why is gma moving from times square

For over two decades, Good Morning America has been more than a show; it's been a spectacle. Positioned in the beating heart of New York City—Times Square—the program became synonymous with the city’s energy, lights, and bustle. Every morning, viewers across America woke up not just to news and weather, but to a panorama of tourists waving behind glass, live performances spilling into the streets, and the sparkle of Broadway just steps away.

But that chapter is coming to an end.

ABC has announced that Good Morning America will officially relocate to the new Robert A. Iger Building at 7 Hudson Square during the week of June 16, 2025. The final broadcast from its 1500 Broadway Times Square location took place earlier that month, marking the end of an era. While some may mourn the loss of that iconic glass-walled studio, there’s more to this move than meets the eye.

So why is GMA leaving Times Square?

1. Centralizing ABC and Disney Operations

The primary reason behind the move is strategic consolidation. Disney, which owns ABC, has been systematically centralizing its media operations in New York. Over the past few years, other shows like The View, Tamron Hall, and Live with Kelly and Mark have also transitioned to the sleek Hudson Square campus.

Bringing GMA under the same roof helps streamline production workflows, encourages internal collaboration, and fosters a more connected media ecosystem. With news, daytime talk shows, and live broadcast resources all housed together, it’s a more efficient, modern operation—fitting for a post-pandemic media world.

2. Cost-Effective and Future-Proof

Times Square real estate isn’t just expensive—it’s astronomical. The massive footprint at 1500 Broadway, once an essential beacon of brand visibility, now comes with enormous overhead costs. In an age where digital platforms are gradually replacing foot traffic and in-person tourism, ABC determined the high-maintenance space was no longer justifiable.

The new Hudson Square studios offer modern facilities at a more sustainable cost, equipped with cutting-edge broadcast technology, soundproofing, and environmental control. From a business perspective, the move is financially responsible and future-ready.

3. Enhanced Production Capabilities

The new Hudson Square home includes Studio C, a state-of-the-art production space designed specifically for GMA. Unlike the Times Square location, which was retrofitted over the years, the Hudson Square facility was purpose-built with 21st-century broadcasting in mind.

From high-resolution LED walls to integrated digital sets, the new studio allows for greater creative flexibility and immersive storytelling. Anchors and producers now have tools that better reflect the pace and innovation of modern media—without sacrificing the intimacy or spontaneity that GMA is known for.

4. A Shift in What “Live” Means

Times Square once symbolized the pinnacle of “live television”—a set filled with live audiences, impromptu interactions, and performers under the city lights. But the rise of digital streaming and remote engagement has changed the game.

In 2025, viewers no longer need to see tourists waving in the background to feel connected. With social media integration, real-time viewer participation, and on-demand replays, the essence of “live” has evolved. The Hudson Square studio isn’t lacking in excitement; it’s redefining it.

5. A Touching Farewell

The final week of broadcasts from Times Square was filled with emotion. Anchors Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan revisited memorable moments—interviews with presidents, impromptu dance parties, breaking news events, and concerts with global stars.

There was laughter, nostalgia, and even a few tears as longtime staff members shared their memories of working in the world’s most recognizable media fishbowl. The show paid homage to the fans who lined the sidewalks rain or shine, holding signs and hoping for a moment on national television.

What Happens to the Times Square Studio?

ABC still holds a lease on the Times Square space, though its future remains uncertain. Speculation ranges from potential subleasing to limited future productions or even using it for branded pop-up events. While nothing is confirmed, it’s clear that the Times Square studio will no longer be the daily home of Good Morning America.

A New Era Begins

Change is never easy—especially when it involves saying goodbye to a setting that defined an era of television. But for Good Morning America, the move to Hudson Square is less about leaving something behind and more about embracing what’s next.

The show isn’t losing its identity—it’s upgrading its stage.

Final Thought

In the end, GMA's move from Times Square is not the end of the magic, but the start of a new chapter—one that prioritizes creativity, technology, and connectivity over location. The lights of Times Square will still shine, but now, Good Morning America will shine from Hudson Square.