Good Morning America bids farewell?
Goodbye to the Good Morning America times square studio!
It's not a tearjerker just yet, but the famous breakfast show is packing up and moving from its longtime home in Times Square to a swanky new location. After almost a quarter of a century, GMA is trading the bright lights and tourist hammering of Times Square for a posher, more tech-savvy set-up in the 7 Hudson Square building, located in downtown Manhattan's Hudson Square neighborhood.
You may remember the iconic studio as the spot where hosts Robin Roberts, Michael Strahan, and George Stephanopoulos had their morning coffees, alongside a whole bunch of lucky fans who managed to nab a seat or even just catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrities. But don't worry, the show isn't going anywhere — it's just getting an upgrade.
The move is set to take place in 2025, and rumor has it that the decision is partly driven by financial considerations. Sources reveal to Page Six that ABC wants Good Morning America to give up the Times Square Studios lease and move to the pricier new building. The potential impact of this move on the show's ratings and overall appeal is expected to be negative, as competitors gain an edge they didn't have earlier.
Unlike popular competitor show Today on NBC, which features regular people in the background due to its window-filled studio, the new location may not offer the same opportunity for up-close-and-personal encounters, as the building might lack the required outdoor space. Insiders say that both staff, talent, and producers are not thrilled about the shift.
On the flip side, the new studio will boast state-of-the-art technology and production facilities, while also offering a more controlled environment compared to the bustling Times Square backdrop. The building will also house other Disney productions like The View and Tamron Hall, fostering greater collaboration and resource sharing.
While the Times Square studio's brand identity is closely tied to the energy and excitement of the city's heart, the new location may present an opportunity for GMA to refocus on studio production values and audience engagement through compelling content rather than relying on external visual appeal. We'll have to wait and see what the post-Times Square era of Good Morning America brings!
The decision to move Good Morning America from its Times Square studio in 2025 might not sit well with talent, staff, and producers, given the potential loss of close interactions with the audience that the outdoor space provided. On the other hand, the swanky new studio at 7 Hudson Square could offer a more controlled environment and state-of-the-art technology to enhance the entertainment experience for the viewers worldwide (pti).
