After three years on KPRC’s  Houston Life, co-host Tessa Barrera is stepping away from the show.

Barrera announced Wednesday that she is leaving the afternoon lifestyle program, though viewers will still see her on air for a little while longer. Her final day is set for March 31.

“I love it here and I’m going to miss you guys and I can’t believe it has flown by. It has just flown by so quickly,” Barrera told co-host Derrick Shore.

She said the decision comes from wanting to reset and be more present in her personal life, especially for her family, who she said have long supported her schedule.

Barrera said she feels it’s time to step back, help her family when needed and reassess what comes next, adding that she hopes to stay connected to the show and “pop in and out” in the future.

“It’s crazy when you stop and take a look around and say wow I think it’s time for me to take a little bit of me time,” she said.

Shore told Barrera he was glad she spent three years on the show.

“I’m proud of you for making the decision to move on,” he said.

A Corpus Christi native, Barrera joined Houston Life in July 2023 alongside Shore after a stretch of guest appearances following Courtney Zavala’s departure.

Before landing on Houston television, Barrera built a local following on the radio. She moved to Houston in 2019 to join 94.5 The Buzz KTBZ’s The Rod Ryan Show, juggling both radio and TV for more than a year. In December 2024, she left the morning show to focus on Houston Life full-time.

Her career has spanned multiple markets and roles. In Los Angeles, she worked as a news anchor and executive producer at KFI AM 640. Before that, she reported and anchored sports in Corpus Christi for KRIS 6 and KZTV Action 10 News. She also appeared on Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge in 2014.

Barrera confirmed her departure on Facebook, where viewers and former guests flooded the comments. “I’m really going to miss you on Houston Life! You and Derrick are a great pair,” one person wrote. “Sad you are leaving, you two are great together!” another added.

When asked what’s next, Barrera hinted at a short break, replying, “Going to retire for at least a month or 2.”