Axed ‘GMA’ Star Janai Norman Makes Big Move After Sudden Exit From Show
What To Know
- Janai Norman placed her New Jersey mansion on the market for $3.2 million shortly after ABC declined to renew her contract.
- Norman, who joined GMA Weekend in 2019, previously expressed sadness over her abrupt exit.
- Despite her departure, Norman recently reunited with former co-hosts and colleagues for a night out.
Janai Norman is making some big life changes just weeks after she was abruptly let go from her hosting duties on the weekend edition of ABC’s Good Morning America.
According to The U.S. Sun, citing real estate records, Norman placed her New Jersey mansion on the market for $3.2 million on April 30, just weeks after it was confirmed ABC wouldn’t be renewing her GMA contract.
The 36-year-old reporter purchased the six-bedroom suburban property with her husband, Charlie, in 2022, the same year she joined GMA as the show’s co-host on Saturday and Sunday. The home, where Norman and Charlie lived with their three children, also features a chef’s kitchen, an in-home gym, an outdoor fire pit, and New York City skyline views.
It’s unclear where Norman and her family will be moving once the house is sold.
In April, news broke that Norman would be leaving the weekend edition of GMA after ABC declined to renew her contract. She previously joined GMA Weekend in 2019 as the Pop News host before being promoted to her anchor role in 2022.
Norman confirmed her exit in an April 3 Instagram video. “I hoped that we’d have more time, and it’s been hard on me that our time was cut short,” she said. “I have loved my job. It has been a joy to connect with my co-workers and with viewers, to help keep you informed and entertained, and to create this community. So it really breaks my heart that I don’t get to say goodbye. I’m so sorry that I don’t get to say goodbye. It would have been fun.”
She also unfollowed the official GMA Instagram account, suggesting the exit from the show was not a mutual decision.
Norman reunited with her former co-hosts, Whit Johnson and Gio Benitez, for a night out with colleagues late last month. “A night of laughter and love with this crew! Always a blast!” Johnson captioned an Instagram slideshow of snaps from a group dinner.
Good Morning America Weekend, Weekends, 7am, ABC
Conversation84 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Register or sign in to join the conversation.
-
S
Loved her as the weekend anchor. ABC made a mistake not renewing her contract.
98
-
M
SAD, I looked forward to seeing her on the weekends, made my day!. But not to have given her the respect to professionally inform her for a better sendoff , not cool. That show was my Weekends in the AM. I'm will move over to another channel going forward. No offense to the ones remaining (for now).
86
-
L
I’m very disappointed ABC did not renew her contract. She is a spark of sunshine and professionalism. I wish her the very best in her continuing journey. SHAME ON YOU ABC!!!
80
-
J
She was the highlight of the show
67
-
W
I stopped watching GMA weekdays and weekends. Janae didn't deserve the disrespect of no farewell goodbye or closure. Failing ABC has loss several decent journalists recently (Matt, Terry, Eva, Kenneth, Rob. Tom, etc...
61
-
W
I miss her on the weekends. I loved her laugh.
59
-
W
I stopped watching after they let her go. Last thing I want to see on TV is more white men, and I am one.
44
-
G
Bring her to CBS morning s. They need more rotating correspondants/ anchors to lighten the morning show
37
-
S
GMA made a huge mistake here. Janai was my favorite. She will definitely land somewhere and I’ll be watching.
30
-
T
This is so crazy. Janai was one of the best broadcasters that GMA had. She was great at what she did and very enthusiastic! I looked forward to watching GMA on the weekends and began to see her during the week which is the reason that kept my interest because how she told the story. She was very compassionate, beautiful and showed empathy when she spoke. I don’t know what happened, but I can tell you that it doesn’t look good for GMA. You lost a jewel and you don’t even realize it. Much success to you Janai! When God allows a door to close, he has something better for you! Be encouraged! We love you ♥️
26
-
G
I watched the weekend show faithfully as she worked her way from the sidelines to the main stage/ desk. I missed her presence during her maternity leave. So, to dismiss her like that reeks in the worst way. As soon as I heard, I stopped watching and stopped pre-recording the week day and weekend show.
