‘Good Morning America’ Faces Big Change as Replacement Front-Runners Emerge

On November 3, ABC’s beloved morning show Good Morning America will mark its 50th anniversary on the air. Over the years, the show has been hosted by many iconic personalities, including David Hartman, Charlie Gibson, Joan Lunden, Diane Sawyer, Robin Roberts, and George Stephanopoulos.

Today, the hosting team includes Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Lara Spencer, and Michael Strahan.

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Strahan, a former professional football player, joined the team in 2016 and quickly became a fan favorite. Since then, he has built a strong presence, winning the hearts of millions, both football fans and those outside the sport.

However, last month, GMA fans were shocked and saddened to learn that Strahan plans to leave when his contract ends. A source revealed that Strahan will be “out by this summer,” as he looks to spend more time with his family, particularly his 19-year-old daughter Isabella, who recently overcame a battle with brain cancer.

As Good Morning America (GMA) prepares for a significant change with Michael Strahan’s upcoming departure, fans are eagerly speculating about who will step into his shoes. Strahan’s exit marks the end of a remarkable chapter, but with several talented names already circulating, it seems that the show will be in good hands.

Below are the top contenders for replacing Michael Strahan as GMA’s co-anchor:

Rebecca Jarvis

A top contender for Strahan’s spot is Rebecca Jarvis, ABC’s Chief Business, Technology, and Economics Correspondent. Jarvis has been with ABC News since 2013 and is already a familiar face to Good Morning America viewers, having contributed to multiple ABC programs, including World News Tonight, 20/20, Nightline, and This Week.

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Her extensive experience in business reporting and her current high profile within ABC make her a natural choice for the role. If Jarvis were to step into the co-anchor role, her transition would likely be seamless, and her established credibility would be a strong asset to GMA’s team.

Eva Pilgrim

Eva Pilgrim, who joined ABC News in 2016 alongside Strahan, is another strong possibility. Pilgrim has a solid track record with the network, particularly as a co-anchor on GMA3: What You Need to Know.

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Pilgrim’s chemistry with co-hosts and her growing popularity among viewers make her a likely candidate for Strahan’s position. Her involvement with GMA3 — which she co-anchored after the departure of Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes — showcases her versatility and strong on-air presence, positioning her as an ideal successor to Strahan.

Whit Johnson

Another possible candidate from within the Good Morning America family is Whit Johnson, who has been with ABC since 2011. Johnson has played a pivotal role in the network’s coverage of major events, from his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic to his role as anchor of the weekend editions of Good Morning America.

Johnson’s steady presence and experience on both weekdays and weekends make him a familiar and trusted figure. His experience filling in for other anchors when they were unavailable has prepared him for the larger responsibility of stepping into a full-time role.

Will Reeve

Will Reeve, a prominent ABC News personality and son of legendary actor Christopher Reeve, is also being considered for Strahan’s spot. Reeve has been part of the ABC family since 2018.

His previous work with ESPN on SportsCenter and College GameDay has equipped him with the skills necessary to host on a national stage. Reeve’s connection to ABC and his recent emotional special, Will Reeve: Finding My Father, which aired on Hulu, have bolstered his reputation as a compassionate, credible journalist.

His personal story and professional experience could resonate deeply with Good Morning America viewers.

Malika Andrews

While not currently part of the ABC family, Malika Andrews could be an exciting addition to the Good Morning America team. Currently a standout reporter for ESPN, Andrews is best known for her extensive coverage of the NBA, having hosted the NBA Draft in 2022, becoming the first woman to do so.

Her impressive credentials were further solidified when she won a Sports Emmy in the same year for Outstanding Personality/Emerging On-Air Talent. Andrews’ background in sports journalism and her emerging star power make her an intriguing option.

Additionally, her connection to The Walt Disney Company, which owns both ESPN and ABC, positions her as a strong candidate for a possible role on GMA.

Why These Names Stand Out

Each of these potential replacements comes from within the ABC or ESPN family, and many have already proven themselves in the GMA arena. Whether through experience on the network or established visibility in the media, these anchors are well-positioned to take over Strahan’s role.

Their familiarity with the show’s format, their strong connection to ABC’s audience, and their own professional credentials make them all viable candidates.

As the exit date for Strahan draws near, ABC executives have remained tight-lipped about who will ultimately replace him. However, the names being considered all have strong ties to the network, ensuring a smooth transition when the time comes.

Whether ABC opts for a familiar face or a bold newcomer, one thing is clear: Good Morning America will continue to be a force in morning television.

What do you think? Who would be your pick to replace Michael Strahan on Good Morning America? Share your thoughts in the comments!