‘GMA’ stars Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan reject show’s ‘toxic’ third hour

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: 'Good Morning America' executives are facing an uphill battle as they try to persuade their star anchors to take on the show’s controversial third-hour segment.

But if they want Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan to step up, it’s going to come at a hefty price, Daily Express US reported.

'GMA' hosts reject ‘toxic’ third-hour slot

Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan currently headline the main news segment of 'GMA', kicking off weekday mornings with trusted reporting and high-energy discussions.

However, according to an insider, they’ve been offered an opportunity to host the third-hour slot, and they’ve collectively rejected it, branding the segment as “toxic.”

The refusal reportedly comes down to three key factors- pay, prestige, and reputation.

“They are going to want a lot more money to do any extra work,” the source revealed, emphasizing that their current pay doesn’t justify the added responsibility.

“They want no part of the ‘toxic hour,’” the insider added.

'GMA' hosts distance themselves from TJ Holmes-Amy Robach scandal fallout

The third-hour segment has struggled to regain credibility ever since the scandal involving former hosts TJ Holmes and Amy Robach.

In 2022, their secret romantic relationship was exposed while they were both married to other people, leading to their termination from ABC.

Though two years have passed, the fallout still lingers.

The scandal deeply affected GMA’s family-friendly image, and Roberts, Stephanopoulos, and Strahan are unwilling to attach their names to the struggling segment.

It’s not just the three anchors resisting additional responsibilities, sources claim the entire ABC team has been asked to take on more work without significant compensation.

“It's not just Robin and George being asked to do more work - it's the entire ABC team,” the insider explained.

ABC defends ‘toxic’ 'GMA' third-hour segment

Despite the pushback, ABC remains hopeful about revitalizing the third-hour slot and insists the trio will continue to be featured.

A network spokesperson highlighted their commitment to unifying all segments under the 'GMA' brand.

“The third hour is a valued part of the 'GMA' franchise. Robin, George, and Michael have been on before, and they will continue to be featured," they said.

The spokesperson also stated that the hosts’ involvement is vital to their long-term vision for the segment.

“The mood is hopeful, this is a fresh start,” they added.

“What we have said from the beginning is that we are unifying all day parts under the 'GMA' umbrella and team, and that includes seeing all members of the extended 'GMA' family in the third hour," the spokesperson explained.

Amid all of this, rumors continue to swirl that Strahan is considering leaving 'GMA' altogether.

With his success as a sports analyst on FOX NFL, speculation is mounting that he may prioritize his football commitments over morning television.