Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, the husband-and-wife duo behind Live with Kelly and Mark, took a step out of their usual lighthearted lane to make some rare political remarks following Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night television.

On September 24, during their morning broadcast, the couple addressed Kimmel’s comeback on Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the show was briefly suspended.

“We were up late last night,” Kelly laughed, before pivoting to praise her fellow host. “When I tell you he’s one of the kindest, most generous people that I know—he cares about his family, his crew, his staff, everybody. He really, really cares. And his statements last night were on point. He understood both sides. He was very humble in his speech.”

Mark echoed her sentiment, emphasizing Kimmel’s responsibility: “He’s very responsible. Very, very, very responsible.”

The couple admitted that they rarely dive into politics on their show, preferring instead to give viewers a lighthearted escape. “We do a light show here. We don’t talk about politics. We know our fans at home want an escape from all of that—and we agree,” Kelly explained. But she also acknowledged the balancing act of hosting in today’s climate. “Even though we are a light, frothy, non-controversial show—like melted ice cream—we’re constantly checking what we’re about to say. No matter what you say, somebody is upset.”

Still, she underscored the importance of free speech: “I have a right to speak, and you have a right to say horrible things to me on Instagram. That’s the pleasure of living in a free society.”

Mark also pointed out that both their program and Jimmy Kimmel Live! share a home at Disney. “It’s not lost on us that we’re sitting here in the Disney building. I think it was the right thing for the company to bring him back.”

The couple wrapped their remarks by stressing inclusivity, noting that everyone is welcome at their table—even friends with opposing political views.

Kimmel’s return aired on ABC September 24 after a week-long suspension. While the show was not carried by several Nextar and Sinclair affiliates, Disney officially confirmed his reinstatement on September 22.