‘GMA Weekend’ Anchor Janai Norman Is Leaving the Show
What To Know
- Janai Norman is leaving her role as co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America Weekend after her contract was not renewed.
- Norman has had a long tenure at ABC News, serving in various roles including correspondent and co-anchor for World News Now and America This Morning.
- Her departure follows the recent exit of ABC News correspondent Matt Gutman, who jumped to CBS News.
Janai Norman, who served as a co-anchor on ABC’s Good Morning America Weekend alongside Whit Johnson and Gio Benitez, is leaving the show, per new reports.
According to Oliver Darcy’s Status newsletter, Norman’s contract had expired, and ABC did not re-up her. It’s not yet known when her last date will be, nor whether she will be replaced or remain at the network in another capacity. In addition to GMA Weekend, Norman hosts the wildlife show Oh Baby!, which airs on ABC stations.
Before landing a role as GMA Weekend co-anchor, Norman served as a correspondent for ABC News in New York, starting out as an intern in 2011 and reporting across various ABC News programs and platforms. She also hosted the Pop News segment for GMA Weekend and helped launch the second hour of Saturday’s GMA in October 2019.
The 36-year-old reporter previously co-anchored World News Now and America This Morning, reporting on several major news stories, including Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle leaving the royal family, the death of Jeffrey Epstein, and the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
Norman also appeared in the Hulu documentary special Breaking the Mental Health Stigma for Black Women, where she opened up about her mental health journey and the various challenges she’s faced in her life and career.
In addition to co-anchoring GMA on Saturdays and Sundays, Norman also anchored ABC News Live Weekend on a rotating basis with her co-anchors since the streaming network expanded its weekend coverage.
Norman’s exit comes a little over three months after ABC News correspondent Matt Gutman made the jump to CBS News as the first major on-air hire by the network’s new editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss. Gutman had been with ABC News since 2008 and served as a correspondent on GMA, World News Tonight, Nightline, and 20/20.
Conversation145 Comments
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D
ABC disappoints yet again. I just don't know what they are thinking!?! Janai is WONDERFUL! A thoughtful, amazing, and dedicated journalist. I pray they change their minds. GMA weekend is not worth watching without her.
173
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B
What are they thinking . I am so disappointed 😞
I love Jana!. What is the reason?????
8
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M
She is my favorite. I love the weekend team. They just seem to really like each other. Big mistake, big. I probably won’t watch the weekend show as their chemistry was the main draw.
143
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A
Yes I totally agree
21
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C
I feel the same way. The on air chemistry between the trio cannot be duplicated.
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I
I agree with you! So they bring on a meteorologist to replace her?? I guess they needed more money to lure her from California.
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B
She is one of my favorite hosts, so real. 😢
117
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G
I loved her, will definitely miss her
96
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K
Nooooo! She’s the best and such a beautiful woman. She bring smiles and light into everyone’s weekend mornings. Renew her please
82
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D
The show will be missing a lot of enthusiasm without Janae. She was the reason I watched.
75
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C
Noooooooooo..... I love Janai! GMA needs to work this out and keep this beautiful, talented, charming, amazing anchor. She's perfection! Losing her would be a big mistake.
67
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G
They always let the good one go....she will be missed
56
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F
Why would ABC not renew Janai Norman’s contract? She is the bright spot on GMA weekend show. None of the guest hosts that have filled in for her have compared to her natural charm and ability. She, Whit and Geo are the perfect trio for a morning show! Boo to ABC, it won’t be the same without her.
55
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M
It may also have been her idea to walk away. I will miss her that smile brightens up many peoples mornings. I wont watch if shes gone. ABC is losing a lot of people to CBS. Look at Eva Pilgram as well left. Get it together ABC.
9
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T
Love me some her, I will definitely miss her!!
54
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P
Why would ABC make such a huge mistake??? V
53
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A
Hate to see her go she’s outstanding on that new show
51
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P
Will miss her.
49
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B
Awww, she will be missed.
41
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M
She will be miss.You was so good.
35
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B
She is a great talent. Time for her to be center stage
33
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S
I think there out of there minds for not keeping her, she's so personal and happy all the time. Is ABC blind?
24
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M
Will miss her
24
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M
Personally, can’t believe her contract was not renewed, she will be missed she always had a smile on her face that made watching the show enjoyable.
