ABC is counting on former football player Michael Strahan to help it gain new ground in TV’s ever-intensifying morning-news wars.
Strahan, who has become a near-ubiquitous TV presence with his stints as a commentator for Fox Sports’ football coverage, the host of a new kid-award franchise on Nickelodeon, and, in recent years, an energizing force on the Disney-syndicated morning program “Live! With Kelly and Michael,” will join ABC’s “Good Morning America” on a full-time basis starting in September, ABC said Tuesday morning. He will retain his duties as a football analyst for Fox.
“Michael has been a stellar addition to the broadcast. Over the past two years on ‘GMA,’ he’s proven to be a tireless and versatile broadcaster with an incredible ability to connect with people, from veterans to American pop culture icons and newsmakers,” said James Goldston, president of ABC News, in a memo to staff sent this morning. “He will end a four year run as Kelly Ripa’s co-host on ‘Live!,’ where he has honed his skills as an interviewer with genuine warmth and a quick wit. At ‘GMA,’ he’ll now have even more opportunities to tell stories that inspire, inform and empower people.
Strahan joins the “GMA” team at a critical time. In 2012, the program snatched ratings victory from NBC’s “Today” for the first time in 16 years, and moved on to become the nation’s most-watched morning program. In recent months, however, it has ceded ground to its NBC rival, which has for months won more of the viewers for which advertisers in news programming pay – people between 25 and 54. Indeed, both programs have been losing viewers in recent months. For the week ending April 8, “Good Morning America” saw its overall viewership fall by 7%, while the 25-to-54 audience fell 19%. At NBC, overall viewership for “Today” slipped 2% in the same time period.
In Strahan, ABC has an energetic and winning personality whose appeal has only grown in recent years. “Live” ranks number one among entertainment daytime talk shows among households and ties for first among women between 25 and 54. The show is second among syndicated talk shows, losing only to “Dr. Phil.” “Live” was recently renewed through 2020.
Strahan has been a twice-a-week presence on “Good Morning America” over the past two years, lending a different sort of energy to the broadcast, which has for years depended regularly on TV-news personnel ranging from Diane Sawyer and Charles Gibson to Robin Roberts, Lara Spencer and George Stephanpoulos. Strahan has delivered stories of a reunion of two Green Berets who survived a firefight in Afghanistan and a visit with Jennifer Lopez to her childhood neighborhood.
In recent weeks, “GMA” has appeared to take a newsier bent, opening not with its entire crew greeting viewers, but with a tighter focus on Roberts (news anchor Amy Robach in her absence) and Stephanpoulous. Spencer has then joined the pair after the first quarter hour. It’s a maneuver that has worked well at “Today.” Where the NBC program once emulated the old “GMA” opening – a focus on the show’s entire crew – these days the NBC morning program opens with only Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie at the helm. They are joined later by Natalie Morales and Al Roker. Producers made the switch to give viewers a tighter opening focused more on news.
I for one do not care for Kelly. Michael is fun to watch and listen to. One lady on here was upset that ABC let Sam and Josh go….they did not go, they moved on. They do need a new man on GMA full time, hope Michael is that man.
I am extremely disappointed. I will still watch Live, and sincerely hope Kelly ends up with a co-host as well suited to her as Michael is. I don’t even care for the other hosts on GMA, so I will not watch for Michael. I am guessing Live is not enough challenge for him, but he is so perfect with Kelly and the two of them are so entertaining and good for the show. Very disappointed. I love Michael, but will not watch GMA. I can’t stand Stephanpoulous, and the rest of them ad up to too much chatter – too many involved.
First of all, large companies, like ABC among others, don’t feel obligated or loyal to anyone so they don’t feel the need to share ANY information about their plans with ANYONE!!! IF this is the case in this situation, then Michael is under contract and has NO choice but to follow ABC’s instructions. Furthermore, Kelly IS a professional and probably would have shown up to Live but I believe it is the handy work of ABC’s Drama Department who orchestrated this entire event and circumstances so they could create mega DRAMA to get everyone’s attention to tune in to ABC. I believe they are doing this with Dancing With The Stars also. HOW NAIVE do they think we are to believe this drama they are building??? I don’t believe we should dislike Kelly or Michael because I think that ABC is pulling the strings of their puppets for them to act as ordered to get a result that ABC desires to BOOST their ratings. DON’T BE NAIVE about this situation. This is ALL on ABC. IF Kelly didn’t know about it, I don’t blame her AT ALL for not coming on. Unfortunately, she is probably under ABC’s contract also and will not have a choice in what she does and how she acts. The key word there is “act”. Remember she is an actress and doesn’t necessarily feel what she is saying. Remember ABC has control. THEY are the A–HOLES here, not Michael and Kelly!!!.
