ABC's 'GMA3' Is Changing Anchors—Again. Here's What is Actually Going On Behind
The Shuffle If you have noticed that GMA3 has been hosting a rotating cast of faces lately, you are not alone. ABC News is once again changing the anchor lineup for its early-afternoon program, marking the fourth major shift since the show's 2018 debut. Two familiar faces are leaving—not just the show, but ABC altogether. In a memo to staff, ABC News President Kim Godwin confirmed Morgan's departure, stating that he had "decided to begin a new journey." While the changes are not totally unexpected—rumors had been circulating for weeks—they raise a larger question: What is GMA3 trying to become?
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Something More or Just a Spinoff?
GMA3 started out as a lighthearted, lifestyle-oriented program called Good Morning America's breezy afternoon cousin, which was presented by Sara Haines and Michael Strahan. However, the show quickly changed to a more serious news format when the COVID-19 epidemic struck, and it has been changing ever since.
GMA3 was more thoroughly incorporated into ABC's main Good Morning America brand in recent months. This entails greater crossover with current talent, more efficient production, and smaller expenditures.
She is renowned for her accuracy and ability to combine format with adaptability, two qualities that GMA3 is obviously relying on.
Presenting the Ensemble
ABC seems to be adopting a more dynamic, shifting lineup of anchors instead of securing a static trio. Consider it more like an ensemble drama than a sitcom cast.
Weekday weather expert Ginger Zee and weekend presenter Gio Benitez have been appearing more frequently. Lara Spencer, Sam Champion, Whit Johnson, Janai Norman, and Will Reeve are all well-known ABC characters.
Even journalists like Rachel Scott and James Longman have been asked to host.
Insiders claim that the objective is to make it harder to distinguish between GMA and GMA3, providing viewers a sense of continuity whether they are watching at 7 a.m. or 1 p.m. and establishing a more unified, branded experience throughout the day.
That might even entail sporadic afternoon appearances by Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts, or George Stephanopoulos, three of GMA's biggest stars. Do not be shocked if you see their faces appear in the middle of the day if they are reporting from a significant news scene.
Reimagining for a Different Type of Audience
Adapting to viewers' viewing habits is more important than anchoring in the most recent shuffle. ABC is attempting to reinvent what a midday news program can be in a time where second screens, streaming, and clips are commonplace.
With its four-hour format, NBC's Today show has traditionally dominated the morning-to-afternoon handoff. As a response, ABC is now focusing more on GMA3—not merely as filler content, but as a true extension of the network's primary news brand.
GMA3 wants to be both responsive and impactful, with lighter lifestyle pieces one day and breaking news the next. ABC is able to showcase the diversity of talent within its news division and maintain a fresh feel thanks to the changing anchor lineup.
What Comes Next?
With Pilgrim and Morgan leaving, ABC is subtly revamping GMA3 to not only stay in business, but also to grow. Watchers may anticipate a show that feels more like a natural extension of the GMA mothership, with more recognized faces and less rigid structure.
It might be the point if everything seems a little like musical chairs on TV. ABC moves as rapidly as the news cycle.
