‘Good Morning America’ Closes Chapter: ‘There Were Definitely Tears'
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on June 15, 2025 at 11:30 AM EDT
After 26 years of broadcasting from the heart of Times Square, ABC News and "Good Morning America" have officially closed the curtain on their iconic Upper West Side and Times Square studios, marking the end of an era with a heartfelt sendoff and some well-earned celebration.
On Friday, "GMA" taped its final episode at the legendary Times Square Studios, the last of ABC’s programs to make the move to the network’s sleek new digs downtown. The farewell wasn’t just behind the camera as crew members, staff, and anchors made sure to toast the moment in true “Crossroads of the World” fashion.
Their go-to neighborhood pub, O’Donoghue’s, opened its doors early at 9 a.m. to welcome the "Good Morning America" team, including Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan, for one final hurrah.
After 26 Years, ‘Good Morning America’ Bids Farewell To Its Times Square Home
On Friday, June 13, the beloved morning show aired its final broadcast from the iconic studio it’s called home for nearly 26 years.
The next chapter begins soon, as the show prepares to return on-air from a brand-new studio inside the Robert A. Iger Building, The Walt Disney Company’s new state-of-the-art New York City headquarters at 7 Hudson Square.
"GMA" is the final program to relocate to the new media hub, following "The View," "The Tamron Hall Show," and "Live with Kelly and Mark," which transitioned over the past year.
To mark the historic moment, "GMA" delivered a celebration worthy of its Times Square legacy.
Alicia Keys Lights Up ‘GMA’ Farewell With Powerful Performance And Heartfelt Send-Off
The show featured a special appearance from 15-time Grammy winner Alicia Keys and a powerful live performance from the cast of her Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen.
“It’s a celebration,” Keys said of the opportunity to return to the show during what co-anchor Lara Spencer described as "GMA"’s “last bow” in Times Square. The cast brought the energy with a medley of “Girl on Fire” and “No One,” delivering soaring vocals and heartfelt emotion.
Inside The 'Good Morning America' Cast's Celebration Night
To celebrate the end of this chapter, the group hung out at O’Donoghue’s, where they reportedly indulged in nachos, wings, and celebratory drinks, with one insider telling Page Six, “There were lots of cheers-ing, glasses clinking, and a couple of shots.”
Senior executive producer Simone Swink delivered a toast from atop a chair, leading the emotional gathering. The show’s anchors each took a moment to reflect on the transition.
“I’m going to miss Times Square,” Stephanopoulos shared in his speech. “It has been a tremendous neighborhood for all of us, the last 20-something years.”
Roberts struck a more forward-looking tone. “Just think about all the exciting new memories that we’re going to make together.”
Strahan, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for the team making the move downtown, saying, “We couldn’t replace any of you, so, we’re happy that you’re going with us. And you’re bringing the spirit of everything that we have here, downtown.”
‘GMA’ Crew Says Goodbye To Beloved Stagehand Gary Minor After 37 Years
The gathering also doubled as a bittersweet retirement party for longtime head stagehand and prop master Gary Minor, who is stepping down after 37 years with the show.
“There were definitely tears saying goodbye to Gary,” the source noted.
At the time of the announcement, Robin Roberts shared, "I can't imagine walking in the studio and not seeing Gary," while George Stephanopoulos joked, "I'm really going to miss having someone my size on the set. Gary's the best."
And Ginger Zee shared, "He is the most generous, loving, funny guy. And he's just like the right amount of rascal as well."
'Good Morning America' Hosts Look Back Before Moving Forward
Throughout the week leading up to the farewell broadcast, the anchors shared nostalgic reflections and favorite memories from their time in the bustling Midtown Manhattan studio.
“Forgive us if we get a little sentimental this week,” Michael Strahan said on the May 9 episode.
The show featured daily segments, highlighting personal moments, memorable interviews, and behind-the-scenes memories that made the space feel like home for viewers and crew alike.
"I just remember thinking, I'm a little girl from Mississippi, and I'm working in Times Square. It's just so majestic," Robin Roberts shared about her first day on set. "I just remember the energy and looking around going, 'This is our home.' All these years later it still feels that way."
While the Times Square studio lights may have dimmed for the last time, the spirit of "GMA" is very much alive, and ready for its next chapter downtown.
