ABC News' Good Morning America to expand to three hours, cancels 'The Chew' after 1,454 episodes
ABC News has announced that its multiple Emmy Award-winning morning show 'Good Morning America' (GMA) will expand its programming to cover three hours, with the new third hour airing at 1 pm EDT, and noon CDT/PDT from the coming episodes.
The show has been the most-watched morning newscast in the country for six consecutive years and recently won two back-to-back Emmys for Outstanding Morning Program. The network has announced that this third and extra hour will feature "more news, pop culture, compelling interviews, and the program's signature, epic live events."
Speaking about the change, Ben Sherwood, the co-chairman of Disney Media Works, and president of Disney/ABC Television, said: "Over the past six years ‘Good Morning America’ has solidified its place as America’s No. 1 morning show. We believe there is a great opportunity for viewers and advertisers in expanding to the third hour."
James Goldston, president of ABC News, applauded the change as well: "'Good Morning America' keeps finding new ways to inform and delight our audience. We recently expanded 'GMA' through our social channels and a newly launched website. Now we will build a whole new hour of compelling content that is true to 'GMA's spirit."
But on a sadder note, ABC News also announced that after seven seasons, 1,454 episodes, multiple Emmy nominations and two Emmy Awards, 'The Chew' will cease production at the end of the current season. However, this season will continue to air as planned until September, with new episodes coming out this June.
Sherwood addressed this news as well: "While this is the right decision for our business, it is also bittersweet. For seven years, 'The Chew,' has delighted audiences by delivering innovative food segments in an entertaining atmosphere. We applaud and thank Gordon Elliot, Aimee Householder, Michael Symon, Carla Hall, Clinton Kelley, and the entire cast and crew for their great work and amazing run."