18
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T
Big mistake! She was wonderful to listen to! I will miss her very much!!!
15
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S
The Saturday crew have great chemistry! Now I have to watch something else🤬
14
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P
Will not be watching anymore
3
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M
Well, I guess I’ll have to find a different news show,
depending on her replacement.
14
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S
We love Janai and the whole werkend crew on GMA!! I hope they re-up her contract. The chemistry between them all is amazing to watch and so entertaining. My husband and I are deeply disappointed at this news.
11
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F
Big mistake. ABC should reconsider and offer her a new contract. That weekend trio is phenomenal. Don’t fix what’s not broken.
10
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T
Those 3 are better than the weekday show by far. Not ever boring like Robin, George, Lara, and Sam. Rhiannon, Mary, and Rachel are dull too. Revive weekday.Move these 3 and Will Ganz over to weekday and move those other ones on to something else. Strahan can stick to sports. And for heavens sake, get rid of deals and steals and whatever the other hawking segment is called!
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M
You are the one that kept their ratings up. You are very intelligent, beautiful inside and out, and when one door closes another one open ABC don’t realize you’re value
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10
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J
Sad. She is so much better than worthless George.
10
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S
So wrong I love watching the weekend trio much more than the Morning cast . I am 71 years old and it always made me happy to see the three weekend team always put a smile on my face. What is wrong with ABC Please reconsider what your doing .
8
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N
She is exceptional and it will be a loss
7
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R
We love Janai!
7
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M
Better than geor& Robin
7
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A
This sucks, I just love her. I wish the weekend crew could take over the morning show with George because I love him. Robin, I'm sick of all she does is repeat everything twice. It's like we heard you the first time you don't need to repeat it again and it seems she has to turn so many of their conversations, About her. And her and michael are hardly ever there, for the upteen million dollars a year they make and they're not always on location! I'm really gonna miss her, her and Witt, Geo always,
Made my weekends better!! Big mistake ABC!!!
6
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M
What’s going on ABC? She has got to be the best correspondent you have and you don’t renew her contract? She’s talented. Too much emphasis on the guys, Gio and the Reeves guy. She earned her position and ABC is making a major mistake. If she goes to ABC or CBS, I will follow and leave too.
5
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S
ABC is making a huge mistake letting her go. The weekend team is truly the best and great chemistry.
I hope she moves on to something bigger and better. She is an outstanding journalist, news anchor and overall person. She brought so much to ABC. Not sure what they are thinking letting a favorite like her go!
5
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M
The higher ups get rid of all the wrong people. They need to realize it loses viewership when they do things like this. ABC is fortunate to have the Anchors they currently have.
5
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A
Not renewing Janai's contract is a stupid move. There is great chemistry among Whit, Gio and Janai-- and she's the foundation of that chemistry. Stupid move, ABC. And with the Xfinity blackout of ABC affilates, I guess I'm not tuning into ABC anymore.
5
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R
I live for Saturday mornings with Janai. Bring her back ABC and give her a raise. You got this one real wrong!!!
5
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G
Aww she will truly be missed. She’s a bundle of joy every time she’s on the air. Hope to see that smile on another network soon.
5
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J
God bless you wherever you go. Will miss seeing you. 💞
5
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P
She’s great
5
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M
Will miss her, she was a ray of sunshine on the weekend.
5
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A
She will definitely be miss.
5
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S
This is a bad move. She makes my Saturday morning. I hope she lands somewhere else. I’m certainly following. She’s awesome. ABC will definitely miss her. It’s a mistake.
4
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D
I will no longer watch the show. Janai, Whit, and Gio are the perfect match, love their chemistry.
4
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C
I always looked forward to seeing Jabari on the weekends. I probably won’t watch it anymore…😢
4
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A
Love her. Wherever she goes I will follow!
4
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Y
I ABSOLUTELY Adore Janai, Geo & Wit TOGETHER!!! 😭 Their sense of Humor, and their Apparent ❤️💙💙 for each other… This is very Disappointing to hear. They make my Weekend mornings so much better! Plzzzzz, Reconsider JANAI’S EXIT!! A Huge ABC Fan
3
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L
I will miss her. She is professional and smart. I'm disappointed ABC would let her go.
