History of Good Morning America in Timeline
Good Morning America (GMA) is an American morning television program broadcast on ABC, premiering on November 3, 1975. It expanded to weekends in 1993, though the Sunday edition was initially canceled in 1999, later returning on both Saturdays and Sundays in 2004. The weekday and Saturday programs air from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. across all U.S. time zones. Sunday editions are an hour long, broadcast live at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time, with some markets airing them at different times. Pacific Time Zone viewers receive an updated feed. A third weekday hour aired exclusively on ABC News Now from 2007 to 2008.
January 6, 1975: ABC Launches AM America
On January 6, 1975, ABC launched AM America with hosts Bill Beutel and Stephanie Edwards, and Peter Jennings reading the news, in an attempt to compete with NBC's Today show.
November 3, 1975: Good Morning America Debut
On November 3, 1975, Good Morning America (GMA) debuted on ABC. This marked the beginning of the American morning television program's broadcast history.
November 1975: Geraldo Rivera joins Good Morning America
After Good Night America ended, Geraldo Rivera joined Good Morning America when it premiered in November 1975.
1975: Good Morning America Launched; Title Controversy
In late 1975, ABC launched Good Morning America. WCVB station manager Bob Bennett accused ABC entertainment president Fred Silverman of stealing the title from Boston's Good Morning! show. The Boston morning show changed its name to Good Day!.
August 30, 1976: Tom Brokaw Anchors Today
On August 30, 1976, Tom Brokaw began anchoring Today, leading to increased competition between Today and Good Morning America.
April 1977: Sandy Hill Replaces Nancy Dussault
In April 1977, Sandy Hill replaced Nancy Dussault as co-host of Good Morning America.
1980: Sandy Hill Leaves GMA
In 1980, Sandy Hill left Good Morning America after run-ins with David Hartman. She was replaced by Joan Lunden.
1982: John Coleman Leaves GMA
In 1982, John Coleman, the weather forecaster for Good Morning America, left GMA to start The Weather Channel with Landmark Communications CEO Frank Batten.
1983: Dave Murray Provides Weather Forecasts
In 1983, Dave Murray provided the weather forecasts for both Good Morning America and ABC's early morning news program ABC News This Morning.
August 1986: Spencer Christian Replaces Dave Murray
In August 1986, Spencer Christian replaced Dave Murray as the weather forecaster for Good Morning America and ABC's early morning news program ABC News This Morning.
1986: Joan Lunden Promoted
In 1986, Joan Lunden's popularity led to her promotion to co-anchor of Good Morning America.
1986: Jerry Hodak provided weather forecasts
Prior to Spencer Christian's arrival in 1986, forecasts on Good Morning America were provided by WXYZ-TV chief meteorologist Jerry Hodak via a split screen between the WXYZ studios in Detroit and the Good Morning America set in New York City.
February 20, 1987: David Hartman Retires
On February 20, 1987, David Hartman retired from Good Morning America after 3,189 broadcasts.
February 23, 1987: Lunden Paired with Gibson
On February 23, 1987, Joan Lunden was paired with ABC News correspondent Charles Gibson on Good Morning America, leading to increased ratings.
1992: Daytime Emmy Award
In 1992, Good Morning America won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk/Service Show.
January 3, 1993: Sunday Edition Debut
On January 3, 1993, Good Morning America expanded to weekends with the debut of a Sunday edition.
1993: Daytime Emmy Award
In 1993, Good Morning America won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk/Service Show.
December 11, 1995: GMA Falls Behind Today
On the week of December 11, 1995, Good Morning America fell to second place behind Today in the ratings, beginning a 16-year streak for Today as the top-rated morning news program.
1995: GMA Placed Second in Ratings
From 1995 to 2012, Good Morning America generally placed second in the ratings, behind NBC's Today show.
1996: Lunden to Host Prime Time Program
In 1996, ABC executives promised Joan Lunden that a prime time program; Behind Closed Doors would premiere on the network.
September 5, 1997: Lunden Steps Down
On September 5, 1997, Joan Lunden stepped down as host of Good Morning America after 17 years. She was replaced by Lisa McRee.
May 1, 1998: Gibson Leaves GMA
On May 1, 1998, Charles Gibson left Good Morning America and was replaced by Kevin Newman, leading to a sharp decline in ratings.
January 1999: Ratings Fall to Third Place
In January 1999, Good Morning America's ratings briefly fell to third place among the morning shows.
