The ratings may not have started to reflect it, but behind the scenes, the wheels are reportedly coming off a bit over at Good Morning America. Sam Champion bailed. Josh Elliott bailed, and rumor has it damn near everyone else hates each other. In short, it’s a mess of divergent personalities; so, to try and right the ship, ABC has decided to bring in someone with the reputation of being a great teammate: Michael Strahan.
The longtime New York Giant and current co-host of Live! With Kelly And Michael confirmed the news on his hit program this morning, telling the enthusiastic crowd that he’s officially part of the team. Don’t get too excited, though, GMA fans. Strahan won’t be as regular of a presence as you may have hoped. Here’s an exact quote…
"I don't think I could do it every day. I have a lot going on. I have to be smart about it."
ABC hasn’t announced the specifics of his new role yet, and there’s a little disagreement right now as to what he might do. E! Online calls the position “semi-regular” and puts it during the show’s first hour. TMZ claims it’ll be 3-to-4 times a week and involves the 8 A.M. hour. Regardless, the show needs a little more of a masculine presence in the wake of Josh Elliott's departure, and this will help. Besides, everyone involved agrees Strahan will not leave Live!, nor will his new role have any affect on the show; so, it's basically a huge win all around for everyone.
Here’s another quote from Strahan…
"I just want everyone to know and you to know that no matter what, this is my No. 1 priority, and you are my No. 1 priority, and I would never do anything to jeopardize the quality of what I do here."
Strahan was always known as a media-friendly player during his 15-year run with the Giants, but I’m not sure anyone, including himself, pictured the career he would have after his retirement. Between FOX NFL Sunday, Live! and now this GMA work, he’s going to be on television more than ten hours a week. Pretty impressive for a sack master who probably thought he’d spend his retirement watching television and going on weird vacations.
But seriously, sometimes you just have to let ridiculous affability thrive…
It seems likely ABC will start dealing in specifics when it comes to Strahan’s role in the very near future. When we get dates and times, we’ll be sure to bring them to you. Until then, here’s to hoping he’s able to calm everything down on GMA and return the focus to the on-screen product.
