Ryan Seacrest has finally said “Seacrest, out!” to Live With Kelly and Ryan after six seasons, with his farewell episode airing this morning.
It was an emotional show for both Seacrest and his co-host Kelly Ripa, with many tears shed.
The 48-year-old media figure announced his departure from the syndicated morning talk program in February, calling the choice “bittersweet.” Seacrest lives in Los Angeles, where he also hosts American Idol, thus presenting the New York-based Live was sometimes difficult.
“The hundreds of hours I spent flying each year added up.” “It took a little longer than I expected, but it’s because of her and the wonderful people here,” he told Variety last month. “Over the last couple of years, I had said to Kelly, ‘This is not going to be something that’s right for me forever for all the obvious geographical reasons,’ and she understood it.”
While Seacrest had his reasons for quitting the program, it didn’t make his departure any less sad: both co-hosts teared up while giving emotive statements during the final episode.
“It’s not lost on me how fortunate I am to have held this seat for the last six years,” he remarked. “I’ve spent my whole professional life discussing… But today it’s difficult to express how much I’ve cherished being here and with you, being invited into your houses every day. I am proud to be a member of this family.”
Kelly Ripa was likewise overcome with sorrow as she said Ryan farewell.
“I just have a few words for you. “It’s on my behalf and all of us — but mostly on my behalf,” Ripa remarked. “This has without a doubt been the quickest six years of my life.” And, despite the fact that you and I have been friends for decades, I feel like I’ve gained a younger brother/eldest son as a result of this process.”
“I am so grateful that our success together on this show has led to us developing an even closer — yet codependent — relationship.”
She lauded Seacrest’s “goodness, kind, charm, brilliance, authenticity, and generosity,” and while it was an emotional moment, she added some comedy.
“We reserve the right as a company to troll you on all social media platforms and we will all keep our same mailing addresses in case there is ever a wedding invitation, just in case,” she said with a laugh.
“But seriously, from the bottom of my heart and from the bottom of all our hearts, we just want to thank you for being wonderful, for being an original, authentic addition to this show,” she said. “You will always be a part of our family.” We shall never say farewell to you. We shall merely say goodbye and hope to see you soon. “I adore you.”
The final broadcast included US First Lady Dr. Jill Biden as a guest. The last concert was attended by Seacrest’s family, which included his parents, sister Meredith, and fiancée Aubrey Paige.
The broadcast also included two clip montages, one of which showcased fun and memorable events from Ryan Seacrest’s stint on the show, and another that was more somber.
Live has already lined up a new co-host, and it’s someone Kelly Ripa knows well: her husband, Mark Consuelos. Consuelos came at the end of the show with a sardine cake, and Seacrest symbolically “passed the baton” by handing him his mug.
Ryan Seacrest took over as host in 2017, succeeding former NFL player Michael Strahan, who resigned to co-host Good Morning America.
The morning program has had numerous hosts throughout the years, beginning with Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford. Kelly Ripa took over as Philbin’s full-time co-host in 2001 after Gifford departed the program in 2000, and she has been with the show ever since.
What a fantastic finale! Congratulations to Kelly and Ryan on six successful seasons together – we’ll miss seeing them together but wish them all the best!
If you adore Kelly and Ryan, please share this story!