Ripa recalled two types who showed up claiming to resemble her and Regis Philbin: "People that really looked like us, and people that looked not like us at all."
However, she praised both Hoda Kotb and the late Regis Philbin, telling the New York Post that she feels like she was "one of the most blessed people in the world ...
Gifford was replaced by Jenna Bush Hager when she left the show in 2019.
"I knew that he would be such a good steward of the show and really revere it the way we all do," Ripa said of her husband and co-host.
Consuelos' "fancy" Starbucks coffee didn't help his case.
Ripa said she finally felt more equal when she was the more senior host on Live, before Ryan Seacrest joined her.
Kelly and Mark Consuelos have proven chemistry in the bedroom, but also on TV.
"In all the years I knew him, I never saw him unkind to anyone."
She thought, "This is one of those scenarios where everyone knew except for me."
Ripa said working with Philbin came with "good and bad days," adding, "it was not a cakewalk."
Find out which episode of The Simpsons "Treehouse of Horror" Halloween special we've ranked as best.
Regis Philbin: The Morning Maestro airs tonight on ABC.
Regis is survived by his daughters J.J., Joanna & Amy Philbin.
The original incarnation of the show was hosted by Regis Philbin and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
Live with Kelly has taken longer to replace
Michael Strahan than it took to find him.
Celebrate the TV anniversary of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" The show that made multiple-choice cool again. For a few years, at least.