Michael I wish you the best and enjoy very much watching you, I’m glad your are coming to my favorite Chanel, keep up the good work. Would love to see you in DWTS.
Love it! Best of Luck Michael! and Kelly We love you too! you both worked great together but better will come.
Congratulations. Life is about movement. Kudos to you for keep growing. You would not be moving if it wasn’t beneficial & fulfilling to you. Once again congratulations.
GMA does not need Michael, I will quit watching if comes on, he bring nothing to the program , find someone who has something to offer, Michael does not do that.
The only reason I watch Kelly and Michael in the mornings is to watch Michael. It looks like in September I will be watching GMA. Michael seems real and has a great personality, Kelly seems like she needs to be in the lime light. I know she was on the show before Michael starting with Regis but for some reason she is not why I watch the show, it’s Michael all the way.
Strahan used Live to gain the exposure he need , at the time. He does nothing on GMA.. Does a quick story here and there and turns boxes for Tori when showing Deals & Steals,,, He is a black Vanna White, thats all he is. He may have had talent with the Giants, but he isn’t worthy of a spot on GMA.
GMA has turned into an entertainment show not a news show. Perhaps they need to look at content not at the people. Poor George looks out of his element now as the show has been taken over by stuff not relevant to when the show started with him. Quite frankly, who cares to see an interview with the couple eliminated from DWTS. This is one item of many. Strahan will not fix the problem. Quite frankly when he started coming on the show is when I stopped watching. He is overrated in my opinion.
GMA is very newsworthy as well as having the entertainment touch. I love Michael on Kelly and Michael as well as GMA. It’s a win, win situation. I will miss him on Live!, but still get to see him on GMA.
will miss him he was a great co -host greatly improved after Regis i like Kelly but need Michael there nxt to her !!!! won’t watch after September !!!!!!!!! miss uuuu Michael S
I will really miss Michael on live. It has greatly improved when arrived on
The program. It was getting very boring at the end of regis’s rain.
Viewers are leaving because of the change in format. When I tune in at 0700, I want to know the big story in the world, the big stories in the US and the weather. I don’t care about the politics going on, I am inundated with them all day long.
Weather went from 1&1/2 minutes, to 15 seconds. If I am catching a flight, you are no longer my go to source. Go back to what made you better. Being different than everyone else.
Politics is the big news story today. Up until the election in November you might as well get ready to hear about Hillary, Donald, Ted, and Bernie. I love it how everyone thinks that these morning shows show cater to what they want. If you watch it long enough they cater to everyone. I personally love to cook but think those cooking segments could be done without. However, in order to watch the show I have to stomach through things I may not be interested in. That’s the time to go to the bathroom or get something to eat from the kitchen. Michael is a great addition to the show. Kelly seems like she’s pandering for the limelight to me and I’ve never been a Kelly and Michael fan or watcher. Michael is doing what’s best for his career. No one wants to stay in the same position too many years. Maybe it’s time they found a new Kelly too. I’m a big GMA fan and my wife knows I love politics and political commentary so George is my all time favorite co-host.
Really, like most us females Kelly too, can ride her broom. I will certainly the chemistry between Michael and Kelly there are perfect osts.
No ! No! Say it isn’t so. Kelly and Michael are perfect together .Please stay
Poor Kelly, the two had great chemistry and I love the Kelly and Michael show,(whose next)
This is very sad!! I love him and really makes that show as did Regis!! Depending on who they get to replace him I may not watch the program any longer!
We will be sad to see him leave, but he’s moving up. He always makes my husband and I laugh and his chemistry with Kelly is undeniable. For us, it’s a win-win. We are fans of both shows. Kelly is a joy to watch and whomever replaces Micheal will be lucky to be there. My favorite guest host is NPH…just sayin’!
