Back in Time Today
After more than a quarter-century of broadcasting from the heart of New York City, Good Morning America is leaving its iconic Times Square studio. Since 1999, the bustling corner of Broadway and 44th Street has served as the backdrop for countless memorable moments that have awakened America. Before GMA moves to its new home, let’s look back at some unforgettable highlights from its 26-year run in Times Square.
1. The Grand Opening Celebration
The show’s Times Square debut on January 4, 1999, marked a bold new chapter for morning television. Hosts Charlie Gibson, Diane Sawyer, and weather anchor Tony Perkins greeted viewers from their gleaming new glass-walled studio as curious onlookers gathered outside. Producers designed the space specifically so passersby could wave to their families back home – creating the now-familiar crowd scenes that became a hallmark of morning TV. The studio’s prime location allowed GMA to capture the energy of New York City in real time. The move to Times Square helped revitalize the show’s ratings, eventually challenging NBC’s long-dominant Today Show for morning supremacy.
2. Robin Roberts’ Emotional Journey
Robin Roberts transformed her personal health battles into powerful moments of connection with viewers. In 2007, she bravely shared her breast cancer diagnosis on air, later documenting her treatment journey while continuing to work whenever possible. Five years later, Roberts announced she had myelodysplastic syndrome, requiring a bone marrow transplant. Her sister Sally-Ann became her donor, and Roberts’ return to the Times Square studio in February 2013 marked a triumphant milestone. These vulnerable moments created an authentic bond with the audience that transcended typical TV relationships, inspiring countless viewers facing similar health challenges.
3. Star-Studded Summer Concert Series
Music’s biggest names transformed Times Square into an outdoor concert venue during GMA’s Summer Concert Series. From Beyoncé’s show-stopping performances to Taylor Swift’s album launch parties, these free Friday morning concerts became must-attend events for fans. The performances often shut down surrounding streets as thousands gathered hours before sunrise for a chance to see their favorite artists up close. Weather rarely stopped the show – artists performed through rain, humidity, and occasional technical challenges. Many acts used GMA as the launchpad for major announcements, with the Times Square backdrop providing the perfect setting for breaking music news.
4. Halloween Costume Extravaganzas
Halloween mornings at GMA evolved into elaborate productions that viewers eagerly anticipated each year. The hosts embraced increasingly complex transformations – from George Stephanopoulos as Hamilton to Lara Spencer as Wonder Woman – often keeping their costumes secret from each other until the big reveal. Production teams worked overnight to transform the studio into themed sets, while makeup artists spent hours preparing the hosts’ elaborate disguises. The Times Square location added another dimension as costumed hosts sometimes ventured outside to surprise pedestrians. These festive broadcasts showcased the chemistry between hosts while providing a welcome break from serious news coverage.
5. Historic Election Mornings
Presidential election mornings brought a unique energy to the Times Square studio as anchors guided viewers through historic political transitions. The glass walls offered a window into America’s real-time reactions – from the tension of Bush v. Gore in 2000 to the celebration of Obama’s election in 2008. GMA’s location at the Crossroads of the World provided a perfect backdrop for capturing the national mood. Political analysts and candidates frequently joined the broadcast, with Times Square’s iconic screens visible behind them displaying election updates. These mornings often featured extended coverage as the team worked to explain complex electoral results in accessible terms.
6. Weathering the Storm: Hurricane Sandy Coverage
When Hurricane Sandy struck in October 2012, GMA’s Times Square location placed it at the center of breaking news coverage. As the superstorm approached, meteorologist Sam Champion provided critical updates while the team reported on evacuations and preparations throughout the region. The morning after the storm, viewers witnessed a dramatically different Times Square – eerily empty and showing signs of the powerful weather event. Despite challenging conditions, the team broadcast continuously, with some staff sleeping at the studio to maintain coverage. This crisis coverage demonstrated how the Times Square location allowed GMA to document historic moments from a uniquely central vantage point.
