Why Isn’t Kelly Ripa on Live With Kelly and Mark This Week? Here’s What We Know About Her Summer Break and Future Plans

Every summer, even the busiest of daytime TV personalities need a break—and this week, fans of Live with Kelly and Mark are noticing the absence of Kelly Ripa. While it’s not uncommon for Ripa to take a short leave during the summer months, her absence this week has sparked questions among viewers: Why isn’t she on Live with her husband, Mark Consuelos, this week?

While Ripa’s break is well-timed and well-deserved, the question of what’s next for the longtime co-host of Live is a much larger topic of conversation. The star, who has been a staple of daytime television for decades, has a packed schedule both on and off-screen. As the face of one of the most enduring talk shows in American history, her temporary absence raises some fascinating questions about the future of both her career and the beloved morning program.

Ripa’s Short Summer Break: A Regular Tradition

Kelly Ripa’s absence from Live with Kelly and Mark this week is part of a long-standing tradition: every summer, Ripa takes a short leave from her hosting duties to recharge. It’s a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of daytime TV. But fans don’t need to worry—this is nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, it’s something that has become a staple of her yearly routine, allowing Ripa to step back for a brief period and enjoy some personal time before diving back into her role on one of the country’s most-watched talk shows.

To fill in during her absence, Jackie Tohn, known for her role in the popular series Nobody Wants This, stepped in as a guest co-host alongside Mark Consuelos, Ripa’s husband. On Tuesday, actress Jenna Dewan took over as co-host, keeping the energy flowing on the show while Ripa enjoys her time away. A rotating roster of guest hosts has been stepping in for Ripa throughout the week, keeping things light and fun as they fill her shoes.

But while it’s not unusual for Ripa to take this time off, the question arises—what’s next for the beloved TV host, and how much longer will she stay on Live?

Ripa’s Busy Year: Juggling Live, Podcasts, and Docuseries

Although Ripa’s absence from Live may seem like a temporary break, it’s far from the only project that’s keeping her busy. The multi-talented star has been juggling multiple projects over the past year, and her recent endeavors have made it clear that she’s much more than just a talk show host.

In addition to her role on Live, Ripa has had a successful run with her podcast Let’s Talk Off Camera, where she interviews celebrities, friends, and colleagues about the realities of their careers and lives. Her podcast has garnered a loyal following, offering fans a deeper, more personal look at Ripa’s life beyond the camera. She’s always been known for her candid and humorous approach to conversations, and her podcast is an extension of that.

But it doesn’t stop there. Ripa and her husband Mark Consuelos also teamed up to create a docuseries titled Running With the Wolves, which premiered in July 2025. The four-part series, which aired on ESPN, delves into the couple’s life at home, their co-ownership of the Italian Campobasso soccer team, and the dynamics of their relationship both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. The docuseries has been well-received by fans and critics alike, and it’s clear that Ripa and Consuelos have a unique chemistry that translates off-screen as well.

The Future of Live With Kelly and Mark—Will Ripa Step Away?

Although Ripa’s contract extension in 2023 was a significant victory, recent comments she made in a conversation with Oprah Winfrey have sparked speculation about how long she plans to remain with Live. The duo’s conversation was featured on one of the episodes of Let’s Talk Off Camera, where Ripa discussed the burnout that many long-time television hosts experience after being on the air for decades.

Ripa, who has been with Live since 2001, remarked that the thought of stepping away from the show has crossed her mind more than once. “I’ve been at the talk show now for 25 years, so, I’m asking for a friend: How did you know it was time to step away?” she asked Oprah during their chat. Oprah’s response was encouraging. She told Ripa, “It’s not time for you to step away. You and Mark are in a groove. And that groove continues to work.”

While Oprah’s advice is positive, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Ripa has hinted at the possibility of stepping back from the show in the years ahead. Ripa and Consuelos have certainly created a successful partnership, and having him join Live full-time after Ryan Seacrest’s departure has energized the show, drawing in strong ratings. However, will the couple continue to co-host the show in the long run, or will Ripa eventually decide it’s time to take a step back?

Why Her Absence Is More Than Just a Break

Ripa’s absence this week might seem like a simple summer break, but it also sparks a larger conversation about the future of daytime TV. With other longtime talk show hosts like Stephen Colbert facing sudden cancellations (Colbert’s show was axed by CBS), the industry is undergoing a seismic shift. Late-night TV and daytime shows are facing challenges in the wake of declining viewership, shifting audience preferences, and the rise of social media influencers offering different kinds of content.

Ripa’s time on Live has not only shaped her career but also defined an era in television. In fact, her role in the evolution of daytime talk shows is undeniable. While many fans continue to embrace the format, the question remains—will traditional daytime TV thrive as it once did, or is this the beginning of the end for its long-standing influence?

The Gutfeld! Effect: How the Landscape is Changing

One key indicator of this shift is the rise of shows like Greg Gutfeld’s late-night program, which has seen a rise in popularity with a younger, more politically diverse audience. Shows like Gutfeld! have become the new face of late-night TV, and its success indicates that audiences may be leaning more toward alternative news and entertainment formats. As viewers seek content that feels more aligned with their interests and political leanings, shows like Live with Kelly and Mark may face tougher competition in the years to come.

The Future of Live and Ripa’s Legacy

As Ripa steps away for a brief moment of rest, it’s clear that her legacy is far from over. While she may be contemplating her future on the show, her resilience and presence in daytime TV have already secured her place as one of the most enduring and beloved figures in American television.

However, as we look to the future, one can’t help but wonder if this will be the last chapter of Ripa’s career on Live. With her increasingly busy schedule, including podcasting, producing, and co-hosting a successful docuseries with her husband, there’s no telling what her next move will be.

For now, her break is a reminder that even the hardest-working stars deserve some time off. But as she recharges and reflects on what’s next, it’s clear that Ripa’s legacy will continue to shape the future of daytime television for years to come—whether she stays or steps away from Live.

As for her fans, we’ll just have to wait and see if she decides to exit the spotlight or find new avenues to keep making waves in the entertainment world. Either way, Ripa’s next chapter is sure to be one that will leave us all watching eagerly.