After 26 years of broadcasting from the center of Instances Sq., ABC Information and “Good Morning America” have formally closed the curtain on their iconic Higher West Facet and Instances 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 Instances Sq. Studios, the final of ABC’s packages to make the transfer to the community’s smooth new digs downtown. The farewell wasn’t simply behind the digicam as crew members, employees, and anchors made certain to toast the second in true “Crossroads of the World” trend.
Article continues under commercial
Article continues under commercial
After 26 Years, ‘Good Morning America’ Bids Farewell To Its Instances Sq. Residence
On Friday, June 13, the beloved morning present aired its ultimate broadcast from the long-lasting studio it’s known as house for practically 26 years.
The subsequent 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 Instances Sq. legacy.
Article continues under commercial
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 stay efficiency from the forged 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 Instances Sq.. The forged introduced the vitality with a medley of “Lady on Fireplace” and “No One,” delivering hovering vocals and heartfelt emotion.
Article continues under commercial
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 Web page Six, “There have been a number 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 Instances 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.”
Article continues under commercial
Strahan, in the meantime, expressed gratitude for the staff making the transfer downtown, saying, “We couldn’t exchange any of you, so, we’re pleased that you just’re going with us. And also you’re bringing the spirit of every part that we now have 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 measurement on the set. Gary’s the perfect.”
And Ginger Zee shared, “He’s essentially the most beneficiant, loving, humorous man. And he is identical to the correct amount of rascal as effectively.”
Article continues under commercial
‘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 area really feel like house for viewers and crew alike.
“I simply keep in mind considering, I am a little bit lady from Mississippi, and I am working in Instances 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 house.’ All these years later it nonetheless feels that approach.”
Whereas the Instances Sq. studio lights might have dimmed for the final time, the spirit of “GMA” may be very a lot alive, and prepared for its subsequent chapter downtown.
