio to a new Manhattan home for the 2025–26 season, a change Ripa herself hinted would coincide with executive producer Art Moore’s impending retirement. The looming move explains why set renovations have been minimal this summer: the team is saving resources for a grand unveiling next spring. What Happens Next • Kelly Ripa is expected back in the host chair as early as Monday, 11 August, though ABC has not issued an official return date. • August episodes are pre-taped in blocks, so fans should prepare for mixed-and-matched co-hosts until after Labor Day. • Expect more cross-promotion of “Running With Wolves” once ESPN drops its season finale later this month, likely featuring in-studio cast appearances. How to Watch “Live With Kelly and Mark” airs weekdays at 9 a.m. ET/PT on ABC (check local listings) and streams next-day on Hulu. Bottom Line Kelly Ripa’s mid-summer break is routine, Mark Consuelos took his turn first, and the strategic guest-host shuffle keeps “Live” trending—as proven by this week’s viral fan frenzy. With a new studio, a soccer docuseries and the fall TV season on deck, expect the #KellyAndMark conversation to stay hot well beyond August.