Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos didn’t let a historic snowstorm stop them — even if it meant performing to rows of empty seats.
On Monday, February 23, the married co-hosts took the stage for Live With Kelly and Mark as a major blizzard swept through New York City. With travel conditions worsening and public transportation disrupted, audience members were unable to attend, leaving the studio noticeably bare.
Instead of the usual packed house, scattered staff members filled a few seats to provide some much-needed applause and energy. Addressing the unusual setup, Ripa lightheartedly joked, “It is a snow day around here and Gelman is stuck in Florida, so we are running the show, everybody!” referring to executive producer Michael Gelman, who couldn’t make it back to New York.
The couple had only recently returned from warmer weather themselves. Kelly sarcastically commented that she was “thrilled” they had rushed home from sunny Palm Springs, where temperatures were in the 80s, only to be greeted by a snow emergency.
Mark noted that storms like this tend to hit the city once every decade. Kelly chimed in, pointing out that the two of them have been together for every major blizzard to strike New York during their relationship.
Adding a sentimental touch to the snowy broadcast, Mark said he hopes they’ll be “together for a few more” storms in the future. Kelly, however, playfully pushed back, declaring, “May we never endure another blizzard!”
Despite the empty audience and icy conditions, the pair kept spirits high — proving that even a blizzard can’t cancel live television.
