After 26 years of broadcasting from the center of Occasions Sq., ABC Information and “Good Morning America” have formally closed the curtain on their iconic Higher West Facet and Occasions Sq. studios, marking the top of an period with a heartfelt sendoff and a few well-earned celebration.
On Friday, “GMA” taped its ultimate episode on the legendary Occasions Sq. Studios, the final of ABC’s packages to make the transfer to the community’s glossy new digs downtown. The farewell wasn’t simply behind the digicam as crew members, employees, and anchors made positive to toast the second in true “Crossroads of the World” style.
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After 26 Years, ‘Good Morning America’ Bids Farewell To Its Occasions Sq. Dwelling
On Friday, June 13, the beloved morning present aired its ultimate broadcast from the enduring studio it’s known as dwelling for practically 26 years.
The following chapter begins quickly, because the present prepares to return on-air from a brand-new studio contained in the Robert A. Iger Constructing, The Walt Disney Firm’s new state-of-the-art New York Metropolis headquarters at 7 Hudson Sq..
“GMA” is the ultimate program to relocate to the brand new media hub, following “The View,” “The Tamron Corridor Present,” and “Stay with Kelly and Mark,” which transitioned over the previous yr.
To mark the historic second, “GMA” delivered a celebration worthy of its Occasions Sq. legacy.
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Alicia Keys Lights Up ‘GMA’ Farewell With Highly effective Efficiency And Heartfelt Ship-Off
The present featured a particular look from 15-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys and a strong reside efficiency from the solid of her Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen.
“It’s a celebration,” Keys stated of the chance to return to the present throughout what co-anchor Lara Spencer described as “GMA”’s “final bow” in Occasions Sq.. The solid introduced the vitality with a medley of “Lady on Hearth” and “No One,” delivering hovering vocals and heartfelt emotion.
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Inside The ‘Good Morning America’ Solid’s Celebration Evening
To have fun the top of this chapter, the group frolicked at O’Donoghue’s, the place they reportedly indulged in nachos, wings, and celebratory drinks, with one insider telling Page Six, “There have been a lot of cheers-ing, glasses clinking, and a few pictures.”
Senior govt producer Simone Swink delivered a toast from atop a chair, main the emotional gathering. The present’s anchors every took a second to mirror on the transition.
“I’m going to overlook Occasions Sq.,” Stephanopoulos shared in his speech. “It has been an incredible neighborhood for all of us, the final 20-something years.”
Roberts struck a extra forward-looking tone. “Simply take into consideration all of the thrilling new recollections that we’re going to make collectively.”
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Strahan, in the meantime, expressed gratitude for the crew making the transfer downtown, saying, “We couldn’t exchange any of you, so, we’re completely happy that you just’re going with us. And also you’re bringing the spirit of every thing that we’ve got right here, downtown.”
‘GMA’ Crew Says Goodbye To Beloved Stagehand Gary Minor After 37 Years
The gathering additionally doubled as a bittersweet retirement occasion for longtime head stagehand and prop grasp Gary Minor, who’s stepping down after 37 years with the present.
“There have been undoubtedly tears saying goodbye to Gary,” the supply famous.
On the time of the announcement, Robin Roberts shared, “I can not think about strolling within the studio and never seeing Gary,” whereas George Stephanopoulos joked, “I am actually going to overlook having somebody my dimension on the set. Gary’s the most effective.”
And Ginger Zee shared, “He’s essentially the most beneficiant, loving, humorous man. And he is similar to the correct amount of rascal as effectively.”
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‘Good Morning America’ Hosts Look Again Earlier than Shifting Ahead
All through the week main as much as the farewell broadcast, the anchors shared nostalgic reflections and favourite recollections from their time within the bustling Midtown Manhattan studio.
“Forgive us if we get a little bit sentimental this week,” Michael Strahan stated on the Might 9 episode.
The present featured day by day segments, highlighting private moments, memorable interviews, and behind-the-scenes recollections that made the house really feel like dwelling for viewers and crew alike.
“I simply keep in mind considering, I am a little bit woman from Mississippi, and I am working in Occasions Sq.. It is simply so majestic,” Robin Roberts shared about her first day on set. “I simply keep in mind the vitality and searching round going, ‘That is our dwelling.’ All these years later it nonetheless feels that approach.”
Whereas the Occasions Sq. studio lights could have dimmed for the final time, the spirit of “GMA” may be very a lot alive, and prepared for its subsequent chapter downtown.
