Behind the Scenes at GMA: What Really Goes On Before the Cameras Start RollingGood Morning America (GMA) has been a staple of morning television for decades, offering viewers a mix of breaking news, entertainment, and heartwarming stories. While fans see the polished, energetic hosts bright and early, what they don’t see is the bustling hive of activity happening behind the scenes before the show even begins. As someone who works behind the scenes at GMA, I can tell you that making morning television look effortless is no small feat. Here’s a glimpse into what really goes on before the cameras start rolling.
The Day Starts Before Sunrise
The workday for GMA’s crew and hosts begins while much of the world is still asleep. On-air personalities such as Robin Roberts, Michael Strahan, and Lara Spencer are expected to be on set by 4 AM. But even before they arrive, producers, writers, and technical crew are already hard at work preparing the day’s content.
The show’s producers spend the early morning hours reviewing breaking news, finalizing scripts, and coordinating with correspondents who may be reporting live from different locations. Every second of airtime is carefully planned, ensuring smooth transitions and engaging storytelling. Meanwhile, the control room team tests equipment, sets up live feeds, and troubleshoots any potential technical issues before the show starts.
Glam, Coffee, and Pre-Show Rituals
Once the hosts arrive, they head straight to hair and makeup, a.k.a. “the glam fam,” as Robin Roberts fondly calls her team. Lara Spencer jokingly refers to this process as getting her “spackle” done, making sure she’s camera-ready before stepping onto the set. Each host has their own way of getting in the zone—some read over scripts, others check in with producers, and a few, like Michael Strahan, play their favorite music to energize themselves for the show.
Robin Roberts also takes a moment for morning prayer, often sharing words of wisdom with her followers on Instagram. This time of reflection helps her set a positive tone before heading into the fast-paced environment of live television.
The Controlled Chaos of the Set
While the audience sees a picture-perfect set, behind the scenes is a different story. Crew members rush to ensure everything is in place, from microphones and teleprompters to lighting and props. The newsroom is buzzing with last-minute updates, and floor managers communicate with producers through earpieces, keeping everyone on track.
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One crew member likened the experience to the famous trash compactor scene from Star Wars, where the walls start closing in—a humorous yet accurate comparison to the high-pressure environment of morning television.
Breaking News and Unexpected Moments
Live television is unpredictable. Whether it’s a major breaking news story or an unexpected blooper, the team must be ready to pivot at a moment’s notice. Field reporters often find themselves in challenging situations—just ask Matt Gutman, who recently took an accidental tumble into a rock quarry while reporting on a storm.
Meanwhile, some crew members juggle multiple jobs, heading straight to The View or other ABC programs once GMA wraps up. The fast-paced nature of the industry means there’s little time to rest, but the dedication of the team ensures that every show runs smoothly.
The Magic of Morning TV
Despite the early hours, the caffeine-fueled rush, and the occasional mishap, there’s something incredibly rewarding about being part of the GMA family. Seeing a segment come together, knowing that millions of people are starting their day with the stories we’ve worked so hard to produce, makes all the effort worthwhile.
So next time you tune in to Good Morning America, remember the army of dedicated professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring you the news, entertainment, and moments that make your mornings a little brighter.
I work behind the scenes at GMA – what really goes on before the cameras start rolling
THIS is what really goes on before the cameras start rolling on Good Morning America, according to a social media producer on the show.
While fans tune in to ABC to see their favorite GMA hosts in the morning, the cast and crew get up way earlier to make it all happen.
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Robin Roberts (pictured) starts her morning off with her ‘glam fam’ and some inspirational wordsCredit: ABC
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Michael Strahan (pictured) likes to listen to music when getting readyCredit: ABC
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Lara Spencer (pictured) gets her “spackle” done before the cameras start rollingCredit: ABC
On-air personalities have to be on set before the sun comes up, heading to work at 4am.
Then it’s off to the makeup chair, or “the glam fam” as host Robin Roberts calls her team.
Roberts likes to keep things inspirational before heading to the GMA studio.
This involves a morning prayer, which she posts on Instagram, and some words of wisdom from Pastor Joel Olsteen.
Lara Spencer refers to time in her dressing room as getting her “spackle” done, according to the video posted on ABC.
Some stars read their team their horoscopes, while Michael Strahan likes to get down to some music.
Roberts also enjoys greeting fans in Times Square before the show.
Coffee keeps the cast and crew going during the long hours they spend at the TV station – with George Stephanopoulos seen grabbing a cup of joe in his office.
One crew member said: “Have you ever seen Star Wars where they’re in the trash compactor and the walls start closing in?”
“So we’ve reached that part of the morning,” when referring to the behind the scenes action.
The grinding never stops for some crew members who hold multiple jobs at different shows – like one worker who goes straight to The View after GMA.
Some of the behind the scenes action includes researching stories, creating soundbites, and making sure the production team has all the equipment they need for a segment.
It can get messy behind the scenes, like when Matt Gutman fell into a rock quarry while reporting on a recent storm.
Sometimes it’s also nice just to grab a bite to eat amid the chaos of breaking news and back-to-back segments, which some crew members were able to do in the video.
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It takes a lot to get the GMA set picture-perfectCredit: Getty
