The opening of “LIVE! With Kelly and Michael” was different on April 26, with the return of Kelly Ripa—who has been on leave of absence—to the talk show.
Ripa addressed the audience for nearly 3 minutes—discussing her absence, workplace respect, Michael Strahan’s impending departure, and direction of the show.
While the audience and Strahan gave her a standing ovation, viewers on Twitter had mixed reactions to the comeback of Ripa. Read below to see what viewers were saying about the former soap opera star who “just had to say something.”
Praise for Kelly Ripa
@KellyandMichael @YouTube Could not have been handled with more class. Well done, girl.
— Miam (@makeitamystery) April 26, 2016
.@KellyandMichael Welcome back #KellyRipa Classy, sassy & very heartfelt. Proving you can #BekindToOneAnother after drama
— Lisa Pirro (@LisaPirro315) April 26, 2016
@KellyandMichael @YouTube Bravo Kelly! You said it honestly and flawlessly!
— POPCORN LOV (@PopcornLov) April 26, 2016
@KellyandMichael @YouTube What else would you expect from Kelly she is a class act! :)
— Mickey Ogden (@MommaOgden) April 26, 2016
@KellyandMichael @YouTube well done lady well done! So happy you are back !
— Sami sanborn (@SanbornSami) April 26, 2016
@KellyandMichael @YouTube luv u and will continue to watch the show as long as u r there @KellyRipa
— Gigi (@mommas4boys) April 26, 2016
@KellyandMichael The EPITOME of grace under pressure.At a time when “celebrities” r lowering the bar 2 hideous depths, u raised it bar none.
— Prayers For C (@PrayersforC) April 26, 2016
Unconvinced
@KellyandMichael @YouTube I know she’s a decent actress and all, but that seemed very forced. Almost insincere.
— Greg Fear (@GregFear24) April 26, 2016
@KellyandMichael @YouTube that was so forced. hard to watch, I am sure hard to perform. #paidtosay
— Martha Trucks (@matrucks) April 26, 2016
@KellyandMichael that was a very uncomfortable moment @KellyRipa looked scared to death. hard to watch. whole show felt forced.
— Pat (@PatriciaAnn1130) April 26, 2016
@KellyandMichael @YouTube We hope her crown still fits. Spoiled Affluenza Host.
— mike szaban (@VIKINGSCHEF) April 26, 2016
@KellyandMichael @YouTube #fake
— Yudith Staskey MDMPH (@yudithallemant) April 26, 2016
@KellyandMichael ripa is an entitled narcissist. Fire her please. Do your job or find another one
— Miss Who (@angryblackchic) April 26, 2016
How do you feel about Ripa’s comments?
