'GMA' makes major broadcast change for Christmas day episode splicing in live footage with taped segments

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Viewers of 'Good Morning America' were in for a surprise when they tuned in to the daytime talk show early Christmas morning.

Marking a massive shift from its well-known broadcasting format, the episode featured pre-recorded messages from the co-hosts Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts, and George Stephanopoulos, edited in with live segments from the ABC studio.

There was no previous announcement of this adjustment, which was revealed at the start of the show on Monday, December 25, according to The US Sun.

How did the Christmas episode of 'GMA' begin?

The show opened in the usual format with Strahan, Roberts, and Stephanopoulos seated in their designated spots at the anchor desk.

"Good morning, America, and merry Christmas to everyone at home and everyone here in our studio," began Strahan, following which Roberts brought up the topic of the format change, and explained the reason behind it.

"We just wanna let you know that we’re on tape this morning so all of us can celebrate with our loved ones, too," she said, "And we hope you’re having a great, great holiday,” she added. 

The program also displayed a 'PORTIONS RECORDED' sign in one corner to further ensure that the audiences are aware of the switch-up.

Erielle Reshef anchors 'GMA' Christmas episode live from studio

The 'GMA' correspondent did a smashing job, single-handedly performing the live hosting duties.

The X account of the show uploaded multiple clips of  Reshef in the temporary new role, highlighting how well she performed. 

Before appearing in front of the cameras, Reshef uploaded a picture of herself getting ready for the job on her social media.

Seen sitting at the make-up table, the image was captioned, "Wishing you a VERY Merry & Bright Christmas from @abcnews! See you on @goodmorningamerica with the headlines.”

As the regular anchors enjoyed their day off on Christmas, Michael Strahan was however seen present at his show on a different network on Christmas Eve, covering for Fox NFL Sunday.

Meanwhile, George Stephanopoulos reportedly enjoyed his time at home over the weekend, along with his wife Ali Wentworth, and their family. Wentworth also shared uploaded a snap of her husband dressed down in a hoodie on Instagram.