25
-
9
She was the best thing about the show & her absence leaves a huge hole. Whit & Geo are great but she was 'it'
21
-
L
Wow I was wondering what happened to her. I thought maybe she was in a leave or something. This is a BIG mistake by ABC!!! I will no longer watch GMA on the weekends. She was always positive, beautiful smile and professional with her delivery. This means GOD is going to open bigger and better doors for her. I can’t wait to see her again on TV. Maybe she can get her own spot with a Co Host somewhere ♥️
15
-
S
I have not only stoped watching gma weekend but abc and cbs totally. As I see young black women being phased out and others left in place which I do no not feel are nearly as talented.Her replacement has been described as so beautiful. Janai was not only beautiful but warm with a million dollar smile. She really made a difference.
15
-
K
I enjoyed Janai, she is great and the three together were fun and informative. Not happy with abc. Dirty play.
15
-
L
Big mistake on ABC's part.
12
-
T
The chemistry was great between Whit, Janae, and Gio and I looked forward both to their journalism and their banter every Saturday and Sunday. With her departure, I have switched to NBC.
11
-
W
I am no longer a viewer of GMA Weekends. The disrespect shown to her was not necessary. Sad days we are living in.
10
-
D
I totally miss her. She is a ray of sunshine and positivity. I won’t watch GMA weekend anymore.
9
-
V
I really wish there would have been a better way for Jana to have left I really love her being specially on the. Show.. No one can take her place.I know a lot of people would agree with me.
8
-
B
I will no longer watch GMA due to Janai Norman's sudden departure. Not rrenewing her contact was a huge mistake. Not allowing Janai to say goodbye to her fans was a slap in the face to Janai and the GMA fans. Janai was such a warm, witty, and personable host who deserved better. We see enough disrespect and unkindness going on in our world right now. A major news show should set an example, not be adding to it! I've watched GMA for over 50 years. Not anymore!!
7
-
L
I truly truly miss seeing her on the weekends and when she showed up during the week, I don’t know who those women are that ABC tried to put in her place, but they just can’t take her place. What do they got three of them that they’re rotating or something for one bright shining star I surely believe that ABC good morning America does not treat certain people very well. They always throw the good ones under the bus and get rid of them. These new women that they brought in they just don’t cut it.
7
-
P
I think they made the best threesome of laughter on TV. I think the three complimented one another. They knew how to be serious and knew when to laugh, you can see a big difference in the show, the chemistry is not there.
I watched it every weekend. I have seen it a few times but not a fan of the show. It’s a stressful life sometimes and that weekend GMA made you laugh and cleared all the weeks clutter from your brain. ABC made a big mistake!p
5
-
S
Janai is such a ray of sunshine so for someone to try to stop her shine is simply their loss. Janai I know you are going to shine bright like a diamond in your future career endeavors. You are so intentional and you always are so prepared. Just know when one door closes God will open another one.
5
-
K
Jania was such a lovely anchor on GMA every time she was in air. Indeed letting her go was a mistake. I love her. Some other network will pick her up for her talent and personality is heartwarming. It’s not the same without her😢
5
-
A
I miss Janai on GMA weekend. She added so much to the show and the team was so fun to watch. I also miss Oh Baby which she hosted. That show was one of my favorites. I think it was a mistake to let her go1
5
-
S
I no longer watch GMA ON THE WEEKEND. It is also my morning news, but not anymore. Jania was sunshine and always made me smile. ABC made a BIG BIG MISTAKE.
5
-
B
I miss not seeing all three of them, they were a big start of my Saturday morning and Sunday morning. I wish Jania only the best.
4
-
S
This makes me sad. This young lady was always upbeat and joyful. How many men do you need to share the news? It's shameful.
I hope she understands that we love her and enjoyed her.
4
-
R
ABC made a huge mistake by letting Janae go. They had a perfect team! I will no longer watch the show. That was truly savage what they did, and goes to show that they don't care about their employees.
4
-
L
Sad to know you’re no longer with GMA. I think it’s rude and unprofessional to not allow a good-bye on air to the many followers. I pray blessings to you and your family. I look forward to seeing you on another show soon.