3
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J
I will be watching for a different morning show. Maybe NBC maybe CBS. But no longer ABC. Such a mistake.!!!! I really liked Jami
3
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S
Horrible decision, ABC, and this is my go-to network.
3
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S
ABC is doing some really strange staffing lately..
Move, Eva let Marco go, reassignment here and there. Will Reeves can barley read a teleprompter, yet he's on everyday..oh yeah he's Superman son..hmmmm?
Janai is talented and well liked throughout media..give her a new contract.
3
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B
She’s terrific? Why not resign her?
3
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L
I love he and her energy! Big mistake!
3
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C
Totally disappointed in ABC7. GMA weekends had such a good trio. They were a joy to watch.
2
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T
Heartbroken! I love the trio of Whit, Gio and Janai.
2
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M
I can’t imagine why ABC wouldn’t want to keep Janai on air. She adds so much with Gio and Whit. GMA Weekend is a bight spot on my weekends. Janai will be missed.
2
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J
I can’t believe they are letting her go! Love her and her energy. Not to mention the wonderful chemistry she has with Witt and Geo.
I’m done with GMA for good now. Not a fan of the weekday crew, and this weekend crew kept me watching e dry weekend. Terrible decision!
2
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J
If ABC doesn’t renew her contract. I will watch another network on the weekends. I am very disappoint and highly upset. ABC didn’t a reason why they didn’t renew Janai contract. I hope we are not getting ready for a racial issue. Because it’s not making sense. It’s not worth watching if she is not there.
2
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F
So sad😔. She is such a beautiful woman, with a bubbly personality!
She will be missed,.
2
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B
Janai Norman should be renewed. A bright light on the weekend show. Also enjoy My Baby. If anyone goes, it should be Gio!
2
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L
I love her. She a very bright light. I'm so over sam champion and they keep bringing him back
2
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C
I love watching Janai interact with the weekend team..such a natural! I will miss her!!
2
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B
She is great and drop Robbin Roberts all she wants to do is talk women's basketball and travel
2
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D
That's sad news . Janai is so wonderful. You will be missed
2
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M
I am pissed about this
2
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M
She is still young and can PIVOT and SEGUE into other media platforms. Such are the PITFALLS and UNRELIABILITY of CORPORATE CAREERS. The competition is so CUTTHROAT. I have ALWAYS suspected that they would ''AX'' someday. I wish her well. I hope she saved some money during her broadcast tenure. And that her benefit package was ''REASONABLE''.
1
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E
The trio of Whit, Janai & Gio are the perfect morning show synergy, which I looked forward to every weekend morning. ABC is destroying something very special from which they may never recover.
1
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B
Big mistake. The weekend team is the best! Oh Baby is a great show. I watch with my grandchildren. Her personality and professionalism are to notch!
If abc is saving money I could list other choices. This makes me sad.
1
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G
Janai is my favorite with that million dollar smile, professionalism, and quick wit. I will no longer watch the show without her.
1
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F
I don’t like the fact her contract wasn’t renewed because the team works incredibly well together and the show is very enjoyable to watch with her on it. It’s very sad news indeed and it won’t be a priority now to watch and I feel that is a huge mistake by not renewing her contract
1
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A
I love her.
I am not happy with their decisions
1
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J
I hate to see her leave the show she was good at what she was doing. Makes me wonder if all of these shake up’s in media have anything to do with this administration and the FCC chairman if it is then they are really trying to control the media industry!!
1
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T
A big lost for the network
1
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G
Good Morning America is no longer fun to watch. You get the feeling that cast members don't like each other. CBS Mornings is definitely easier to watch.
1
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T
No it isn't with know it all Gayle . No one with gravitas at CBS. GMA during week is chaotic with all the celebs and who likes watching George on his phone, Lara and her refurbish bits, Sam everywhere all at once, and Robin and Michael thick as theives. The deals and steals makes me change channels every freegging day!
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S
I loved her! Now I’m done with abc get rid of Lara Spencer! She always talks over people, doesn’t know when to stop!
Janai was the best as is all the weekend crew!
I’ve watched her ever since the early morning show before I went to work!
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B
I miss her and it’s not the same without her.
