Ryan Seacrest, one of television’s most beloved personalities, is reflecting on the end of an era in his career—his departure from Live with Kelly and Ryan—and the lasting friendship he forged with his co-host, Kelly Ripa. Two years after leaving the show, Seacrest, now 50, is opening up about what it was like to say goodbye to Ripa, the emotional difficulty of stepping away, and how their bond remains as strong as ever.

In an exclusive interview with E! News on April 28, 2025, Seacrest admitted that leaving the iconic daytime show in April 2023 after six successful years wasn’t an easy decision. “It was bittersweet,” Seacrest revealed. “The hardest part of leaving Live was saying goodbye to Kelly.”

Despite stepping away from the daily grind of morning television, Seacrest made it clear that his relationship with Ripa hasn’t been affected by the change. “Kelly and I are still the closest friends,” he said. “We still talk, and I’ll always cherish the time we had on the show.”

A Partnership Built on Chemistry and Friendship

Seacrest first joined Live in 2017, stepping in as Ripa’s co-host after Michael Strahan’s departure. Initially, Seacrest’s commitment was meant to last only three years, but the chemistry between him and Ripa was undeniable. The two became a fan-favorite duo, and their off-screen friendship made it difficult to say goodbye after three years. Ripa jokingly reflected on their extended partnership: “Three years turned into six because of the genuine fun of doing the show every single day.”

However, all good things must come to an end, and Seacrest made the decision to move on in 2023. His departure marked the conclusion of an unforgettable chapter on Live, but his exit wasn’t a sign of a waning friendship with Ripa. Instead, it marked the beginning of new opportunities for both of them. While Seacrest has since moved on to new projects, including taking over as the host of Wheel of Fortune following Pat Sajak’s retirement, he still holds Live dear to his heart. “I love that show,” he said. “I had a blast doing it. You laugh, you talk, and you barely remember what you even said—because you’re having so much fun.”

A Reunion with Ripa and Consuelos

Although Seacrest has moved on to new roles, the pull of Live is still strong for him, and fans are excited to hear that a reunion with Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos, who is now her co-host, is on the horizon. Seacrest shared that Ripa and Consuelos had invited him to return to the show as a guest in a couple of weeks. The prospect of reuniting with his former co-hosts has Seacrest looking forward to an emotional reunion. “I can’t wait to see them,” he said. “It’s going to be emotional, but in the best way.”

During his time on Live, Seacrest and Ripa were known for their playful banter, infectious chemistry, and deep camaraderie, elements that helped elevate the show to the top of morning television. “I’ll miss being next to Kelly every day,” Seacrest confessed. “That hour of connection, of laughing together—it’s special. And while the show may be behind me now, the friendship isn’t.”

A Thoughtful Decision to Move On

Seacrest reflected on his decision to leave Live, noting that it wasn’t a sudden decision but rather one he and Ripa had discussed for a long time. “Last year we spoke, and I made the decision to make it my final season,” he explained. “It wasn’t easy, but it felt right.” His choice to step away from the show allowed him to embrace new opportunities while maintaining the deep bond with Ripa that he holds dear.

The decision to leave Live was bittersweet for Seacrest, but his relationship with Ripa remains a testament to the genuine and lasting nature of their friendship. What began as a co-hosting partnership evolved into something much more meaningful—a strong, supportive friendship that will continue to endure despite the changes in their professional paths.

The Future of Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa’s Friendship

While Seacrest may no longer be hosting Live with Ripa, their friendship will continue to thrive. Seacrest’s departure from the show doesn’t signal the end of their connection. As Ripa and Consuelos continue to bring Live into the future, Seacrest is already making his mark on Wheel of Fortune, but the memories and moments shared with Ripa will never fade. Their shared history on the show remains a cherished chapter in both of their careers.

Looking ahead, fans can rest assured that despite the end of their professional partnership, Seacrest and Ripa’s friendship is as strong as ever. The upcoming reunion on Live will only reaffirm their bond and give fans a glimpse into the enduring connection between two of television’s most beloved personalities.

In a world where professional paths often change and evolve, the friendship between Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa stands as a reminder of how genuine connections can withstand the test of time, regardless of where their careers may lead.