Picture this: your spouse dives into a wild TV role where a massive whale turns them into an unexpected snack – and you're cheering them on from the sidelines! It's the kind of outlandish adventure that has us all hooked on the latest episode of 9-1-1. But here's where it gets controversial: could this bizarre plot twist actually be the pinnacle of on-screen excitement, or is it just plain silliness? Let's dive into the hilarious behind-the-scenes chat between Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa on Live with Kelly and Mark, where they spill the beans on his guest arc that's got everyone talking.
Written by Alex Vena
Posted on October 16, 2025, at 11:21 a.m. ET
Whoa, what a whale of a tale!
Kelly Ripa was practically bursting with enthusiasm during Thursday's episode of Live with Kelly and Mark, eager to remind fans that a fresh installment of 9-1-1 starring her husband, Mark Consuelos, is hitting the airwaves tonight. Consuelos revealed that this evening's episode continues his three-part storyline as Tripp Hauser, portrayed as a compassionate tech mogul with deep pockets and an even bigger heart.
'And just last week, I ended up as lunch for a giant whale,' he chuckled, referencing the dramatic scene.
Ripa jumped in with a grin, 'Absolutely! And your mom? She was absolutely devastated by it.'
Consuelos shared his attempt to reassure her, explaining, 'I told her, 'Mom, it's all make-believe. Just a TV show.'' Then, mimicking her Italian flair, he added, 'She replied, 'I don't care one bit. I just don't care.'''
Echoing the accent, Ripa piled on, 'She kept saying, 'It was terribly upsetting for me. Kelly, didn't that whale scene worry you?' I had to admit, not really, because I'd gotten a heads-up about it. But she was fixated on the details: 'How did they manage it? How do they make the whale spit him back out?''
Consuelos cracked a joke, 'Simple – it's all about computer-generated imagery, or CGI, that magical tech that brings these impossible feats to life on screen.' For those new to the world of TV magic, CGI is like digital wizardry where artists use computers to create realistic effects, making a whale swallowing a person look shockingly real without any actual danger – a perfect example of how modern filmmaking blends creativity with technology to craft unforgettable moments.
He also hinted at the upcoming thrills in this week's chapter, mentioning how he 'launches some folks into the cosmos.'
Ripa nodded enthusiastically, 'Exactly! What's stopping a tech billionaire from doing just that?'
As she's playfully noted before, Ripa likened it to fulfilling a dream, teasing Consuelos, 'It's straight out of my wildest imaginings. First, you're this wealthy tech genius, and then – boom – a whale gobbles you up? Does that mean I'm next in line for billions?' she quipped. 'But alas, those relentless rescue teams had to intervene and spoil the fun.'
Consuelos shot back with a wink, 'And let's not forget that ironclad prenup my character probably made you sign.'
Ripa updated the Live audience on the buzz surrounding Consuelos' 9-1-1 appearance, pulling out some amusing social media feedback to share.
One post read, 'Mark Consuelos being chomped by that whale? It's hilariously over-the-top!'
Another fan gushed, 'I'm thrilled they picked Mark Consuelos – I'm laughing uncontrollably.'
Lizzie from the @9-1-1 spoilers account weighed in, 'Honestly, I'm rooting for the whale here.'
And from a tweet, 'Dude just got devoured like it's straight out of Jurassic World.'
Consuelos and Ripa agreed it was 'quite the spectacle,' with Consuelos admitting he 'had an absolute blast filming for that series.' Ripa, meanwhile, expressed her anticipation for tonight's episode, saying, 'I adored this show already, but having you in it has ramped up the thrill factor for me tenfold.'
Live with Kelly and Mark broadcasts daily; head to their site for local schedules. 9-1-1 premieres Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
And this is the part most people miss: in a world of predictable hero stories, why do wild, whale-eating adventures like this captivate us so much? Is it the absurdity that makes it endearing, or does it highlight how far TV will go for a good laugh? Do you side with the whale, like some fans, or think this role is the ultimate fantasy gig? Could this kind of out-there plot inspire more creative risks in entertainment – or is it crossing into ridiculous territory? We'd love to hear your take! Drop your thoughts in the comments below – agreement, disagreement, or a whole new angle welcome. Controversy alert: some might argue this trivializes real ocean dangers, turning a massive whale into comic relief. What's your verdict? Share away!
