Shockwaves at ABC: Two Beloved Anchors Out the Door

Portrait of Eva Pilgrim, DeMarco Morgan, and Dr. Jen Ashton.

For viewers of Good Morning America 3, the afternoon hour has always been a reliable comfort—a blend of news, warmth, and familiar faces. But this week, that sense of stability was shattered. ABC News, still reeling from months of “nightmare” layoffs, has pulled the rug out from under fans once again, announcing the departure of not one, but two fan-favorite anchors: Eva Pilgrim and DeMarco Morgan.

The news landed with a thud in inboxes across ABC, as staffers packed up their desks and braced for more change. The memo from ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic was clear: “He [DeMarco] has decided to begin a new journey and will be departing ABC News.” Eva, meanwhile, stunned fans with her own announcement—she’s leaving for CBS’s Inside Edition, closing the door on her GMA3 chapter.

Eva Pilgrim và DeMarco Morgan trên GMA3.

A Farewell Fans Weren’t Ready For

Social media lit up in disbelief. One viewer wrote, “I’m happy Eva quickly landed on her feet at Inside Edition. But, I hate that she and DeMarco were replaced amidst the shakeup at #GMA3.” Another posted a confused-face GIF, summing up the collective bewilderment: “So DeMarco Morgan and Eva Pilgrim are both leaving ABC…”

The anger was palpable. “Throwing Eva & DeMarco out like so much trash is disrespectful & just plain stupid,” one fan fumed. “You already shot yourselves in the foot firing Amy & TJ. Get your shit together already.”

For many, the loss of Eva and DeMarco feels like déjà vu. Just last year, the network ousted TJ Holmes and Amy Robach after their highly publicized affair, thrusting Eva and DeMarco into the spotlight. Now, their tenure ends almost as abruptly as it began.

Behind the Scenes: A Network in Turmoil

Industry insiders say the shakeup is symptomatic of deeper chaos at ABC. The layoffs in March were just the beginning, leaving staffers anxious and viewers uneasy. The anchor desk at GMA3 has become a revolving door, with new faces arriving before fans can even learn their names.

Media expert Linda Foster explains, “When a network goes through mass layoffs, it inevitably shakes the foundation. People crave consistency—especially in daytime TV. Every time a beloved anchor leaves, you risk losing a piece of your audience.”

But ABC insists the changes are about “new journeys” and “fresh energy.” Whether viewers agree is another story.

What’s Next for GMA3?

As Eva heads to Inside Edition and DeMarco closes the chapter on his ABC career, the afternoon hour faces an uncertain future. The network is betting on new anchors—Will and Gio—to win over fans. But the question hangs in the air: Can they fill the shoes of two anchors who, in just a year, became household names?

TV critic Mark Reynolds is skeptical. “Eva and DeMarco brought a unique chemistry to GMA3. Their departure, especially after the Amy and TJ fiasco, leaves a void that’s hard to fill,” he says. “ABC needs to tread carefully, or risk alienating loyal viewers for good.”

The Human Cost: Layoffs That Won’t Stop Hurting

For ABC staffers, the mood is somber. The layoffs earlier this year were brutal, and now, the anchor shakeup feels like salt in the wound. “It’s more than just TV,” one insider confides. “These are people with families, careers, and loyal followings. Every departure hurts.”

Viewers, too, are left picking up the pieces. The afternoon hour won’t be the same, and many are wondering if their favorite show can survive so much upheaval.

As GMA3 prepares for its next chapter, one thing is clear: the only constant at ABC is change. For fans mourning Eva and DeMarco, the afternoon won’t feel quite so sunny—and the network will have to work overtime to win back their trust. Stay tuned, because in daytime television, the drama is never just on screen.