Anderson Cooper Joins Mark Consuelos On 'Live' Amid Kelly Ripa's Absence

Let’s talk about what’s got everyone buzzing in the world of daytime TV. Fans of Live with Kelly and Mark are scratching their heads over Kelly Ripa's latest absence. On Thursday, July 27, the show brought in none other than Anderson Cooper to step into Kelly’s shoes. Now, that’s a switch-up you don’t see every day, right?

Anderson Cooper Takes the Reins

Anderson Cooper, who’s no stranger to holding his own in front of a camera, joined forces with Mark Consuelos for the July 27 episode. At 56 years old, Anderson brought his signature charm and wit to the table, and the two made a dynamic duo. They kept the energy high with segments ranging from playful puppy antics to deep dives into the world of mushrooms (yes, mushrooms!) and even an interview with renowned chef Michael Symon. The audience was laughing nonstop, proving that even without Kelly, the show could still deliver the fun and banter we’ve come to love.

A Special Appearance by Mark’s Furry Friend

But wait, there’s more! Mark, who’s 52, wasn’t alone in the spotlight. He brought along his adorable pup, Lena, who stole the show in her own right. Lena lounged comfortably in Mark’s lap during part of the episode and even managed to take a little nap. Now, that’s what I call a relaxed cohost! During a commercial break, Mark paid homage to one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history. He lifted Lena high into the air, mimicking the “Circle of Life” moment from The Lion King. It was a hilarious and heartwarming nod that left viewers smiling from ear to ear.

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One viewer couldn’t help but comment on Instagram, “Mark, you make me smile the whole hour!” Clearly, the duo of Mark and Anderson was a hit with fans, proving that even in Kelly’s absence, the show could keep audiences engaged and entertained.

A Sneak Peek at Kelly’s Other Projects

Before signing off, Mark gave viewers a sneak peek into Kelly’s other projects. He promoted Generation Gap, her game show that airs fresh episodes every Thursday on ABC. In case you missed it, Mark mentioned that Kelly’s dad, Joseph Ripa, will be making a special appearance on the quiz series. Mark also took a moment to thank Anderson for stepping in to keep the morning show running smoothly while Kelly was away.

Anderson Cooper, a long-time friend of both Kelly and Mark, has been a staple in the world of news for decades. In a heartfelt Instagram post on March 9, Kelly admitted that she was once “starstruck” by Anderson in the early days of their friendship. It’s clear that the two share a deep respect and admiration for each other, making Anderson the perfect guest cohost.

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Kelly’s Recent Absence: What’s Going On?

Over the past couple of weeks, Kelly has been absent from Live several times. On July 20, Maria Menounos stepped in to cohost alongside Mark. Maria, who recently welcomed her first child, Athena, via surrogate with her husband, Keven Undergaro, was thrilled by the sweet gift Kelly and Mark left in her dressing room backstage. Mark joked with viewers, saying, “I will take credit, but I had nothing to do with it. My wife is the best gift-giver.”

On July 21, Kelly was missing again, and Maria joined Mark for the second day in a row. Mark casually mentioned that Kelly was “out on assignment.” Kelly returned on Monday, July 24, and appeared for three episodes in a row before taking her most recent day off. It’s clear that the show has a strong support system in place to ensure the show continues to shine, even when one of its stars is away.