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S
I rarely go to the internet to search for someone I am missing from television. However, I really missed seeing Jenai Norman with her captivating smile. I am truly disappointed to hear this news because I enjoyed her magnetic charisma. I too, hope the network will reconsider this decision. It is unfortunate when viewer’s favorite shows and journalists are removed without polling the viewers.
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T
Janai Norman was my favorite! I loved the chemistry of the weekend anchors. In my opinion ABC sucks for not renewing her contract and stating it like she is just leaving. I will no longer be watching ABC weekend news.
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S
This is so sad and a terrible shock. She brought so much joy and life to the show.
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G
GMA need to bring Janall back on weekend new
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A
I think it is terrible that ABC didn't renew Janai Norman's contract. I will not be watching GMA any longer. They broke up an awesomevteam.
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S
This lady on now, Saturday, April 18 is terrible with that fake hair. Too bad, ABC did not renew the contract of a really good personality.
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I
Not a good look for ABC GMA and Black women who work there. They fire Janai for no reason, without a goodbe send-off. And what happened to Samara Theodore??
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M
Big mistake, huge! Janai is the heart of GMA Weekend and the show is not the same and do not watch any more.
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J
As usual GMA messes up big time. The men get to stay!!!!
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V
I will NOT watch GMA weekend anymore!!! I have followed Janai since she was on World News Tonight. You will be missed Janai.😪
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A
Big mistake !
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C
BIG, BIG LOSS! BIG MISTAKE! Love her! She brings a vibrancy on set. Her connection with her coworkers is effortless. It was such a joy to watch their interaction, their connection, their friendship. Janai, you will surely be missed!
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V
I still can not believe it. She was a breath of fresh air. She had so much chemistry with her co workers. She was very professional and it was a pleasure to see her on the weekends.
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L
What the hell!?
This is not a good look for GMA.
🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
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G
Major mistake!!!! I am boycotting GMA and encourage those who are outraged to do the same. Janai Norman has so much personality. To not renew her contract is a show killing tpye of mistake!!!
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B
I personally will not continue to watch. The three people on weekend news really seemed to like each other which made the show wonderful to watch. Big mistake to not renew her contract. Such a disappointment.
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M
I don’t watch GMA during the week… it’s ridiculous… Strahan out every Monday due to football … George knows nothing about anything unless it is anti Trump. The weekend however I loved with j’nai whit and geo … they understand regular people. Big mistake GMA… get rid of your weekday anchors
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K
She is one of my favorite she is a big loss for abc She makes gmac shine
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D
Chemistry and a great sense of humor. She was warm and fuzzy. Replacement isn't. Guess I'mchanging channels. So disappointed
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D
What a loss…..may have to watch another network. Have been a huge fan of hers for years. Don’t get it 🙁.
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N
So disappointed she was the reason I actually watched,guess I start watching CNN now,weekday show has gotten so corny and boring
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C
Ditto. HUGE mistake to let Janai go. Always loved the Saturday morning trio of Janai, Whit, and Gio. Dumb move, ABC.
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T
I don't think that’s a good ideal, her beautiful smile she and the guys seem to get alone so well, She’s a light that shine so gently, Please keep her, Who’s ideal was this, wrong wrong wrong! Why her bad decision, She’s the reason I watch GMA weekends. Hope she put into a better position, definitely not leaving for good🥺
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M
I basically watched for her. She was a touch of fresh air. I will not be watching any more. You are losing a great asset to the station.
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H
I am devastated!! @ABC you've made a huge mistake letting Janai Norman go!! She was the BEST person on GMA!! GET HER BACK. You're going to lose A LOT of loyal viewers if you don't bring her back!! BYE BYE til then!!
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T
I love the 3 of them together. They were warm. Yet its noted how GMA is lacking depth more and more. BTW why has Michael's face been removed from the ad line up.. Samora has yet to be heard of since maternity leave. I'll be at NBC.
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B
Janae, Witt and Geo are the best. Much better than the weekday hosts. They all get along great and bring much joy and laughter to the show.
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C
I completely agree!!! Janai was my favorite. She is a kind, professional and amazing person who will be greatly missed. I loved watching to see what you wore each week. lol. Just a genuine, honest person. I’m so so disappointed.
