Additional Coverage:
- ‘GMA’ Announces Major Host Shake-Up & Format Change (parade.com)
ABC’s Good Morning America Weekend is undergoing a significant host reshuffle and format update following Janai Norman’s departure earlier this year.
The network announced on Wednesday, September 9, the new anchor lineup for the weekend editions, which will also influence the weekday broadcasts. Beginning Saturday, September 12, Rachel Scott will co-host Saturdays alongside veteran weekend anchor Whit Johnson.
Sundays will feature a new duo with Rhiannon Ally joining Gio Benitez. Leslie Lopez will take on the role of weekend meteorologist, appearing on both Saturday and Sunday programs.
Simone Swink, senior executive producer of GMA, expressed enthusiasm about the changes, stating, “We know weekend mornings are precious to our audience, and we could not be more excited to have Whit, Rachel, Gio, and Rhiannon as our new weekend team, along with Leslie, to help our viewers make the most of their Saturdays and Sundays. Plus, our new format will allow this team to show up more on our weekday broadcasts, too.”
Whit Johnson has been a staple on GMA Weekend since 2018, and Gio Benitez joined as co-anchor in 2023. Rachel Scott, although new to hosting the weekend show, has been with ABC News since 2016, progressing from production associate to senior political correspondent-a role she will maintain alongside her hosting duties. Rhiannon Ally, with ABC News since 2021, has experience co-anchoring World News Now and Good Morning America First Look and previously worked alongside Benitez at a Miami local news station.
This weekend lineup revamp follows Janai Norman’s departure in April after a 15-year tenure with ABC News. Norman shared a heartfelt goodbye on social media, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to connect with colleagues and viewers.
“It really breaks my heart that I don’t get to say goodbye. I’m so sorry that I don’t get to say goodbye.
It would have been fun,” she said.
The changes mark a new chapter for GMA Weekend as the program seeks to refresh its approach while maintaining strong connections with its audience.
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- ‘GMA’ Announces Major Host Shake-Up & Format Change (parade.com)