January 18, 1999: Gibson and Sawyer Debut
On January 18, 1999, the team of Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer debuted on Good Morning America, resulting in a dramatic increase in viewership.
September 13, 1999: Show Moves to Times Square Studios
On September 13, 1999, Good Morning America moved from the ABC News headquarters to its present home at the Times Square Studios.
1999: Sunday Edition Canceled
In 1999, the Sunday edition of Good Morning America was canceled.
2001: Shelley Ross's Viewing Momentum Sustained
According to Linda McLoof, executive director of news research at ABC News from 2001, Shelley Ross's viewing momentum was initially sustained.
2001: Live Show From The Pentagon
In 2001, Good Morning America originated a live show from The Pentagon for the reopening of the wing damaged during the September 11 attacks.
March 18, 2002: Robin Roberts Replaces Antonio Mora
On March 18, 2002, Robin Roberts replaced Antonio Mora as newsreader for Good Morning America.
2002: Previous GMA Logo
The new logo unveiled in 2025 loosely resembled the Good Morning America logo used from 2002 to 2006.
September 4, 2004: Weekend Editions Return
On September 4, 2004, weekend editions of Good Morning America returned on both Saturdays and Sundays after being canceled in 1999.
May 23, 2005: Robin Roberts Promoted to Co-Anchor
On May 23, 2005, ABC News announced that Robin Roberts would be promoted from newsreader to co-anchor of Good Morning America, joining Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer.
November 3, 2005: 30th Anniversary
On November 3, 2005, Good Morning America celebrated its 30th anniversary with retrospectives and clips, decorating Times Square, and welcoming former co-hosts David Hartman and Joan Lunden, along with former meteorologist Spencer Christian. Good Morning America became the first network morning news program to begin broadcasting in high-definition television on that day.
December 2, 2005: Tony Perkins Leaves GMA
On December 2, 2005, weather anchor Tony Perkins left Good Morning America after six years to return to his family in Washington, D.C., and join Fox owned-and-operated station WTTG. He was replaced by Mike Barz.
June 28, 2006: Gibson Leaves GMA
On June 28, 2006, Charles Gibson left Good Morning America for the second time to become anchor of ABC World News Tonight. The edition was dedicated to his 19 years as anchor of the program.
September 5, 2006: Chris Cuomo and Sam Champion Join Good Morning America
On September 5, 2006, Chris Cuomo became news anchor, continuing his role on 'Primetime,' and Sam Champion became weather anchor and weather editor for ABC News. 'Good Morning America' also introduced a new graphics package and news area on this date.
September 13, 2006: Good Morning America Introduces New Logo
On September 13, 2006, 'Good Morning America' introduced a new logo featuring gold Avant Garde font on a blue background, resembling the original logo used up to early 1987.
June 29, 2007: Death of Joel Siegel
On June 29, 2007, Joel Siegel, the longtime film critic for 'Good Morning America,' died at age 63 due to complications from colorectal cancer.
July 31, 2007: Robin Roberts Announces Breast Cancer Diagnosis
On July 31, 2007, Robin Roberts announced she was diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a lump during a self-examination while preparing a tribute episode to Joel Siegel.
October 22, 2007: Good Morning America Introduces New On-Air Graphics Package
On October 22, 2007, Good Morning America introduced a new on-air graphics package featuring an orangish-gold setting, new opening music, and changes to the news ticker and time-and-temperature bug.
2007: Daytime Emmy Award
In 2007, Good Morning America won the Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Morning Program", sharing the award with Today.
2007: Third Hour on ABC News Now
In 2007, a third hour of the weekday broadcast of Good Morning America aired exclusively on ABC News Now.
January 15, 2008: Diane Keaton's Expletive Remark on Good Morning America
On January 15, 2008, during an interview on 'Good Morning America,' actress Diane Keaton made a fleeting expletive remark about Diane Sawyer's attractiveness, for which she quickly apologized. The FCC declined to take action.
March 28, 2008: Robin Roberts Completes Radiation Treatments
On March 28, 2008, Robin Roberts completed radiation treatments for breast cancer, while remaining as anchor of 'Good Morning America'.
September 2008: Good Morning America's "50 States in 50 Days" Tour
In September 2008, 'Good Morning America's anchors toured the United States via an Amtrak train as part of ABC News's '50 States in 50 Days' event, broadcasting from different locations each day. The tour's first stop was in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, featuring musical guest James Taylor.
