Every year, the television landscape becomes a riot of costumes and creativity as Halloween approaches, but few programs have made it as engaging as “LIVE with Kelly and Mark.” This annual tradition, now in its latest iteration since April 2023, promises a medley of unforgettable costumes and playful antics. This year, co-hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are going above and beyond, combining elaborate costumes with whimsical references that entertain audiences and keep the spirit of Halloween alive.
The eagerly awaited Halloween special that airs on October 31, aptly titled “Only Halloween in the Building,” is a clever nod to the popular Hulu series, “Only Murders in the Building.” This special will be particularly poignant not only because of Ripa and Consuelos’ vibrant costumes but also because it marks the show’s final Halloween broadcast from its long-standing home at the ABC studios on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. This heralds a significant transition as their show prepares to migrate to a new location in SoHo, adding an emotional layer to the festivities.
The centerpiece of this year’s Halloween celebration is an astounding array of 40 costumes that Ripa and Consuelos will showcase. They will overcome the challenges of costume changes and character portrayals while aiming to dazzle their guests and viewers alike. Among their costume repertoire, the couple has already teased a fun dual costume of pop icons Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. However, they are also set to surprise fans with their transformation into Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, drawing influence from a charmingly nostalgic aesthetic inspired by ’70s country legends.
Ripa, embodying the spirit of Lady Gaga, will sport a long, curly brown wig, paired with a chic blue mod-style mini dress layered over red tights. Accented with a flamboyant red scarf and bold makeup, her outfit encapsulates the flamboyant essence of Gaga’s style with a humorous twist—a cigarette prop that adds a spark of cheeky mischief. Mark, embodying his counterpart Bruno Mars, will don an equally flamboyant blue suit with a striking red button-down shirt. Completing his ensemble will be a striking cowboy hat and a quirky mustache, emphasizing a humorous homage to the iconic looks of the music video “Die with a Smile.”
Ripa’s candid comment about being initially unfamiliar with the inspirations behind their costumes speaks to the learning curve of embracing new characters and styles. This reflects not just creativity but also a willingness to adopt new personas, which enhances the fun and playful energy of the special. The dynamic between Ripa and Consuelos is palpable; they elevate each other’s performances, creating a chemistry that draws in viewers. Their enthusiasm for the project is infectious, as even Ripa admitted the song that inspired their looks was enough to generate excitement and ease the nerves about stepping into character.
Despite the pre-taping of segments where these costumes will shine, Ripa has expressed her preference for the recorded format over live costume changes. She highlights the comfort that comes with redoing scenes until they achieve the desired outcome, acknowledging the irony that, even in their faux pas, humor can emerge. This relaxed approach to the show allows them to embrace spontaneity while ensuring a polished final product for their audience.
This year’s Halloween special will feature guest appearances, with Joey Fatone, known for his time with *NSYNC, joining the fun. Such appearances not only bring more star power to the show but also create a sense of community and nostalgia for viewers. The compilation of pre-taped segments, costume reveals, and guest interactions culminates in an entertaining hour that drives home the joy of Halloween.
As the countdown to the big day continues, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos prepare to captivate audiences once again with their creativity and vivacious Halloween spirit. Their commitment to crafting an engaging and memorable experience encapsulates the magic of television—and most importantly, illustrates their genuine enjoyment of transforming into beloved pop culture icons. In a world that often seeks authenticity and spontaneity, their spirited Halloween showcase serves as a delightful reminder of the pure fun that the holiday embodies.