What happened to Elizabeth Vargas on ABC?

Whatever Happened to Elizabeth Vargas at ABC? Let’s Catch Up

Elizabeth Vargas. The name alone conjures up images of serious journalism, insightful interviews, and a familiar face on our TV screens. For over two decades, she was a cornerstone at ABC News, a real powerhouse. But where exactly did she go? Well, let’s rewind a bit and see what happened.

Vargas joined ABC way back in 1996, quickly making her mark. She didn’t just stick to one thing; she climbed the ranks, taking on some seriously high-profile roles. We’re talking news anchor for Good Morning America, co-anchor of World News Tonight, and, of course, her long stint co-anchoring the news magazine 20/20. But all good things, as they say, must come to an end. Vargas officially signed off from ABC News on May 25, 2018, as 20/20 wrapped its 40th season. A big moment, for sure.

So, what were some of those key roles that really defined her time at ABC? Let’s take a quick look:

• Good Morning America: She jumped into the Good Morning America scene in ’96 and, before you knew it, she was a primetime magazine correspondent for the show. Talk about a fast rise!
• World News Tonight: 2005 was a landmark year. Vargas was named co-anchor of World News Tonight alongside Bob Woodruff. This was huge – she became only the second woman ever to co-anchor a network evening newscast! It was a real “glass ceiling” moment. Sadly, just a month later, Woodruff was tragically injured in Iraq. It was a tough time, and Vargas eventually moved on from that role.
• 20/20: This is where many of us really came to know and love Elizabeth. She co-anchored 20/20 for a whopping 14 years, starting in 2004. She shared the desk with some big names – John Stossel, Chris Cuomo, and David Muir.

Now, about that departure… In December 2017, ABC News President James Goldston made the announcement: Vargas would be leaving when the 20/20 season ended in May 2018, ready to “pursue new ventures.” It sounds pretty standard, right? Vargas also released a statement, thanking ABC for her time there and saying how proud she was of the stories she’d covered. All very professional and polished.

But here’s where things get a little more… human. Elizabeth Vargas has been incredibly open about her personal battles with anxiety and alcoholism. It takes guts to be that honest, especially in such a public role. In September 2016, she really laid it all bare in a 20/20 special. She also went even deeper in her memoir, Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction. She’s talked about how she used alcohol to cope with her insecurities and anxiety, and she’s been to rehab several times. What’s truly admirable is her commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction by talking about it so openly.

So, what’s she been up to since leaving ABC? Well, she didn’t exactly disappear! Vargas joined A&E Networks as their lead investigative reporter and documentary anchor. A natural fit, really. And then, in 2021, she took on hosting duties for Fox’s revival of America’s Most Wanted. Talk about a comeback! Most recently, in January 2023, she landed at NewsNation, where she hosts Elizabeth Vargas Reports. It seems like she’s always been driven to tell important stories.

So, there you have it. The story of Elizabeth Vargas at ABC, her departure, and what she’s been doing since. It’s a story of a talented journalist, a successful career, and a courageous woman who’s not afraid to be real.