4
-
D
GMA SHOULD BE ASHAMED. JANI WAS WHAT GOT AFRICAN AMERICAN PEOPLE TO VIEW THE WEEKEND SHOW ALONG WITH GEO & WITT. YOU SHOULD REALLY BE ASHAMED, BIG MISTAKE. I HOPE YOUR COMPETITION PICKS HER UP, YOU DUMMIE!!!
4
-
M
I loved and miss seeing her. She was a bright spot on the show!! She had a quirky laugh that made me laugh along. You mad a big mistake taking her off the air!!!!please bring her back!!
4
-
L
Makes me wonder, “who didn’t like her?”
Personally I loved her! She was a delight on the show, which they need!
Some , and I won’t name names, have been there too long!
3
-
F
Miss her so very much. Her style, her knowledge of presenting the news and stories was top notch. I
Stop by the channel this morning and miss her sitting in the middle chair. I switched channels immediately.
3
-
D
Big Mistake, I really liked Janai. She had great chemistry with the other hosts. ABC messed up!!!!
3
-
C
Corporations today are not empathetic, loyal, respectful, of their employees - you are just a number. Janai, will succeed wherever she lands
3
-
S
I think they made a big mistake.
3
-
S
I loved to watch Janai on GMA weekends. I no longer watch and have encouraged others to do the same. ABC made a huge mistake in not renewing her contract. Janai was awesome and I pray God will protect her and continue to bless her richly.
3
-
D
I only watched weekends for her and the great chemistry with Whit & Gio. Outta here now ABC…
3
-
F
So, ABC Executives, you couldn’t get around the “Crown Act” so I’m alleging her appearance was too “ethnic” for certain demographic groups and political groups?
I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more insidious reasons for not renewing her contract.
May she find greener pastures to flourish and grow!
2
-
L
Get new panel George retire not news worthy
2
-
H
That was a terrible decision to let her go. She was smart, cheerful and a joy to watch. If you have a fair complexion even if you're black you have a much better chance of keeping a television job than a dark skin female. Looks seems more important than talent.
2
-
M
I am so disappointed in GMA Weekend for not renewing Janaei's contract. The three had genuine chemistry. Now all we get are these awkward (and random) collaborations. Why fix what wasn't broken?!?? Ugggh!!
2
-
C
Why would you let her go? She had everything!
2
-
C
Huge mistake to let Janai go!! They wrecked the best team in morning tv not to mention the lack of respect for a true pro and big personality. Can’t wait to see where she lands. You go, girl!
2
-
G
I stopped watching ABC network when they let Janai go!
2
-
,
No anai was my favorite. She brought so much to gma. Now the only I care for , of course walt and geo and George. Should have axed lara. She smiles when presenting terrible news. Seems when something works gma screws it up
2
-
G
Sad, that's why I stop watching, good luck to her
2
-
B
You screwed up just like you did with Amy and TJ. At least let us know why she was let go. This is not right . You should have at least let the viewers know what was happening
2
-
C
This really angers me. I always love seeing Jamaican, the brightest star!
I might have to switch channels. ABC has not been viewer friendly for awhile now. Sad and disappointing.
2
-
D
She was the Best! Someone was jealous. Lesson learned.. beware of the snakes.
Best of luck to her.
2
-
S
I can't believe they did not renew Janai's contract. My God! What did she do other than create a shining light to GMA Saturday. She is as good as they come. ABC, you suck. I will rethink watching the show I couldn't wait for the weekend to see. SMDH. Bye Felicia! I hope others stop watching as well.
1
-
M
I think that they do not have enough woman of color on GMA please bring her back she was a breath of freshness's for the Show.
1
-
B
I loved Janai Norman , it was like looking at a sister of mine and for her to disappear all of a sudden and to find out they didn’t renew her contract has mad me sick. She was one of the best people and the reason I watched was because of her. I look for her every week and to find out they let her go is sickening. I don’t know anybody that didn’t love her. But that’s how they treat people they lift them up to let them go. She was one of the reasons I watched this show, so now just as they let her go, I will be leaving also. This was a wife, a mother and she was great at her job, what jerk made this decision. I will always remember and love her as a great part of this program.
1
-
R
I think it was a mistake to not renew Ms Norman’s contract. I won’t be watching the weekend news acts. She was the reason I watched.