7. Celebrity Wedding Celebrations
The Times Square studio hosted countless celebrity wedding celebrations, transforming into impromptu reception venues complete with cake, dancing, and surprise guests. When royal wedding fever swept America, the space became a British-themed wonderland, with hosts donning fascinators while analyzing every detail of the ceremonies. These celebrations often spilled onto the Times Square plaza with elaborate decorations and interactive elements for fans. Celebrity wedding planners frequently appeared to recreate aspects of famous ceremonies or demonstrate trending reception ideas. The festive atmosphere of these broadcasts showcased GMA’s ability to balance serious news coverage with lighter entertainment moments that resonated with morning viewers.
8. Michael Strahan Joins the Family
Former NFL star Michael Strahan’s arrival as co-host in 2016 marked a new era for GMA in Times Square. His natural charisma and disarming interview style quickly won over viewers, while his sports background brought fresh perspective to the show’s coverage. Strahan’s infectious laugh became a morning staple as he developed chemistry with Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos. His transition from sports to morning television wasn’t without challenges – he balanced GMA duties with his NFL analyst role and other projects. The Times Square studio often featured special segments highlighting Strahan’s football expertise, especially during Super Bowl season when the space would transform into a mini gridiron.
9. Pandemic Broadcasting Transformation
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered GMA’s Times Square operations in March 2020. The normally bustling background fell silent as New York City locked down, creating surreal broadcasts with empty streets visible through the studio’s windows. Hosts maintained social distancing at separate areas of the set, while many team members worked remotely. The studio implemented strict safety protocols, including regular testing and reduced staff. Despite these challenges, the team continued broadcasting essential information during a critical time. As the city gradually reopened, the Times Square location provided a visible barometer of New York’s recovery, with hosts documenting the slow return of pedestrians and businesses to the area.
10. Surprise Celebrity Drop-Ins
The Times Square location made GMA a magnet for spontaneous celebrity appearances that created electric TV moments. Stars filming nearby would often pop in unannounced, creating genuine surprise reactions from hosts and audiences alike. These impromptu visits became part of the show’s appeal – viewers never knew who might suddenly appear on screen. The studio’s proximity to Broadway theaters made it especially popular with stage performers, who sometimes arrived in costume directly from morning rehearsals. The glass-walled design meant fans could spot celebrities arriving, creating instant sidewalk excitement that added to the broadcast’s energy and unpredictability.
11. Thanksgiving Parade Viewing Party
The studio’s prime location along the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route made GMA’s annual parade coverage a holiday tradition for millions. Hosts bundled up against November temperatures while providing commentary from their unique vantage point as massive balloons and performers passed by. The show typically began before sunrise with behind-the-scenes preparations, then continued through the parade’s official start. Special guests often included parade organizers, balloon handlers, and performers preparing for their televised moments. These festive broadcasts showcased the advantage of GMA’s Times Square location, offering viewers an insider perspective on one of America’s most beloved holiday traditions.
12. New Year’s Eve Preparations
Each December, viewers received exclusive behind-the-scenes access to New Year’s Eve preparations as Times Square transformed for its biggest night. GMA cameras captured the installation of the famous ball, stage construction, and security preparations days before the crowds arrived. Interviews with organizers, performers, and longtime attendees provided insight into the massive event. The studio itself often became a mini-celebration venue with test runs of the confetti drop and demonstrations of the year’s themed merchandise. These segments highlighted the unique perspective GMA’s location provided – a front-row seat to the preparation of an event watched by over a billion people worldwide.
13. Final Broadcast Farewell
After nearly 26 years broadcasting from its iconic Times Square studio, “Good Morning America” (GMA) aired its final episode from the location on June 13, 2025. The show is relocating to the Robert A. Iger building at 7 Hudson Square, Disney’s new New York City headquarters.
The farewell episode featured special appearances, including a performance by Alicia Keys and the cast of her Broadway show “Hell’s Kitchen.” Emotional tributes were paid to longtime staff, including a retirement celebration for prop master Gary Minor. Over the week leading up to the move, hosts reminisced about their favorite memories from the Times Square studio, such as Robin Roberts’ emotional return after a bone marrow transplant and first-day impressions from team members.
GMA’s move is part of a larger transition by ABC shows, following “The View,” “The Tamron Hall Show,” and “Live with Kelly and Mark” into the new headquarters. Though details of the new studio remain scarce, the team expressed excitement and nostalgia, ready to continue creating new memories in their new home beginning June 16, 2025.