People get confused. You tune into ABC on a Tuesday morning and there he is—the big smile, the perfectly coiffed hair, and that unmistakable energy. Sam Champion feels like the permanent furniture of Good Morning America. But then, Wednesday rolls around and Ginger Zee is back at the map. It leaves fans hitting Google with one specific question: what is the deal with Sam Champion on GMA these days?
Honestly, the answer is a bit of a "yes and no" situation.
Sam isn't the primary weather anchor anymore. That's been the case for a decade. Yet, he's never truly left the ABC family, and his frequent pop-ins create this sense of a perpetual homecoming. To understand why he's still the "face" of weather for so many viewers, you have to look at the weird, circular history of his career and his deep-rooted chemistry with the Times Square studio crew.
The original GMA Sam era and the weather map legacy
Let’s go back. Sam joined the Good Morning America team in 2006. Before that, he was a local legend at WABC-TV in New York. When he moved to the national stage, he didn't just read forecasts; he became a core pillar of the "golden era" lineup alongside Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Josh Elliott.
He was there for the big stuff. Superstorm Sandy. Hurricane Katrina coverage. He wasn't just pointing at green screens; he was on the ground, windswept and soaked, explaining the science of the surge. This is where the trust was built.
Then came 2013. In a move that shocked the morning TV world, Sam announced he was leaving GMA to head to The Weather Channel. It was a massive play. He became the managing editor and the face of his own show, AMHQ. For fans of morning TV, it felt like the end of an era. We all thought that was it. We were wrong.
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Why he keeps coming back to the desk
TV is a small world, and ABC knows a good thing when they have it. After his stint at The Weather Channel ended, Sam eventually found his way back to New York. By 2019, he was back at WABC—the local NYC affiliate—anchoring the morning and noon weather.
This is the "secret sauce" of his current presence. Because WABC broadcasts from the same building as Good Morning America (the iconic Times Square studio), Sam is physically right there.
When Ginger Zee goes on vacation, or when the show needs an extra hand for a major weather event, they don't have to look far. Sam literally walks down the hall.
The "Guest" who never feels like a guest
It’s about the chemistry. Watching Sam interact with Robin Roberts is like watching two old friends at a coffee shop. There is zero friction. When he fills in, the show doesn't miss a beat. He isn't just a "substitute teacher"; he’s the cool uncle who moved out but still has a key to the house.
He’s also leaned into his role as a lifestyle personality. You’ll see him doing segments on gardening, shore protection, or even competing on Dancing with the Stars. He’s transitioned from being "The Weather Guy" to being a brand.
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Managing the Ginger Zee transition
There was a lot of gossip when Sam first left. People wondered if there was friction. There wasn't. Ginger Zee has repeatedly praised Sam for his mentorship. In fact, when Ginger took over the top spot, Sam was one of her biggest cheerleaders.
Today, the dynamic is professional and fluid.
- Ginger Zee is the Chief Meteorologist for ABC News. She handles the heavy lifting, the climate reporting, and the primary chair.
- Sam Champion acts as the primary backup and the "legacy" face of the franchise.
It’s a win-win for the network. They get the stability of Ginger and the nostalgia of Sam.
The Sam Champion lifestyle: Gardening and rooftop vibes
If you follow him on social media, you know Sam isn't just obsessed with the jet stream. He’s become a bit of a gardening influencer. His rooftop garden in New York is legendary among fans. He posts updates on his plants with the same enthusiasm he used to reserve for a cold front.
This "real life" persona is why he stays relevant. He’s authentic. Whether he's showing off a new bloom or complaining about the humidity, he feels like a neighbor. That’s a rare quality in a broadcaster who has been on national TV for decades.
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What’s next for Sam and GMA?
Don't expect Sam to take back the full-time national slot. He seems genuinely happy with his current balance. He gets to stay in New York, work his local shift, and pop onto the national stage whenever the mood strikes (or the schedule requires).
He’s also stayed active in the LGBTQ+ community, using his platform to advocate for visibility and equality. His marriage to Rubem Robierb has been a point of inspiration for many viewers who have followed his journey since he came out publicly years ago.
How to keep up with his appearances
If you’re looking for Sam specifically, your best bet is to watch the WABC New York local morning news or keep an eye on Good Morning America during major holiday weeks. That’s usually when he’s tapping in for the national team.
The bottom line? Sam Champion isn't "gone" and he isn't exactly "back." He’s just part of the fabric of the show. He represents a time when morning TV felt a little more personal and a little less scripted. As long as he's willing to walk down that hallway in Times Square, ABC is going to keep putting him in front of a camera.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Viewers
If you want to ensure you don't miss Sam’s next national segment or want to engage with his weather insights more directly, follow these steps:
- Check the WABC 7NY Stream: Since Sam is the primary morning weather anchor for the New York local affiliate, you can often catch him on their digital stream even if you live outside of NYC.
- Follow his Instagram (@samchampion): This is where he actually posts his "real" schedule. He’s very active and will usually mention if he’s heading downstairs to the GMA set the next morning.
- Look for the "Weather Team" Specials: ABC often produces climate-specific specials. Sam is frequently brought in as a specialist for these long-form reports due to his decades of experience with hurricane tracking.
- Monitor the Holiday Schedule: Usually, the last two weeks of December and the middle of July are peak "Sam on GMA" times as the primary national anchors take their seasonal breaks.