If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the name popping up in weird contexts. Sometimes it’s a headline about a legal drama, and other times it’s a wholesome family Christmas movie. It’s confusing. People are out here asking what happened to Mario Lopez like he’s vanished or joined a cult, but the reality is actually much more interesting.
There are basically two stories happening at once.
First off, let’s clear up the "arrest" rumors that keep surfacing in search results. If you Google this, you might see a scary-looking snippet about a "Mario Lopez" pleading guilty to federal charges or being arrested for OUI. That isn't the Saved by the Bell guy. Honestly, it’s a classic case of name-matching gone wrong. A different individual with the same name has been in the news for legal issues in Massachusetts. Our Mario—the dimpled host we know—is doing just fine and definitely isn't in a jail cell.
The Big Career Pivot: Why He’s Not Everywhere Like He Used To Be
For years, Mario was the face of Extra. He was the guy on the red carpet, always tan, always smiling. Then, around 2019, he jumped ship to Access Hollywood. It was a huge move at the time. But lately, you might notice he’s not just "the entertainment news guy" anymore.
He’s moved into a very specific niche: The King of Wholesome.
In 2024, Mario signed a massive multi-year deal with Great American Media. This is a big deal because it signals where he’s putting his energy as he enters his 50s. He’s essentially becoming the face of family-friendly, faith-based content. He just wrapped a movie called The Christmas Spark (which premiered late 2025) where he plays a lawyer-turned-firefighter.
Why the change? He’s been pretty vocal about it. He’s at a stage where he wants his kids to see what he’s doing. He even got his son, Dominic, a role in My Grown-Up Christmas Wish.
What Happened to Mario Lopez on the Small Screen?
He’s still incredibly busy, but it’s more diversified now. If you’re looking for him in 2026, here is where he actually is:
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- Access Hollywood & Access Daily: He’s still co-hosting with Kit Hoover. The show was actually renewed through 2026, so he isn’t going anywhere.
- The Game Show Circuit: He started hosting Blank Slate on the Game Show Network. It’s a bit of a departure, but it fits his high-energy vibe.
- Daytime Emmys: He actually just hosted the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in late 2025. It was a career first for him and a pretty massive nod to his longevity in the industry.
- Radio: On with Mario Lopez is still a thing. He does it with his wife, Courtney, and they record a lot of it from Universal CityWalk.
The Menudo Project
This is one people often forget. Mario is actually the manager for the "new" Menudo. He oversaw the auditions and helped them release their first single, "Mi Amore," a little while back. It’s a passion project for him—trying to recreate the boy band magic that started back in the 70s.
Real Life: Jiu-Jitsu and Family Milestones
One thing that hasn't changed? The man does not age. It’s sorta annoying, right?
But he’s not just hitting the gym. Mario is a legit purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He actually competes in tournaments. There was a great moment recently where he competed in the same tournament as his son, Dominic. He’s often said that "family is first," and he actually backs it up. He and his wife Courtney just celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary in December 2025.
They’re "outnumbered" now with three kids: Gia, Dominic, and Santino. Gia is 15 now—which is wild if you remember her as a toddler on his old reality show—and she’s already started doing some acting and hosting work alongside her dad.
Addressing the "Canceled" Rumors
Every few months, an old clip of Mario from a 2019 interview with Candace Owens resurfaces. He made some comments about parenting and gender identity that caused a massive backlash at the time. He apologized shortly after, calling his remarks "ignorant and insensitive."
While some people still bring it up, the industry mostly moved on. His move to Great American Media—a network that specifically leans into "traditional values"—was seen by many as a way for him to align with an audience that shared his perspective, even if he stays more "middle-of-the-road" on Access Hollywood.
The Reality of His Finances
He’s doing well. Very well. He sold his Glendale mansion a couple of years back for a cool $5 million and has been leaning heavily into producing. He isn't just an "actor for hire" anymore; he’s an executive producer on almost every holiday project he touches.
Practical Insights: How to Keep Up
If you're trying to track what Mario is doing next, don't just look at the tabloids. Most of the "scandal" headlines are clickbait or identity confusion.
- Check Great American Pure Flix: If you want his movies, that’s the primary home for his new content.
- iHeartRadio: His daily show is the best place to hear his actual "unfiltered" thoughts on pop culture.
- The BJJ Scene: If you’re into martial arts, he’s actually a fixture in the Southern California Jiu-Jitsu community.
Mario Lopez didn't "disappear." He just stopped trying to be the young heartthrob and leaned into being the "World’s Busiest Dad." He’s successfully navigated the transition from teen idol to a multi-platform media mogul, which is a lot harder than he makes it look.
To see his most recent work, look for the replay of the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards or check the Great American Family schedule for his latest firefighter-themed holiday flick.