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J
I also say BIG MISTAKE!!! Her upbeat attitude and the great way she reports her stories won’t be easy to replicate!!! I thought she was a GMA perfect fit!!!
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M
They need to get rid of the has beens..George Robin and Michael.. keep her she's the best
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J
I absolutely loved the chemistry between Janai, Whit and Gio! I cannot believe ABC did something so stupid.
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N
I won’t be watching abc any more they are truly going down hill.
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N
It’s that bari Weiss !! She needs to go.
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V
ABC is making a BIG mistake!!! Janai makes watching the weekend so fun, her smile & laughter starts your day on the right foot, her smile makes you smile. I for one will not be watching the weekend anymore!!!
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V
She will be missed. At least I’ll have a good reason to sleep later on Saturday and Sunday.
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B
Going to miss the bubbly personailty. Curious to see where she lands. May be a game changer for my weekend morning s . Good luck Janai
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S
I think that ABC is letting so many go. This article fortto say Also let go was Raegan Margie. Janice Yu Eva Pilgrim Matt Gutman left. Idk what their issue is but I probably am giving up on ABC
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D
No!! She's the glue to the weekend trio! No interest in watching with her gone..
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L
Wait what!?! Love Janai! She is a fantastic anchor and reporter / plus the chemistry between her and Whit and Gio is noteworthy. Bring Janai back please!
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C
I've been watching this beautiful lady ever since she was on late night news rather overnight news! I've followed her ever since! Shes so much fun! And down to earth! Her personality is magical! She WILL be missed! Loved her on "oh baby" well ! You have made a HUGE MISTAKE! ABC! What are you thinking! Apparently not thinking! Cheryl
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T
She needs her own talk show. Would be better than all those leaving ---Kelly, Jennifer, and Sherri---and Tamron has been on too long too. Someone give Janai a talk show along the lines of Drew! She has a strong fan base just from being on weekends even!
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D
If she goes, we should boycott ABC good morning America I know I will
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S
Beautiful, brilliant and very informative. I love seeing and hearing from her.
I know I won't continue to watch for sure.
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M
Please don’t start getting rid of your best reporters like CBS is doing.
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R
She’s the best..First Eva left , now Janai. Will have to start watching something else. Why mess with a good thing.
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T
She was too black and beautiful for ABC during this time of political assassination of human civility.
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M
This is so disappointing! Janai brings personality and authenticity to the anchor chair. She has built a fan base who may take their viewership elsewhere. ABC where is your loyalty to people who work hard for you. Do better!
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L
Janai Norman is one of my favorite on ABC. Her smile is infectious and her reporting is always on point. I pray they keep her on the show. I’m very disappointed on their actions regarding Ms. Norman
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G
NOOOOO!! Janai is the witty spark plug of the weekend GMA, as well as filling in often on weekdays!! She’s great on reporting assignments, & even on location weather reporting, what an unexpected & unfortunate loss at ABC!!🥵😭😡🤷🏼♂️🤦♂️
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B
Not happy about this at all. I love Janai on the show and this was my primary reason for watching GMA on the weekends. If she leaves, I will definitely limit my time watching this show or channel
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M
That’s not a good decision. I hope you re-think your decision. Best in the business!!
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T
Best week end anchor. Switching to cnn without her
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M
Shame on you, we love Janai, it’s on you losing great people
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R
ABC is truly going down a bad path! She is teriffic! Maybe get rid of Lara Spencer who is same old same old and the Sam Champion who is in love with himself.
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V
You don't really want to know what 92% is thinking because it would just be denied
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S
Very disappointed. Janai is very personable, friendly and amazingly with a bubbly personality and an amazing journalist.
Please resign her contact. I will miss her and will nit watch the weekend show with her gone. I will miss her.
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S
I love her personality and her reporting is top notch! ABC? Why?
I hope she dies goes work with Matt Guttman on CBS. I will watch them instead.
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E
All of net work is letting go all the journalist. Wake up viewers
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L
Wow, it is just a matter of time before ABC gets rid Of all their anchors of color, this is exactly why I no longer watch their news program.
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A
Good riddance! Her voice was very irritating and she was too giggly-giggly for me.
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P
Totally ridiculous!! Letting her go to keep Gio makes me question motives. She’s great and he is terrible.
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M
Her voice and cackling laugh were very irritating early in the morning.
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