Hold onto your seats, folks—who knew a whale could stir up such family drama? Imagine your loved one getting gulped down by a giant sea creature on national television; it's the stuff of nightmares, yet for Mark Consuelos, it was just another day on the set of '9-1-1.' But here's where it gets personal and a tad unsettling: his own mother was absolutely heartbroken over it. Dive into this heartwarming (and hilarious) chat from 'Live with Kelly and Mark,' where the couple spills the beans on emotions running high during his blockbuster guest role.
By Alex Vena
Published Oct. 16, 2025, 11:21 a.m. ET
Get ready for a splash of excitement!
Kelly Ripa was bubbling over with enthusiasm during Thursday's episode of 'Live with Kelly and Mark,' eagerly reminding the audience that a fresh installment of '9-1-1' starring her husband, Mark Consuelos, hits the airwaves tonight. Consuelos shared that this episode continues his three-part storyline as Tripp Hauser, portrayed as a wealthy tech mogul with a genuinely kind spirit underneath it all.
'And just last week, I found myself inside the belly of a whale,' he recounted with a grin.
Ripa jumped in, adding, 'Oh yes! And your mom was really shaken up about it.'
Consuelos reflected on his reassuring conversation with her, mimicking, 'I told her, "Mom, it's only television. Just a show."' Then, channeling her distinctive Italian inflection, he continued, 'She replied, "I don't care. I simply don't."'
Picking up the accent herself, Ripa elaborated, 'She insisted, "It was terribly distressing for me. Kelly, didn't you feel anxious when that whale appeared?" I had to explain that I wasn't worried because I'd been briefed ahead of time. She pressed on, "But how did they manage it? How do they make the whale release him?"'
Consuelos cracked a joke, 'Simple: it's all about CGI magic.'
He hinted at the upcoming plot twists, mentioning that in this week's chapter, 'I arrange for a few folks to blast off into space.'
Ripa chimed in playfully, 'Why not? It's perfectly fitting for a tech billionaire.'
As she's mentioned before with a wink, Ripa teased Consuelos by saying it felt like stepping into her wildest dreams. 'First, you're portraying a tech billionaire. Then, a whale engulfs you? Does that mean I'm set to inherit billions?' she quipped. 'But alas, those meddlesome rescuers had to intervene.'
Consuelos retorted with a sly nod to reality, 'And don't forget that annoying prenup my character likely would have insisted on.'
Ripa updated the 'Live' audience that online buzz around Consuelos' '9-1-1' appearance has been buzzing, and she recited some enthusiastic fan feedback.
'"Mark Consuelos being chomped by that whale was beyond hilarious,"' she read aloud. '"I'm thrilled they brought in Mark Consuelos; it's got me chuckling non-stop." Lizzie from the 9-1-1 spoilers account chimed in, '"I'm rooting for the whale, just saying." Another fan tweeted, "Dude seriously got munched like he was starring in Jurassic World."'
The pair agreed it was 'quite the spectacle,' with Consuelos noting he 'had an absolute blast filming for that series.' Ripa, meanwhile, expressed her eagerness for tonight's episode to catch more of her spouse in action.
'I adored this show already, but having you in it has amped up the thrill factor for me immensely,' she shared warmly.
And this is the part most people miss: behind the laughter, it highlights how even fictional peril can tug at real heartstrings, especially for family. For beginners curious about TV production, CGI—short for Computer-Generated Imagery—refers to digital effects that make impossible scenes like whale swallowing possible, blending actors with virtual elements for a seamless, realistic look. It's a game-changer in modern entertainment, allowing shows to explore fantastical scenarios without real danger, much like how blockbuster films use it to create dinosaurs or aliens.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is CGI making our media too immersive, blurring the lines between fiction and reality to the point where it genuinely upsets viewers? Some argue it's enhancing storytelling, drawing us deeper into plots, while others worry it desensitizes us or causes unnecessary emotional distress—like Consuelos' mom fretting over a scripted scene. What do you think? Does this whale tale make you question how special effects influence our reactions to TV drama? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you side with the whale, or are you all in for more outrageous guest arcs?
'Live with Kelly and Mark' broadcasts daily. Visit their site at livewithkellyandmark.com for local schedules. '9-1-1' premieres Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
