Ryan Seacrest Sets the Record Straight on Kelly Ripa Friendship

Ryan Seacrest shocked daytime audiences when he announced in February 2023 that he was departing Live With Kelly and Ryan after six years. It seemed like a friendly exit, unlike Ripa’s prior co-host Michael Strahan, but fans are curious about where the American Idol host’s friendship with her stands today.

To refresh your memory, let’s go back a few years to Seacrest’s announcement. He announced the news on-air on Feb. 16, 2023 and later shared a sweet Instagram post about Ripa, describing her as his “work wife.”

Where Does Ryan Seacrest's Friendship With Kelly Ripa Stand?

“I’m going to miss my work wife and all the laughter we share,” he wrote in the caption while sharing a carousel of snapshots of them together. “When I signed on to host Live in 2017 it was meant to be for 3 years, but I loved the job and working with Kelly so much that I extended my time, and last year I made the decision to stay on for one more final season.”

Seacrest wanted to focus on his work in Los Angeles, but there were always lingering questions if there was more to his departure. Perhaps he wasn’t getting along with Ripa?

Ripa’s husband Mark Consuelos seamlessly moved into Seacrest’s seat, and on April 28, the Wheel of Fortune host finally gave the update Live viewers had been waiting for.

Are Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa still friends?

The answer is a resounding “yes.” Two years after his exit, Seacrest shared with E! News that he looks back fondly at his Live era.

“I love that show,” Seacrest shared. “I had a blast doing it. Kelly and I are still the closest friends, Mark too.”

“Mark and Kelly have invited me to come on in a couple of weeks,” he revealed. “So, I will be there. The trifecta, we’ll be on the set. I can’t wait to see them.”

Ryan Seacrest Gives Update on Friendship With Kelly Ripa Two Years After Leaving 'Live' | Yardbarker

When Seacrest departed, Ripa had nothing but kind words for her former co-host.

“I’m so grateful to have spent the last six years beside my dear friend of too many decades to count and will miss starting my days with Ryan,” Ripa said in a statement to E! News in 2023. “Ryan’s energy, passion, and love for entertainment is one-of-a-kind.”

There’s absolutely no drama between Seacrest and Ripa, it’s all love. Now, Live viewers can look forward to Seacrest’s reunion with the dynamic duo in the near future.