ABC Launches New Morning Show on Disney+, Could Replace ‘GMA’
The landscape of morning television is changing, and ABC is making bold moves to stay ahead of the curve. For decades, Good Morning America (GMA) has dominated the airwaves, becoming one of the most trusted and beloved programs in American households. But with changing dynamics behind the scenes and a slew of challenges over the past few years, the network has been grappling with its morning lineup.
Now, ABC is attempting to shake things up with a new show that could potentially change the way modern news networks operate.
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A Shakeup in the Making
ABC’s latest move comes as Good Morning America grapples with internal struggles and a series of high-profile departures. Longtime anchor George Stephanopoulos has been at the center of the storm, facing legal battles and growing tensions within the network.
Meanwhile, rumors of discord between Stephanopoulos and fellow anchor Robin Roberts have surfaced, raising concerns about the future of the program. These behind-the-scenes issues have only compounded the challenges the network faces as it tries to maintain its position as the top morning show.
In fact, reports have also suggested that Michael Strahan, another key figure on GMA, will be taking a reduced role when his contract expires later this year, leaving ABC scrambling to find a suitable replacement for him.
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These shifting dynamics at GMA have fueled speculation about the network’s next move, with many wondering if Good Morning America will remain relevant in an evolving television landscape.
The Departure of Key Figures
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding GMA is the turmoil surrounding the show GMA3: What You Need to Know. This spin-off program has struggled to maintain its previous success. In a shocking turn of events, anchors Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes were fired after their affair became public, sparking a major scandal for the network.
Although DeMarco Morgan and Eva Pilgrim were brought in to replace them, the show never quite regained its footing.
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Just last week, it was announced that Eva Pilgrim would be leaving GMA3 to take over as the host of Inside Edition. At the same time, DeMarco Morgan, who had not been seen on the air for weeks, left to “begin a new journey.”
These departures have left fans questioning the future of GMA3 and whether ABC will opt to cancel the show altogether or make yet another change to try to save it.
Introducing a New Era: ‘What You Need to Know’
While GMA continues to face internal struggles, ABC is looking forward with a new morning offering that is making waves in the industry.
On July 14, 2025, ABC and Disney+ announced the launch of a new daily program called What You Need to Know, which will be available exclusively on Disney+.
What You Need to Know is the fast, fresh way to stay ahead of the conversation as viewers start their day. From breaking headlines and the day’s biggest stories to entertainment buzz and viral videos, the show has everything you need to know. Each daily episode of What You Need to Know will be available on demand on Disney+ for 24 hours before refreshing with the next day’s news and headlines.
“What You Need to Know is reimagining what a news experience can look like for Disney+ subscribers — delivering smart, bite-sized commentary on the stories that matter most,” said Alisa Bowen, president of Disney+. “With the trusted voices of ABC News at the helm, this show marks an exciting evolution of our news offering.”
Set to debut on July 21, the show will offer viewers a quick and engaging way to catch up on breaking headlines, the day’s biggest stories, entertainment buzz, and viral videos. With episodes airing daily at 6 a.m. ET, What You Need to Know will be available on demand for 24 hours before refreshing with the next day’s news.
ABC is positioning What You Need to Know as a unique addition to its lineup, tapping into the growing demand for digital-first content and appealing to a younger, more tech-savvy audience. This new format for a morning show could give the network an edge, especially with its fresh approach and the ease of access offered by Disney+.
The Future of GMA3
As ABC introduces What You Need to Know to Disney+ subscribers, the future of GMA3 remains uncertain. The show has faced numerous challenges over the past couple of years, including the highly publicized departure of its former anchors and the struggles of its replacement team.
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As ABC continues to shift its focus toward What You Need to Know, many are left wondering what will become of GMA3.
While ABC has yet to confirm whether GMA3 will be canceled or replaced, the announcement of What You Need to Know suggests the network is ready to embrace change and experiment with new formats. The potential for ABC to finally pivot away from GMA is an exciting prospect, but it remains to be seen how the new show will be received by audiences.
Are you excited about the debut of What You Need to Know on Disney+? Do you think this show will succeed in replacing GMA? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know what you think the future holds for ABC’s morning lineup.