1
-
M
I also think that they made a great big mistake. She always had a smile on her face. It was sunshine to see ABC made a big mistake. I’m starting to watch another channel. ABC is going downhill for me with weekday news weekend news GMA I’m tired of it. Made a big mistake.
1
-
K
I honestly tried to watch GMA weekend without Jania but it’s just not the same! I think I will be moving on to a different show on the weekends! So sorry but I think it was a big mistake, GMA , to let her go…
1
-
R
Goodbye GMA. Loved Janai although most on the show embellish the truth. This isn’t news, lies and demented ideas indeed. Wish a fox like Janai was on FOX!
1
-
H
ABC made another mistake. Janai Nirman will do better.
1
-
G
W/E GMA was the best live show that ABC had. All the others are so inconsistent you never know what host are going to show up. The chemistry that that crew had was magic and rare. I thought they would have made a good third hour. The person who made that decision is the one whose contract should'nt we renewed.
1
-
M
The new weekend broadcaster's on GMA 10:30 Chicago time do not have any chemistry together. Very flat and boring. I'll have to look for a new weekend show. Too bad.
-
L
I miss her and don’t understand why she was let go.
-
M
I miss Janai, she was so charismatic and I hope things work out for her next endeavor.
-
W
what a great loss she w
as great what is wrong
-
M
I used to watch CBS Mornings quite a bit, but don't like the look of it now. The trend with CBS, with Bari Weiss at the helm, seems to be in a direction I don't like. It appears to be a 'whitening' of everything there. Don't like at all. Dora O'Donnell on quite a bit. NO thanks with the 'ice queen.' Their ratings are down there and everywhere. With the Ellisons in control, CBS is shabby now. I don't see them adding Janai at all. Shame. Shawna Thomas went to MS Now which is good for her and viewers.
-
E
I somewhat understand the politics of TV, since I'm old enough to remember Black and White tubes. But disrespect to Mrs. Norman saddens me. I like Whit and Gio but dislike ABC' money move. Praying for Janai' successful move!
-
B
I really miss Janai. I loved watching her. She brought life to the show Why don’t they swallow their pride and bring her back.
-
W
Wow! GMA made a huge mistake! Huge. She was a ray of sunshine no other on the show matched! Including GMA week days. I believed her to be a big rising star for them. What the he$& happened?
-
E
I think ABC is just a commercial for Disney
-
C
I am so disappointed with GMA and ABC for not renewing Janai Norman’s contract. Watching Janai, Whit and Geo on Sat and Sunday was a delight. It is not the same. What were they thinking!! Bring her back!!!
-
H
I am so sorry that Janai was removed and can't think for the life of me why that would be. Was she too good? Too funny? Too relatable?
I won't be watching GMA weekends any more.
-
S
This is so sad! I loved seeing her on ABC. They should have at least allowed her to say goodbye on air. We need more of us represented on the news, and she was an amazing anchor and reporter. ABC needs to bring her back! 👎🏾
-
S
In response to my first post.
No I will no longer watch GMA.
-
S
It really saddened me to know that my favorite weekend anchor Janai was no longer with GMA. Not a good look for GMA to have done a
bad tactic such as suddenly letting one of your top anchors leave without even giving her the respect to address her viewers, she deserved better than that. I had to research about where is Janai and why is she not reporting anymore, Now I know exactly what happened.
I want to express my gratitude for Janai and the outstanding work she did for the news media. She is a blessing with a beautiful soul. The next door that opens will be so grand you will know that GMA was the beginning of your new exciting journey. Keep Shining!
.
-
M
I am so sad that she isn't even doing "baby oh baby". The replacements on GMA now stink. Rebecca cackles like an old witch. I don't even enjoy watching anymore.
-
L
I’m a 71 year old white lady, and I miss her too. I’m realizing that I tune in way less now. They were a happy team to watch. They clicked!
-
S
100%
-
D
She took her job for granted. This is the result.
-
M
And you base this comment on what?
2
-
-
O
Janis was a bright light. ABC what were you thinking. So sad bring her back!
-
R
Still expecting to see Jania what a disappointment looking elsewhere for my news😔
-
Q
I hated Janai Norman. She tried to stay in the spotlight all the time.
-
H
Sorry, l meant Norman
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services