“Live with Kelly and Mark” Bids Emotional Farewell to Upper West Side Studio as Iconic Daytime Show Moves Downtown

In a moment marked by heartfelt nostalgia and bittersweet goodbyes, “Live with Kelly and Mark” taped its final episode at the Upper West Side studio that has been the show’s longtime home.

For more than three decades, the studio nestled in Manhattan’s bustling Upper West Side has served as the heartbeat of morning television for millions of viewers across America.

But with the evolving demands of production and the shifting landscape of daytime broadcasting, the show is embarking on a new chapter — one that begins downtown.

As the hosts, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, stepped onto the familiar stage for the last time, emotions ran high.

For Ripa, who has helmed the show through multiple co-host transitions and seen the studio through countless historic pop culture moments, the farewell was nothing short of deeply personal. “This place holds decades of memories,” Ripa said, fighting back tears during her opening monologue.

“From my early days with Regis to now sharing the desk with Mark, this studio has been like a second home.”

Consuelos, Ripa’s husband and co-host since 2023, echoed her sentiments, reflecting on how much the space had meant to their journey — both professionally and personally.

“It’s where we laughed, cried, danced, interviewed icons, and connected with America,” he shared. “This building is part of the show’s DNA.”

The Studio That Shaped Daytime TV

Located at WABC-TV’s studios on West 67th Street, the “Live” studio has become a cultural landmark.

It’s been the home base for some of the most legendary television moments — from Regis Philbin’s classic quips to Kelly Ripa’s spontaneous humor, to Michael Strahan’s iconic entrance and Ryan Seacrest’s stylish hosting presence.

Over the years, the show’s format evolved, but the setting remained constant: a cozy, energetic, and distinctly New York backdrop.

The studio, affectionately known among staff and fans as “Studio 7,” has hosted thousands of celebrity interviews, cooking segments, live musical performances, and audience giveaways.

Its iconic skyline backdrop became symbolic of the show’s vibrant spirit and urban charm. For many viewers tuning in from around the country, it offered a daily taste of New York City magic.

Fans React to the End of an Era

As word spread about the show’s departure from its Upper West Side location, fans flooded social media with memories, tributes, and emotional reactions.

The hashtag #LiveFarewellStudio quickly began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with longtime viewers sharing throwback clips, personal anecdotes, and gratitude for the show’s consistency in their morning routines.

“I grew up watching Regis and Kelly with my mom in the kitchen every morning,” wrote one fan. “Saying goodbye to that studio feels like saying goodbye to part of my childhood.”

Another viewer posted, “I visited the set on a trip to NYC years ago. Seeing it on TV every day after being there in person made me feel connected. I’ll miss that spot.”

A Quiet Goodbye Behind the Scenes

While the final taping itself was filled with celebration and sentiment, the days leading up to it were also emotional for the production crew, many of whom have worked in the same building for decades.

Crew members were seen taking final photos in front of the iconic studio doors, exchanging hugs, and sharing laughs about memorable on-air bloopers and behind-the-scenes moments.

Executive producer Michael Gelman, who has worked on the show since its early Regis and Kathie Lee days, spoke to the deep emotional resonance of the move.

“This studio has witnessed the evolution of television, the growth of our cast, and the loyalty of our audience,” Gelman said.

“We’re excited for what’s ahead, but it’s hard not to feel the weight of this moment.”

Why the Move? Inside the Show’s Downtown Transition

The decision to relocate “Live with Kelly and Mark” was not made lightly. According to Disney-ABC executives, the move downtown is part of a broader strategy to modernize production facilities and position the show closer to key talent and business partners in the entertainment district.

The new downtown studio, located in the Hudson Square neighborhood, is part of a sprawling media complex that offers cutting-edge technology, expanded filming capabilities, and increased space for audience interaction and digital integration.

The studio also boasts eco-friendly designs and sustainability initiatives — aligning with the network’s push toward green media production.

“Moving downtown gives us access to state-of-the-art equipment, a dynamic new audience experience, and the opportunity to evolve with the media landscape,” said ABC President of Entertainment Craig Erwich.

“It’s a reflection of where the industry is headed and our commitment to keeping ‘Live’ vibrant and relevant.”

Kelly and Mark Embrace a New Beginning

Despite the tearful goodbye, both Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos expressed excitement about what’s to come.

“It’s not just a change in location — it’s a new adventure,” Ripa said. “We’re carrying all the memories with us, and we’re building new ones with our viewers downtown.”

Consuelos added, “This move gives us the opportunity to reimagine parts of the show, explore fresh segments, and create even more unforgettable moments.”

The couple also teased that the first week of episodes at the new location will feature special guests, surprise performances, and a tribute to the fans who have stayed loyal through the show’s many evolutions.

Celebrities and Alumni Share Their Goodbyes

In a touching montage aired during the episode, several former co-hosts, guests, and celebrity friends sent in farewell messages to the old studio.

Ryan Seacrest, who co-hosted the show alongside Ripa from 2017 to 2023, offered warm wishes and reflected on his time at the Upper West Side set.

“Those walls have so much history,” Seacrest said in his message. “Grateful for the memories we made and the people who brought the show to life every single day.”

Other celebrities who chimed in included Michael Strahan, Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen, Jennifer Aniston, and even Barack and Michelle Obama, who previously appeared on the show and praised its cultural significance.

A Look Back at the Studio’s Most Iconic Moments

As the camera panned through a final montage, fans were treated to some of the most unforgettable moments filmed at the Upper West Side location:

Regis and Kelly’s holiday specials, Michael Strahan’s emotional sendoff, Ryan Seacrest’s arrival, and of course, the first day Kelly and Mark hosted as a couple — a full-circle moment that now marks the end of one chapter and the start of another.

One standout flashback included the viral moment when Ripa danced with Cher on stage, followed by a hilarious cooking segment gone awry featuring Kevin Hart and a flaming skillet. These moments, etched in daytime history, were all born within the walls of Studio 7.

What’s Next for “Live with Kelly and Mark”?

With the move complete, fans can expect a reinvigorated show experience starting next Monday.

The updated set promises a sleek, modern design with interactive features, fresh segment formats, and enhanced digital content tailored for younger audiences.

There are also plans to invite more live musical acts and integrate immersive audience experiences through social media collaborations.

Behind the scenes, production sources say the team has been working for months to ensure the downtown transition is seamless.

From lighting and camera angles to guest accommodations and sound optimization, every detail has been designed with both the in-studio and at-home audience in mind.

“Live with Kelly and Mark” will continue to air at its usual time slot — 9:00 a.m. ET/PT — with a fresh look but the same warmth, chemistry, and humor that fans have come to adore.

 A Bittersweet but Bold Transition

Change is never easy, especially when it involves a show as beloved as “Live.”

But in many ways, the move downtown symbolizes exactly what the show has always represented: resilience, evolution, and a deep connection to its audience.

For Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, and the millions of fans who wake up to “Live” every morning, this isn’t the end — it’s a continuation of a legacy that remains very much alive.

As the final applause echoed through the Upper West Side studio one last time, there was laughter, there were tears, and above all, there was gratitude — for the past, the present, and the exciting future ahead.