Behind the Scenes: Disney/ABC Struggle to Save ‘Good Morning America’ as Star Plans to Leave
For decades, Good Morning America has been a staple of morning television, offering a blend of breaking news, celebrity interviews, and light-hearted human interest stories. But after almost 50 years of success, the beloved morning show and its parent company, ABC, are facing some serious challenges.
According to recent reports, the show may be at risk of losing one of its most prominent stars, Michael Strahan, just as the network grapples with internal turmoil.
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The Trouble at ABC
Good Morning America has long been a leader in the morning show ratings, but its recent struggles are hard to ignore. Following the exit of ABC News President Kim Godwin in May 2024, ABC News has found itself dealing with a number of leadership challenges.
Godwin’s tenure was marked by controversy, including the handling of the T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach affair, staff layoffs, and several high-profile scandals. These issues have left a visible impact on GMA, and many fans are worried about the show’s future.
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“Despite the managerial shakeups, things haven’t really improved,” said an insider. “Now, they might lose Michael Strahan, and that’s a big blow.”
Michael Strahan’s Departure
Michael Strahan, a former NFL star and popular TV personality, has been a co-anchor on Good Morning America since 2016. His charismatic personality and relatable presence made him an instant fan favorite. But now, as his contract is set to expire, Strahan is reportedly preparing to exit the show and focus on other pursuits.
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According to sources close to the situation, Strahan has made it clear that he plans to step away from the show by this summer.
“He will be out by this summer — he’s had enough,” one insider revealed.
Strahan, a former NFL star and longtime TV personality, is looking to focus on his family and his passion for sports commentary. He currently juggles his role as a GMA anchor with his duties as an analyst on Fox NFL Sunday, working up to six or seven days a week during football season.
“It’s a lot,” another source said. “He wants to spend more time with his family.”
Strahan’s decision to leave comes after a challenging year. He continues to balance his GMA duties with his role as an analyst on Fox NFL Sunday, a job that demands significant time and energy, especially during football season.
But the real catalyst for Strahan’s decision seems to be personal: In 2023, his daughter Isabella was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, a heartbreaking diagnosis that forced Strahan to reassess his priorities.
Fortunately, after multiple surgeries and rounds of treatment, Isabella was declared cancer-free in July 2024. But the experience left Strahan determined to spend more time with his family, something that balancing GMA and his other commitments has made difficult.
Strahan’s Exit Could Be the First of Many
Strahan’s impending departure is just one of many challenges facing Good Morning America. Longtime co-anchor George Stephanopoulos, despite a new multimillion-dollar contract, has been described as “miserable” at ABC.
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While Stephanopoulos remains a fixture of the show, his unhappiness reflects the broader struggles at the network.
Adding to the turmoil is the growing uncertainty surrounding job cuts and layoffs within ABC. As Disney and ABC continue to shift focus toward their streaming platforms, the future of cable network shows like Good Morning America appears uncertain.
Executives have attempted to reassure staff that layoffs are not imminent, but many employees remain skeptical.
“The concern is real,” said a source. “News competitors like CNN and MSNBC are making cuts and offering smaller contracts. ABC’s leadership is no longer the stable force it once was.”
The Fight to Keep GMA Relevant
Despite the challenges behind the scenes, ABC executives are pushing to save Good Morning America. The show’s ratings still remain strong, and its cohosts, including Robin Roberts and Strahan, continue to be fan favorites.
But with Strahan’s potential exit and the instability surrounding ABC News, the network will have to make some significant decisions if it wants to maintain its hold on the morning show market.
In a statement, an ABC spokesperson said, “We are committed to keeping Good Morning America the best in morning television, and we will continue to evolve with the changing landscape of the news industry.”
The departure of a major star like Strahan would certainly shake up the show, but it also presents an opportunity for GMA to refresh and reinvent itself.
In the meantime, Strahan continues to juggle his GMA responsibilities with his personal life, and his fans are sending their support during this challenging time. “It’s a lot,” Strahan said in a recent interview. “But family comes first.”
Would you miss Michael Strahan on Good Morning America? Who do you think would be a good replacement for him? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