He deserves this…He is a gentleman, and a super broadcaster. He has personality, and class. He was great these last four years with Kelly; a stepping stone for his future. Good Luck Michael, well done.
He ain’t no Regis, which is why I stopped watching a few months after he started. All that hoopla back then for…him?
I don’t see the fascination with this guy. He is extremely difficult to watch and listen to. He really has no talent whatsoever.
how does he get these gigs? He isnt even that good
How in the world he could have worked with that woman for more than a week is a mystery. He’s
a very strong man. Now hopfully they will cancel the rest of the show
Really enjoy Michael but hate the program “LIVE” he will do really good on GMA
Good foy Michael!rr
How can he take much more of her?
NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT – GREAT MOVE!!!!! Her time is up! You not onl picked up te pieces, glued them back together but gave it a whole new shape! Now you are confident of your “professional talk show worth-GO FOR IT!
Enter Anderson cooper with Kelly
I absolutely agree with you. Anderson would be Great !!
They must be throwing in speech lessons, good luck GMA.
Steven Eder watch what you say about other’s. You never know what life could hit you with. Ignoramus. You are not invincible. Check yourself !
Janice – what are you, 8 years old? Don’t step on that crack; you’ll break your mothers back! I’ll get you at recess.
Oh man not again!! I never understand why when something works network Execs decide to change it. I love the chemistry he and Kelly has and I set my DVR daily to watch the show for this reason only. Best of luck to you Michael!
NOBODY is more grateful to get away from Kelly than Mr. Mike. He’s paid his dues and now it’s time o move up. He will do well. And Kelly can go have another cigarette in the freight elevator…
Awesome! Hope he’s taking George’s spot #boring
Agreed! They need to restrict George to Sunday mornings only! Save the snooze fest for lazy days not days where I need a pick-me-up before work.
I love Michael Strahan. He has a great personality and is an addition to any show. I’m not sure how Kelly will survive without him, since I truly believe people watch Live with Kelly and Michael because of him. I do agree with some of the people that have commented. Lara Spencer is very annoying. She seems to think she’s a somebody. And I do like Robin Roberts, but here again, she can be annoying too.
Now the big question: Will Regis return to Live?
Live and Good Morning America are like two front teeth, and the summer Strahan will have off between gigs is like the gap between the teeth.
Will Regis come back? I hope not. One boring person on the show is one too many. How did Kelly ever get the job? She gives an extended meaning to DUMB BLOND! Come on NBC – get someone with more than one brain cell! ! !
Live is on ABC, not NBC Liz Parker. I will miss Michael Strahan on Live. Anderson Cooper would be a good match with Kelly.
I loved Michael on Live with Kelly. I watched GMA for 20 years. Never felt he fit in there. Did not like him at all. I don’t understand this one.
Good Move. Love Michael, he definitely adds to the show., and do like some news in the
morning not all fun and games.
Glad about Michael…love him. If only he would replace Robin! I watch every minute when she’s not there, not so much when she is. Over paid and not talented she is.
That’s too bad. I really liked him on the show with Kelly. Surely he is going to keep his job with Fox during football season.
I wish GMA would get rid of Lara Spencer or put her on an entertainment show ONLY. She is obnoxious in her present job. Days when she is on a lot, I simply change over to CBS’s morning show.
However, I am so glad GMA topped the Today Show — it’s the worst.
Same here…11,21,52…and the “Bella Twins…but I’m at the 62 mile marker,Laffin…
Oh nooooo! I look forward every day to see Kelly and Michael. They have such a good rapport with each other. Will miss Michael very much.
Well born,the tail of the “Scorpion,it figures…11,21…Rock on,Mike…
Great decision to make Michael a regular on GMA. He is a great entertainer and reporter.
Today and GMA are still three-ring circuses. Only CBS This Morning is the real deal.
CBS This Morning RULES!
Well CBS is popular among seniors so if that’s your thing, fine. The rest of the country likes a mix of silly entertainment in addition to the news. Who wants to start their morning with nonstop, depressing news?!
Agreed – can’t stand Today and GMA! CBS has got it figured out! Their team is news focused and has great chemistry. They are a show for adults that care about real news! Keep it up CBS!
Who will be Kelly’s co-host? Her friend, Anderson Cooper, would be a great match up!!