Fans panned the first episode of “Live with Kelly and Mark” featuring married couple Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos on Monday, after Consuelos replaced longtime co-host Ryan Seacrest.
Critics on social media complained the couple tried to force their natural chemistry, and called out Ripa for repeatedly interrupting her husband.
“First things first, Kelly and Mark need to show up and be honest about the transition and the challenge behind it,” said life and business coach Angie Wisdom.
“They should share that it will take some time to find their flow and ask the audience to be patient. Being vulnerable takes down people’s defenses and gives grace. This would go a long way in winning the viewers over and allowing them some time to adjust,” Wisdom said.
As a long-married couple with natural chemistry, “it will be key for the two of them not to overthink this,” Wisdom said.
“Kelly and Mark have chemistry, so the trick here is not to falsely create more of what’s already there; the viewers will see through that and push back,” Wisdom said. “They just need to show up as their authentic selves and they will shine.”
But working on the same set together day in and day out could bring pitfalls if the couple isn’t careful.
“The most important piece for the two of them outside the show is to stay on the same team,” Wisdom said. “It can be easy to start pointing fingers and placing blame when the ratings aren’t great, but it doesn’t do any good. In fact, it will only cause a less genuine presence on the show. Think, the same side of the table, same goal.”
TMX contributed to this story
