Michael Strahan will continue to be absent from ‘GMA’

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Michael Strahan will continue to miss co-anchoring “Good Morning America” through at least Nov. 10, 2023.

ABC News announced that Strahan, who last appeared on “GMA” Oct. 26, 2023, is dealing with “some personal family matters.”

“We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and concerns,” the network said in a statement.

Strahan has also missed appearing on Fox’s “NFL Sunday” for two weeks, where he serves as an analyst under a separate contract from his ABC deal.

In Strahan’s absence, Juju Chang and Linsey Davis has been filling in for him on the morning shift.

Absences at “GMA” aren’t uncommon.

Strahan and his co-anchors Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos all take time off for one reason or another throughout the year. Roberts often only appears four days a week.

It is a bit unusual for a main anchor to be out during the month of November, which is commonly known as “sweeps,” a period of the year that plays a part in how much TV shows can sell advertising for, though with DVRs and streaming, the period is less important than it traditionally was.

ABC would not comment on the nature of Strahan’s family issues. Strahan has four children, two of which are adults from a previously marriage. His other two children are 19-year-old twin girls with his current wife, though it’s not clear if his family matters relate to any of these immediate family members.

Having three co-anchors like “GMA” does makes it easier to keep familiar faces for viewers, but it also increases someone might be ill, on-assignment or have other commitments. All three “GMA” co-anchors have other TV jobs or outside projects such as books or specials.

Other morning shows have attempted to replicate the trio-format, with “CBS Mornings” have three permanent co-anchors. NBC’s “Today” officially only has co-anchors Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, but Craig Melvin is a de facto third co-anchor who typically spends a good portion of the show on air.