TV Q&A: What’s up with daytime TV's 'GMA' news anchor shifts?

Trib Total Media TV writer Rob Owen answers reader questions every Wednesday at TribLive.com in a column that also appears in the Sunday Tribune-Review.

Q: OK, I have to ask, as it’s bothering me and I’m nebby: “GMA3: What You Need to Know” (1 p.m. weekdays, WTAE) is now saying they are just GMA third hour. And the hosts are a mix of the regulars, Eva Pilgrim and DeMarco Morgan, and others. I’m just wondering, why the change?

— Nancy via email

Rob: Earlier this year, ABC News began consolidating its multiple “GMA” shows under one production umbrella and streamlining the production process with more shared production resources, including graphics. There is also now more talent cross-pollination among “GMA”-branded programs — and more talent on “GMA3” some days — but Eva Pilgrim and DeMarco Morgan are currently still anchors on the third hour of “GMA.” ABC still titles the show “GMA3: What You Need to Know” in TV listings even if that full name is spoken less often during the broadcast.

Q: Is Carson Daly now a regular on the desk on the “Today” show?

— Mike, Beaver

Rob: Daly joined “Today” in 2013. He recently expressed a desire to no longer be on TV, but that doesn’t seem to have happened. His role on “Today” has not changed since the departure of Hoda Kotb.

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Q: Will “Criminal Minds: Evolution” be back? If yes, might any of the originals make appearances?

— Linda via Facebook

Rob: “Criminal Minds: Evolution” returns for another season May 8 on Paramount+ with Matthew Gray Gubler reprising his role as Dr. Spencer Reid in one episode. I noted in March that the show already has been renewed for an additional season beyond the one premiering next month.

Q: How many episodes is “Happy Face” on Paramount+ and will it go into another season?

— Kate, New Kensington

Rob: “Happy Face” has eight episodes, wrapping its first season May 1. It’s not a limited series, so, in success, the show could return for a second season. So far, I have not seen “Happy Face” show up on any charts of most-viewed original streaming series.

Q: There is a commercial about moving to Ohio. Apparently, there is a big shortage of people in Ohio. The commercial shows that if you move, you will get a spouse and a house and a dog. Isn’t there supposed to be truth in advertising? If I moved and did not get all that, would I have a claim?

— Becky, Mt. Lebanon

Rob: I’m not a lawyer, but I’m pretty sure this ad does not contractually promise if someone moves to Ohio that they will get a spouse, house and dog any more than an ad for Walt Disney World contractually promises someone who visits the Magic Kingdom will have a good time.

Do ads suggest such outcomes? Sure, that’s the purpose of any brand image spot. But it’s a big, ridiculous leap to think that these ads are in any way legally actionable if the experience fails to live up to what’s depicted.

You can reach TV writer Rob Owen at rowen@triblive.com or 412-380-8559. Follow @RobOwenTV on Threads, X/Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky and Facebook. Ask TV questions by email or phone. Please include your first name and location.