Roughly two weeks after reports emerged that Michael Strahan would be taking on a part-time role with Good Morning America, the ABC morning show made the move official on Tuesday morning, introducing the Live co-host as the show's newest correspondent.
The former New York Giants star was introduced with a montage of photos from his childhood and career in the NFL accompanied by Pharrell's "Happy" and voiceover from Strahan himself joking about how beloved and multitalented he is.
"So when you can do it all, what do you do next? Well, we've got good news for you America, your mornings just got happier 'cause now it's time to say, 'Good morning' to Michael as he comes to Good Morning America," Strahan said before introducing himself and strutting down a red carpet at GMA's Times Square studios.
After he reached the anchor desk, he was gifted with a new alarm clock, which Strahan pointed out didn't display the correct time ("So if I'm late for my first day, it's George's fault because he gave me a clock that's not set for the right time"), and an extra-large coffee mug.
"The way you and Kelly stepped in, especially when Robin was away and dealing with her transplant, was so special to all of us," George Stephanopoulos told Strahan.
"It's a pleasure to get up early because you guys have been so good to us, Kelly and I, as well," the former NFL star added.
Starting next week, Strahan will make appearances on GMA a few times a week, before heading uptown to co-host Live, helping to correct the gender imbalance created by the departure of Josh Elliott, which left Stephanopoulos as GMA's lone male co-host.
Strahan continues to work as an analyst for Fox NFL Sunday, and although he was somewhat of a surprise pick to replace Regis Philbin alongside Kelly Ripa on Live, he has proved capable in the daytime arena and appeals to the core female demographic that makes up the bulk of morning television viewers.
