Kelly Ripa Says ‘Live’s New Studio Is So Big That She’s Not Even Sure What Floor They’re Filming On
From Lincoln Square to Hudson Square, Live with Kelly and Mark is finally back this Monday morning, and hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are coming to audiences live from some brand new digs!
In the first live episode after a brief spring break vacation, co-hosts Ripa and Consuelos welcomed fans to the brand new studio in the new Disney Headquarters at 7 Hudson Square, after teasing the move from uptown for some weeks now.
“For decades, we’ve been broadcasting from the Upper West side at 7 Lincoln Square,” Consuelos proudly exclaimed. “And today we are coming to you from our new home downtown!”
As the studio is now part of the Walt Disney Headquarters, Ripa and Consuelos boasted the grandiosity of the new state of the art space.
“This building encompasses an entire city block. It encompasses a neighborhood,” Ripa shared. “There is 1.2 million square feet, 22 stories. I don’t even know what story we’re on!” (A helpful audience member let her know that they are, in fact, on the tenth floor.)
The new studio appears to be a more open, airier space that sets a grander stage for the popular broadcast talk show. But for those who hate change, don’t worry too much! They’ve still got the iconic window backdrop showing off the New York cityscape behind the hosts’ desk, though the view has changed to a moodier downtown view.
They went on to share that the new facilities also include outdoor terraces, wellness rooms, screening rooms, reading rooms, a bike room with shower facilities, and even nursing stations for mothers.
“Back in the day – and everybody that works here can attest – the former nursing station used to be the makeup and hair room during the briefing meeting,” Ripa piped in with a smile on her face. “And I would just say, ‘Look away if you can’t handle it!’”
I’m just glad that the new space sounds like it’s accessible for all.
But adjusting to a new studio space comes with its own set of hiccups. During the Bring the Heat Travel Trivia segment, Ripa appeared visibly surprised when a blast of air conditioning hit the hosts out of nowhere.
“We are just getting hit with a cold arctic blast of air coming from maybe the outside? It just rained down on us.”
“I felt it,” Consuelos said. “My ankles are cold.”
It looks like it will take some time for everyone to get used to the new downtown studio.
You can catch Live with Kelly and Mark on weekdays. Check out their website for your local listings.
