As TVNewser reported back in April, Josh Elliott and Lara Spencer will anchor an early-afternoon spinoff of ABC’s “Good Morning America” called, appropriately, “Good Afternoon America.” ABC says Robin Roberts, Sam Champion and George Stephanopoulos will also appear on the program occasionally.
The program will start Monday, July 9 at 2 PM ET and run for nine weeks over the Summer. It is serving essentially as Summer filler, though Brian Stelter notes that if it does well, ABC could certainly find a place for it in its schedule. In the Fall, a number of new syndicated shows are launching, including “Katie,” anchored by Katie Couric.
“GAA” sounds very similar to “GMA,” but with more of a focus on lifestyle and entertainment news, according to an ABC description:
The energetic, fast-paced program will feature the most-talked about celebrities, performances by the biggest names in the music industry, the latest pop culture news plus offer original entertainment, lifestyle, health, workplace and consumer reporting from an all-star list of contributors and other members of the ABC family
More, including quotes from Elliott and Spencer, after the jump.
“It’s tremendous that GMA has this opportunity to extend its reach, and bring something new to the afternoons,” said co-anchor Josh Elliott. “It is gratifying to play a role in it and genuinely hope our audience will come along for the ride.” Co-anchor Lara Spencer added, “I am beyond excited and honored to be part of this new chapter for the ‘Good Morning America’ family. ‘Good Afternoon America’ gives us the opportunity to reach a different audience, and better yet, spend a little more time with our morning viewers who want to be a part of the conversation and fun we plan on bringing to afternoon TV.”