ENTERTAINMENTKelly Ripa's Return Date Revealed as 'Live' Co-Host Takes Lengthy Hiatus to Recover From Gum Graft Surgery
Kelly Ripa will return after Labor Day.
Aug. 6 2026, Published 5:58 p.m. ET
Live With Kelly and Mark fans will have to wait until after Labor Day for Kelly Ripa to return to her chair.
The star has been away from her and husband Mark Consuelos' show as she recovers from gum graft surgery, but it's been revealed she will be back on-air starting September 8.
'Live' will go on their summer hiatus starting on August 10.
The Live show will continue through the remainder of this week before the program goes on its planned monthlong summer break, which begins on Monday, August 10.
For the past two weeks, Consuelos has had a star-studded lineup of celebrity guests to fill the empty co-host chair.
Mark Consuelos Was Joined by Several A-Listers
Mark Consuelos was joined by a lineup of stars to fill in for Kelly Ripa.
He was joined by Jonas Brothers star Kevin Jonas on Monday, July 27, and Tuesday, July 28. That was followed up by Mila Kunis on Wednesday, July 29, Pamela Adlon on Thursday, July 30, and Scott Foley on Friday, July 31.
Sarah Chalke kicked off this week's guest co-host lineup on Monday, August 3. Jenna Dewan filled in on Tuesday, August 4, with Chrissy Metz on Wednesday, August 5, and Michelle Buteau on Thursday, August 6.
To close out the string of guests, Carrie Coon will sub in for Ripa on Friday, August 7.
- Why Isn't Kelly Ripa on 'Live'?: Talk Show Star Replaced by Guest Co-Host as Mark Consuelos Returns From Weeklong Absence
- When Will Kelly Ripa Return to 'Live'? Talk Show Star to Miss Entire Week of Episodes After Discussing Retirement
- Mark Consuelos Wasn't 'on Board' With Hosting 'Live' at First, Wife Kelly Ripa Reveals Amid Actor's Absence From Talk Show
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Kelly Ripa First Missed 'Live' on July 27
Mark Consuelos revealed on July 27 that Kelly Ripa had gum graft surgery.
Consuelos first revealed during the Monday, July 27, episode of Live that his wife would be taking a leave from the show after undergoing the procedure.
The actor told Jonas at the start of the show, "Kelly had a little bit, well, it’s not a little ... she had a gum graft surgery.”
Consuelos explained the surgery was recommended by Ripa's dentist years ago, but she had chosen to put it off until now.
Kelly Ripa is not allowed to talk as she recovers.
Consuelos added she was "doing great," but one downside was that "she's not allowed to talk." Jonas joked it has "got to be the hardest thing she's ever done" as the audience laughed.
"She's such a great conversationalist, but I'm trying to keep her following the rules and sticking to the doctor's instructions," the Riverdale alum agreed.
The father-of-three also shared that the doctor told her she can't use straws, can only eat soft foods and must resist the urge to look at the scars as they heal.
