ABC’s midday juggernaut ‘GMA3’ is bleeding anchors and ratings, but insiders swear the show isn’t heading for the chopping block—though after the latest chaos, viewers are left wondering what’s actually keeping this ship afloat.
At a Glance
- ‘GMA3’ loses both Eva Pilgrim and DeMarco Morgan in a single day, fueling cancellation rumors.
- ABC News faces major layoffs and tumbling ratings, especially since the infamous Holmes-Robach scandal.
- Network insists the show will continue with a rotating cast and a shiny new studio, despite industry skepticism.
- Ongoing turmoil reflects the larger collapse of legacy media as viewers flee for streaming and digital news.
ABC’s ‘GMA3’ Faces Anchor Exodus and Nose-Diving Ratings
ABC’s “GMA3” just keeps making headlines for all the wrong reasons. On July 8, 2025, both Eva Pilgrim and DeMarco Morgan hit the road—Pilgrim heading to “Inside Edition” and Morgan’s next gig, as of now, is anyone’s guess. If you’re one of the loyal few still tuning in at noon, you’re now treated to an ever-shifting parade of guest hosts, including everyone from Will Reeve to Lara Spencer. Network brass are spinning the departures as a “refresh,” with promises of a new studio and a slicker look, but it’s hard not to see this as rearranging deck chairs on a sinking ship.
The real story here isn’t just about two anchors. It’s about a network scrambling to halt a free fall that started years ago, when the Holmes-Robach affair detonated what was left of the show’s credibility. That scandal didn’t just cost two anchors their jobs—it torpedoed ratings, especially in the key 25-54 demographic that advertisers crave. Since then, the show has hemorrhaged 13% of its overall viewers and a staggering 24% in the age group that still buys things. ABC’s answer? Slash staff, consolidate operations, and cross their fingers that a new set and some fresh faces will bring viewers back. Color me skeptical.
Layoffs, Scandals, and the Disney Brand: Trouble at the Top
Let’s not pretend this is just about a midday news show. The chaos at “GMA3” is a symptom of a much bigger disease infecting the entire legacy media industry. ABC News, under the careful watch of Disney, has been hacking away at staff across multiple divisions. In March 2025, they axed even more jobs and merged news operations, trying to salvage profits in a world where Americans have ditched network TV for streaming and digital news. All this, while Disney insists on protecting its “family-friendly” image—a tall order after the network’s parade of scandals and embarrassing headlines.
Don’t forget, the Holmes-Robach affair wasn’t just tabloid fodder—it was a PR nightmare that blew a hole in the network’s wholesome facade. Ever since, ABC has struggled to convince families and advertisers they’re still the safe, reliable choice for news in the middle of the day. Yet, with constant anchor swaps, publicized layoffs, and a ratings chart that looks like a ski slope, it’s no wonder even die-hard viewers are questioning the future of “GMA3.”
Industry in Freefall: Can ‘GMA3’ Survive the Carnage?
The hard truth: “GMA3” isn’t just fighting for its own survival. It’s emblematic of the terminal decline of appointment television. The days when millions tuned in for network news are long gone, replaced by on-demand streaming and social media sound bites. Media experts say ABC’s refusal to cancel “GMA3” outright is less about confidence in the show and more about not surrendering precious daytime hours to competitors. Sure, they’re investing in a new studio and a “refreshed” format, but let’s call it what it is: damage control.
Inside sources claim the show is “not being shut down,” but with staff morale in the gutter and viewers bailing, it’s hard to see this as anything but a stay of execution. The network’s revolving door of guest hosts signals desperation, not stability. If ABC can’t lock in a permanent, compelling lineup—or at least stem the tide of negative press—the only thing left will be memories of what used to be a flagship brand. For now, “GMA3” limps on, a shadow of its former self, while the network prays for a miracle that seems less likely with every passing week.
