Janai Norman's abrupt exit shocks 'GMA Weekend' fans. What happened?

"Good Morning America Weekend" viewers were left shocked when co-anchor Janai Norman suddenly left their TV screens without a warning.

The broadcast journalist, 36, opened up about her exit earlier this month in a candid April 3 video shared on social media, where she said she "hoped that we'd have more time."

"It’s been hard on me that our time was cut short," she said in the video. "I have loved my job. It has been a joy to connect with my coworkers and with viewers, to help keep you informed and entertained, and to create this community.”

Norman received plenty of love from fans and colleagues after she left the show, including from "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts, who said, "You are a true gem and thoroughly enjoyed working with you. I treasure our friendship."

Here's what to know about her departure.

Why did Janai Norman leave 'Good Morning America Weekend'?

Norman has not offered a direct explanation for her exit from "Good Morning America Weekend," and neither has ABC.

According to reports citing Status, Norman's contract expired and was not renewed. In her farewell video, she said, "Stay tuned."

What has Janai Norman said about her exit?

Norman said, "It really breaks my heart that I don’t get to say goodbye," adding that a proper sendoff "would've been fun."

"But I have these three young kids, and I have worked weekends their whole lives, and so now they get more of me. And that is worth everything," she said. "I’m sorry. I feel you, and thank you to every single one of you who has reached out with such kind, validating words... I have needed it, and I appreciate it.” 

When did Janai Norman join 'Good Morning America Weekend'?

Norman has been a co-anchor on the show since 2022, Deadline and Entertainment Weekly reported.

Norman, an alumna of the University of Missouri-Columbia, initially joined the network in 2011 as an intern," per her bio. After some time in local news, she returned to ABC and worked on several programs at the network. She is credited with helping to spearhead the second hour of Saturday's "GMA" in 2019.

What have Janai Norman's co-anchors said?

Gio Benitez and Whit Johnson both expressed love and gratitude to Norman following her departure.

"Love you very much," Benitez wrote in the comment section of Norman's April 3 video.

"Truly grateful for the endless memories and moments. Cheering you on through your next adventure," Johnson added.