The kelly and mark show remains one of the most engaging and widely watched daytime television programs in the United States, blending celebrity interviews, lifestyle segments, and personal host moments that resonate with viewers nationwide. As of early January 2026, Live with Kelly and Mark is in full swing with a fresh slate of guests, humorous on-air moments, and fan-favorite weekly themes that continue to define its success.
Filmed live weekday mornings in New York City, the show is co-hosted by longtime television icon Kelly Ripa and her husband, actor Mark Consuelos. Their relatable chemistry and off-the-cuff banter have helped sustain the show’s popularity and relevance on ABC and in national syndication.
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Daily Episodes and Guest Lineups: What’s New in January 2026
In the first week back after the holiday break, the Kelly and Mark show delivered an entertaining lineup of guests and memorable moments that reflect its vibrant energy:
- January 5, 2026 kicked off with Lucy Liu sharing insights on her latest film roles and comedian Billy Gardell discussing life as an empty-nester. This episode also launched the themed “A Simple Fix for ’26” week.
- January 6, 2026 welcomed Jenny McCarthy and actor Ramón Rodríguez — the latter talked about ABC’s hit series Will Trent — as the show continued its wellness-oriented theme for the week.
- January 7, 2026 featured actor Ken Jeong and rising star Sadie Sink, keeping the audience engaged with lively conversation and laughter.
- January 8, 2026 included Oscar-winning actress Holly Hunter and hosted a special “Shopping Day at Live” segment with Monica Mangin, rounding out a strong week of variety and entertainment.
- January 9, 2026 is scheduled to include actor Chris Perfetti of Abbott Elementary fame as the week’s finale approaches.
- Upcoming episodes later in January will feature guests like Laura Dern, Joel Edgerton, Alan Cumming, Carrie Coon, Chris Pratt, Paris Hilton, and Patrick Dempsey, reflecting a robust season ahead.
This guest list underscores the show’s broad appeal — from respected film stars to television favorites and lifestyle personalities.
Signature Moments and On-Air Highlights From the Hosts
Funny and Relatable Personal Stories
Part of what keeps viewers coming back to the Kelly and Mark show is the candid, sometimes self-aware nature of Kelly Ripa. In early January, Ripa humorously recounted a makeup mishap from her return to the show following the holiday break. Preparing in a dimly lit room to avoid waking her household, she accidentally applied contour instead of foundation — resulting in an unusually bronzed appearance on air. Mark Consuelos playfully reassured her, and the moment became a lighthearted highlight.
Beyond that, Ripa also shared a memorable vacation anecdote, recounting how she, Mark, and the show’s longtime producer Michael Gelman felt “practically naked” in warm weather while locals bundled up — a moment that emphasized the show’s warm and spontaneous vibe.
These candid segments reflect the hosts’ willingness to share real-life moments, which keeps audiences invested beyond just celebrity interviews.
What Makes the Kelly and Mark Show So Successful
Authentic Host Chemistry
A central strength of the Kelly and Mark show is the authentic and effortless rapport between Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. Their banter feels genuine, whether they’re sharing personal stories, joking about everyday life, or riffing on trending topics. This chemistry extends to the rest of the crew, creating a welcoming on-screen environment that viewers feel a part of.
Varied and Engaging Content
The show’s format continues to balance:
- Celebrity interviews that draw viewers interested in Hollywood and culture
- Lifestyle and wellness segments that offer practical value
- Interactive themes (like “A Simple Fix for ’26”) that provide continuity and viewer engagement
- Audience participation opportunities that make the show feel inclusive
This mix ensures that both casual viewers and dedicated fans find value in tuning in each morning.
Positive On-Set Culture
Behind the scenes, the production emphasizes professionalism and respect, contributing to a stable atmosphere that allows creativity and fun to flourish. This culture translates into a polished show that feels natural and upbeat on air.
Continued Recognition and Legacy
The Kelly and Mark show has done more than sustain audience interest—it has reinforced its standing as one of the most respected programs in daytime television. The show’s recognition with the 2025 Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Daytime Talk Series marked a major milestone for the franchise and reflected years of consistent production quality, strong hosting, and audience connection. This honor positioned the program firmly among the elite tier of American daytime talk shows.
That recognition also underscored the successful evolution of the long-running Live! format. Transitioning to a co-hosted model featuring a real-life married couple could have been a risk, but instead it strengthened the show’s identity. The Emmy acknowledgment validated the creative direction of leaning into authenticity, conversational hosting, and relatable storytelling rather than flashy reinvention.
Kelly Ripa’s individual legacy further elevates the program’s reputation. Over the course of her career, she has earned multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for her work as a host, establishing herself as one of the most influential figures in daytime television history. Her longevity, adaptability, and ability to connect with viewers across generations have made her a defining presence in the genre.
Together, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos represent a modern evolution of daytime hosting—one rooted in warmth, humor, and real partnership. Their success has helped redefine what audiences expect from a morning talk show, proving that genuine chemistry and consistency can be just as impactful as spectacle. As the show continues its run, its legacy is increasingly defined not just by ratings or awards, but by its enduring place in American television culture.
Audience Reach and Cultural Impact
Across major U.S. markets, the Kelly and Mark show continues to post steady performance in daytime viewership, benefiting from long-established syndication and consistent time-slot habits among morning audiences. The program’s reach extends well beyond traditional television, as short-form clips and highlight segments circulate widely on digital platforms, allowing viewers to engage with the show even if they miss the live broadcast. This multiplatform visibility has become a core strength, especially as viewing habits shift toward on-demand and mobile consumption.
On social media, moments from the show frequently gain traction because they feel spontaneous and relatable rather than overly produced. Lighthearted exchanges between the hosts, candid personal stories, and humorous reactions to everyday topics often resonate with viewers who see their own experiences reflected on screen. These clips are easily shareable, helping the show maintain cultural relevance in a media environment driven by short attention spans.
The show also bridges generational gaps. Longtime fans who followed the Live! franchise for years continue to tune in daily, while younger viewers discover the program through viral segments and online highlights. This blend of legacy audience loyalty and digital discovery has strengthened the show’s cultural footprint, positioning it as both a familiar morning ritual and a source of trending conversations.
Upcoming Episodes and What to Expect
Looking ahead later in January 2026, Live with Kelly and Mark is building on a strong start to the year with a lineup of compelling guests and engaging themed content that keeps viewers excited each weekday. After early episodes featuring Lucy Liu, Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong, Sadie Sink, Holly Hunter, and Chris Perfetti, the show has scheduled appearances from several additional talents as the season progresses.
In the second full week of January, Laura Dern is slated to appear on the show, joining Kelly and Mark for candid conversation and promotion of her latest work. The week continues with Joel Edgerton and Tyler James Williams, whose combined energy and stories from their current projects will offer viewers a lively mix of film and television insights.
These guest spots are framed within the show’s “A Simple Fix for ’26” themed week, which blends practical lifestyle tips with compelling interviews and interactive segments. This theme highlights topics such as wellness strategies, long-term health, everyday life improvements, and fun seasonal activities — all designed to give audiences useful takeaways alongside entertainment.
In addition to headline guests, the show continues its tradition of mixing lifestyle features like seasonal shopping segments, wellness conversations, and timely pop-culture discussions with the signature relaxed and spontaneous banter between Kelly and Mark. This format ensures there’s always something fresh for viewers to enjoy, whether it’s expert advice, a heartfelt moment, or a fun game with the audience.
With a strong guest pipeline and ongoing themed segments that resonate with a broad U.S. audience, the Kelly and Mark show remains poised to deliver engaging, informative, and entertaining content throughout the rest of January and into the new television season.
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