ABC News is set to revamp its weekend edition of *Good Morning America* with new anchor pairings and a fresh meteorological voice beginning on September 12. The show aims to enhance its connection with audiences during those weekend mornings, a moment many listeners cherish for staying informed.
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Rachel Scott will partner with seasoned anchor Whit Johnson every Saturday. On Sundays, Rhiannon Ally will join Gio Benitez. Leslie Lopez will take on the role of weekend meteorologist. This newly formed team signifies a strategic move to not only enrich the weekend broadcasts but also allow the presenters greater crossover to weekday segments.
Simone Swink, the senior executive producer of *Good Morning America*, expressed enthusiasm about the changes. “We know weekend mornings are precious to our audience, and we could not be more excited to have Whit, Rachel, Gio, and Rhiannon as our new weekend team, along with Leslie, to help our viewers make the most of their Saturdays and Sundays,” she stated. The enhanced format signifies a commitment to delivering consistent quality journalism while fostering a more personal connection with viewers.
Both Johnson and Benitez are established figures on the weekend programme. Johnson has been co-anchoring since 2018, while also maintaining his responsibilities for *World News Tonight* on Saturdays. Benitez, who joined as a weekend co-anchor in 2023, brings experience as ABC News’ transportation correspondent to the team.
For Johnson, working alongside Scott is particularly meaningful. Not only have they covered major news stories together, but Scott’s career trajectory — from a production associate to an anchor — resonates with him as a shared journey. Reflecting on this new chapter, Johnson noted, “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity — and especially excited to launch Saturdays with my good friend Rachel Scott.” He believes viewers will not only appreciate her extensive journalism skills but also her authentic personality.
Scott sees this transition as a remarkable achievement after nearly a decade with ABC. Since joining as a production associate in 2016, she has progressed steadily through the ranks to become a senior political correspondent. “I remember standing off to the sidelines and watching Robin, George, and Michael in complete awe,” Scott remarked. “Now, I can’t believe I’ll be at that desk every Saturday.” She assures viewers that her commitment to reporting remains intact, stating, “The reporting never stops, even from the anchor desk.”
Sundays will mark a significant reunion for Benitez and Ally, who first anchored together in local news in Miami. Benitez expressed his excitement about the collaboration, saying, “The fact that we now get to say Good Morning America together is truly special.” He values the relationship between the anchors and the viewers, noting that the weekend team is keen on keeping the audience informed.
Since joining ABC News in 2021, Ally has reported on various stories and was previously a co-anchor for *World News Now*. As a mother of three, she hopes to resonate with viewers managing busy lives. “I know how hectic life can be,” she commented, aiming to combine news delivery with personal experience.
Completing the revamped weekend roster is Leslie Lopez, who joined the network earlier this year after a decade of service as a morning meteorologist at KABC-TV in Los Angeles. Lopez highlighted her desire to be more than just a weather voice, stating, “I hope viewers get to know me not just as their trusted meteorologist, but as a mom and a warm, familiar friend in their living room.”
The newly expanded weekend team will not only change *Good Morning America* but will also extend their presence as anchoring hosts for ABC News Live Weekend, set to air at 10 a.m. ET on weekends. This initiative underscores ABC’s commitment to delivering timely and relevant news across all platforms.
*Good Morning America Saturday and Sunday* will continue to air at 8 a.m. ET on ABC, promising viewers an engaging and informative start to their weekends. The fresh pairings and the integration of new talents signal the network’s dedication to evolving its offerings to meet audience expectations and lifestyle changes.