Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Spark Debate Over Best Time to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner

A Lighthearted Holiday Debate Goes Viral

November 28, 2025: Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos unintentionally ignited a nationwide discussion after sharing their very different views on the best time to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner. The couple’s playful disagreement, aired during their morning show and later echoed online, quickly turned into a trending topic as fans chimed in with their own strong opinions.

Kelly Favors the Traditional Thanksgiving Schedule

During the segment, Kelly revealed she prefers a classic late-afternoon meal — ideally around 4 p.m. She explained that the timing allows for a relaxed morning of cooking, a festive table setup, and enough time to enjoy leftovers later in the evening. Her reasoning resonated with viewers who grew up with mid-afternoon Thanksgiving traditions.

Mark Says Earlier Is Better

Mark, on the other hand, admitted he likes Thanksgiving dinner served much earlier, saying 1 p.m. is the sweet spot. He joked that eating early frees up the rest of the day for movie marathons, family time, and a second helping long before bedtime. His perspective struck a chord with fans who believe the holiday meal belongs closer to lunchtime.

Fans Quickly Joined the Conversation

Social media reacted instantly, with thousands weighing in on #ThanksgivingDinnerTime. Some sided strongly with Kelly’s “afternoon feast” approach, while others defended Mark’s “early and efficient” philosophy. Many shared their family traditions, revealing that Thanksgiving dinner times vary significantly across households.

Why the Debate Resonated This Year

With schedules, travel, and post-pandemic routines shifting holiday habits, the discussion felt especially relatable. Viewers appreciated the couple’s humor and authenticity, noting that their playful back-and-forth mirrored the same debate happening in countless American kitchens.

A Fun Moment Ahead of the Holiday

While Kelly and Mark didn’t reach a consensus, their spirited debate added a dose of warmth and humor to the week. Fans say the moment captured exactly what makes the pair so beloved on morning television — genuine chemistry, lighthearted disagreements, and conversations everyone can relate to.