The Five Shocking Reasons Good Morning America Abandoned Times Square After 26 Years

The iconic, street-level studio of *Good Morning America* (GMA) in Times Square, a fixture for over two decades, is officially a piece of television history. On Monday, June 16, 2025, the flagship morning news program aired its inaugural broadcast from a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility, marking the end of a 26-year era that defined morning television. This monumental shift from the dazzling heart of Midtown Manhattan to the quieter, corporate-focused neighborhood of Hudson Square was not simply about a change of scenery; it was a calculated, strategic, and financially driven decision by The Walt Disney Company to consolidate its vast media empire.

The move, which saw anchors like Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan relocate their daily broadcast, was the culmination of years of planning for a new, modern, and collaborative ABC News headquarters. While the public face of Times Square Studios (TSS) offered a unique energy, the internal pressures of a sprawling operation and the demands of new media ultimately forced the network to say goodbye to its most famous address, 1500 Broadway.

The New Home and The Farewell: GMA's Biography of a Move

The history of *Good Morning America*'s broadcast locations is a story of evolution, but its tenure at Times Square Studios (TSS) was by far its most recognizable. The show first began broadcasting from 1500 Broadway on September 13, 1999, quickly becoming synonymous with the energy of Times Square. For over a quarter-century, the glass-walled studio allowed passersby to interact with anchors, creating a vibrant, interactive atmosphere that other morning shows struggled to replicate.

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• Old Address: Times Square Studios (TSS), 1500 Broadway, New York, NY 10036.
• Years at TSS: 26 years (September 1999 – June 2025).
• Final Broadcast from TSS: June 13, 2025.
• New Address: The Robert A. Iger Building, 7 Hudson Square, New York, NY 10013.
• New Studio: Studio C (a basement-level facility).
• Inaugural Broadcast from New Studio: June 16, 2025.
• Primary Anchors Relocated: Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Michael Strahan, Ginger Zee, and Lara Spencer.
• Other Disney/ABC Shows at New HQ: *Live with Kelly and Mark* and *The View*.

The new location is a purpose-built, 22-story structure known as the Robert A. Iger Building, named after the former and current CEO of The Walt Disney Company. This building in the Hudson Square neighborhood of Downtown Manhattan is now the official New York City headquarters for the entire Disney operation.

Reason 1: The Strategic Mandate for "Collaboration and Innovation"

The primary and most frequently cited reason for the move is a strategic one, aimed at future-proofing ABC News operations. An ABC News spokesperson confirmed that the move was a "strategic decision that will allow for more collaboration and innovation". The decision was driven by the goal of consolidating all disparate New York-based production, news, editorial, and corporate teams under one roof.

The sprawling nature of the old setup meant that various ABC News teams were scattered across different buildings in Midtown. By relocating to the Robert A. Iger Building at 7 Hudson Square, the network has created a centralized, 338-foot tall "collaborative hub." This massive undertaking brings together not only *Good Morning America* but also other major Disney-owned productions like *Live with Kelly and Mark* and *The View*, facilitating a more streamlined and integrated workflow for all of Disney's New York operations, including streaming services and advertising divisions.

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Reason 2: The Need for State-of-the-Art Technology and Studio C's Features

The old Times Square Studios, while iconic, was a product of late 1990s technology and architecture. The new home, Studio C, is specifically designed to meet the demands of modern high-definition broadcasting and new media trends. The design philosophy centers on flexibility and digital integration, something the street-level Times Square space could no longer easily accommodate.

The new *GMA* set is a technological marvel, boasting an astounding 187 million pixels of video screens. These massive, high-resolution displays allow the production team unprecedented flexibility in creating dynamic, immersive backdrops that can be changed instantly, making the new set a literal canvas for visual storytelling. Key features of the new studio include:

• A moving, multipurpose desk that can be reconfigured for different segments.
• An expansive, dedicated kitchen area for food segments and demonstrations.
• Sophisticated lighting and camera systems optimized for the new space.
• A more intimate and comfortable setting for high-profile guest interviews.

This investment in state-of-the-art technology ensures *GMA* remains competitive against rivals like *Today* and *CBS Mornings*, whose studios have also undergone significant modernization.

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Reason 3: Financial and Operational Cost-Saving Measures

While the new building represents a massive investment, the move is also rooted in long-term financial and operational efficiency. The Times Square location, a highly visible piece of real estate at 1500 Broadway, came with significant operational costs. One reported factor in the departure was the desire to save money on maintaining an "auxiliary production space" that was separate from the core ABC News operations.

By consolidating all operations into Disney's new, purpose-built New York City headquarters in Hudson Square, The Walt Disney Company drastically reduces overhead costs associated with maintaining multiple, separate production facilities. The new building essentially serves as a single, owned asset that houses everything, from the ABC News editorial staff to the production studios for its top-rated shows. This strategic centralization is a common corporate trend aimed at maximizing asset utilization and minimizing long-term real estate expenses.

Reason 4: Trading Public Spectacle for Production Control

The Times Square Studio was famous for its glass walls, which offered an unfiltered view of the "Crossroads of the World." This public exposure was a double-edged sword. While it created a unique energy and allowed for impromptu interaction with tourists and fans—a major part of the show's identity—it also presented significant production challenges.

The constant noise, the unpredictable nature of the crowd, and the logistical nightmare of bringing in guests and equipment to the busiest intersection in New York City often limited the show's creative potential. The move to the basement-level Studio C at 7 Hudson Square sacrifices the iconic window view but gains invaluable control over the production environment. This new, controlled setting allows for a more focused, quieter, and technically superior broadcast, free from the distractions and limitations of street-level broadcasting in Midtown.

Reason 5: The Corporate Shift to Downtown Manhattan

The move from Midtown to Downtown Manhattan reflects a broader corporate trend in New York City. The Hudson Square neighborhood, situated near SoHo and the West Village, has rapidly become a hub for major media, technology, and creative companies. The presence of the Robert A. Iger Building solidifies this area as a major center for The Walt Disney Company's media operations.

For the anchors and staff, the location shift is significant. Times Square is a tourist destination, whereas Hudson Square is a quieter, more business-oriented area. The move places the *GMA* team closer to other major news and media entities that have also gravitated toward Downtown Manhattan, positioning the show within a modern, professional, and less chaotic environment that is better suited for a global news headquarters in the 21st century.