'Live' co-hosts Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos talk new docuseries 'Running with the Wolves'

NEW YORK -- In their latest TV venture, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are stepping away from the "Live" set, taking viewers to Italy in a new docuseries called "Running with the Wolves."

It follows their journey from buying an Italian soccer team to helping transform a small town, one game, and one win at a time.

Entertainment reporter Joelle Garguilo spoke to Ripa and Consuelos at the red carpet premiere in New York City.

Garguilo: You have the conversation. We're going to buy a football club. We're going to buy a soccer team. What do you expect in that moment, and then what has the journey actually been like?

Consuelos: I'll let you answer that (deferring to Ripa).

Ripa: I feel like I was misled into believing we were investing in property in Italy. I did not realize...

Consuelos: Technically true.

Ripa: The property was a giant football field.

Garguilo: So, this team, they were going to go bankrupt. With you guys coming in and being owners of that team, that does what for this area?

Consuelos: Well, it saved their football team that was over 100 years old and with the really rich history, we always had plans to shed a spotlight on this town, on this region, and this show is just the beginning. I mean, the people in Cabo Pulso are losing their minds that where they're on ESPN and Disney, they can't believe it.

Ripa: With this community, it cannot be stated enough. These are salt of the earth people. They are such good people. And I frankly, I think they're not quite sure what to make of us or what was going on. Really watching the community come alive and come together, and they had been on a two-year winning streak after Mark and his partners took over. And so, walking down the street with Mark was like walking down the street with a bonafide celebrity. It was really exciting. All of Italy, the people are so warm, but I feel like in the Molise region, they are exceptionally warm.

Garguilo: We always talk about be how you're an empty nester now, but your family really did just grow. Like, it really did when you think about it.

Ripa: Lucky.

Garguilo: And that's awesome.

Ripa: So lucky.

Garguilo: Let's just set up this docuseries. I will say with love, the Jersey does come out. Okay? The Jersey does come out. The Jersey comes out.

Ripa: I've seen it too, and I can't tell you how well they did in editing and removing some of the Jersey. They really tried their best.

Consuelos: Our editors are really good.

Ripa: I remember thinking, I'm not even sure I'm going to be in this docuseries because so much of me came out.

Garguilo: Your passion, your passion came out. Congratulations. And it was it was really -- I was telling Mark, it was just done to perfection.

Ripa: Thank you.

The first two episodes of "Running with the Wolves" air on Tuesday, July 29, on ESPN beginning at 7 p.m. Each episode will also be available on ESPN+ after that.

ESPN is owned by Disney, the same parent company as ABC Owned Television Stations.