2008: Daytime Emmy Award
In 2008, Good Morning America won the Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Morning Program" outright.
2008: Third Hour on ABC News Now ended
In 2008, the third hour of the weekday broadcast of Good Morning America that had aired exclusively on ABC News Now was discontinued.
June 26, 2009: Charles Gibson Returns to Good Morning America
Following the death of Michael Jackson, on June 26, 2009, Charles Gibson returned to the 'Good Morning America' anchor desk alongside Robin Roberts while Diane Sawyer was away.
September 2, 2009: Diane Sawyer to Anchor ABC World News
On September 2, 2009, ABC announced that Diane Sawyer would replace Charles Gibson as anchor of ABC World News at the end of the year, leading to speculation about her replacement on 'Good Morning America'.
December 10, 2009: George Stephanopoulos Named as Sawyer's Replacement
On December 10, 2009, it was announced that George Stephanopoulos would replace Diane Sawyer as anchor, and Juju Chang would replace Chris Cuomo as newsreader, effective December 14.
2009: Linda McLoof leaves ABC News
According to Linda McLoof, executive director of news research at ABC News until 2009, Shelley Ross's viewing momentum was initially sustained.
2009: Daytime Emmy Award
In 2009, Good Morning America won the Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Morning Program" outright.
May 3, 2010: Good Morning America Debuts New Graphics and Theme Music
On May 3, 2010, 'Good Morning America' debuted new "light blue and sunny" graphics and new theme music by DreamArtists Studios.
January 31, 2011: Introduction of New Set for Good Morning America
On January 31, 2011, an entirely new set was introduced for 'Good Morning America', with the national weather segment monitor moved closer to the anchor desk, marking the first major set change since upgrading to high definition in November 2005.
February 25, 2011: James Goldston Moves to Good Morning America
On February 25, 2011, James Goldston transitioned from 'Nightline' to become the Senior Executive Producer of 'Good Morning America'.
March 17, 2011: Lara Spencer Rejoining Good Morning America
On March 17, 2011, ABC News President Ben Sherwood announced that former GMA national correspondent Lara Spencer would rejoin the program in May in a newly created lifestyle anchor position.
March 29, 2011: Josh Elliott Named News Anchor of Good Morning America
On March 29, 2011, ESPN anchor Josh Elliott was named news anchor of 'Good Morning America' following Juju Chang's departure.
September 6, 2011: Good Morning America Broadcasts from New Studio Set
On September 6, 2011, 'Good Morning America' began broadcasting from a new studio set located on the first floor of the Times Square studios, featuring a back-projection window showing a view of Times Square.
April 1, 2012: Katie Couric Fills in on Good Morning America
During the week of April 1, 2012, Katie Couric, ABC News special correspondent, filled in for Robin Roberts on 'Good Morning America', marking her return to morning news after six years. Couric had previously hosted 'Today' from 1991 to 2006.
April 9, 2012: Good Morning America Beats Today in Ratings
During the week of April 9, 2012, 'Good Morning America' surpassed 'Today' in viewership for the first time in 16 years, ending 'Today's' 852-week streak by a margin of 31,000 viewers.
April 2012: GMA Overtakes Today in Ratings
In April 2012, Good Morning America overtook NBC's Today show in the ratings with anchors Roberts and Stephanopoulos.
April 16, 2012: Good Morning America Beats Today Again in Ratings
During the week of April 16, 2012, 'Good Morning America' once again beat 'Today' in viewership, this time by a larger margin of 166,000 viewers.
July 9, 2012: Good Afternoon America Premieres
On July 9, 2012, a special summer afternoon edition of Good Morning America, titled Good Afternoon America, premiered as a temporary replacement for The Revolution.
August 30, 2012: Robin Roberts Goes on Medical Leave
On August 30, 2012, Robin Roberts began medical leave after undergoing a bone marrow transplant following her diagnosis with myelodysplastic syndrome. Amy Robach and Elizabeth Vargas served as primary substitutes.
September 7, 2012: Good Afternoon America Limited Run Ends
On September 7, 2012, the limited-run program Good Afternoon America, hosted by Josh Elliott and Lara Spencer, ended its run.
January 14, 2013: Robin Roberts Announces Hope to Return in February
On January 14, 2013, Robin Roberts announced her intention to return to 'Good Morning America' sometime in February following her medical leave.
February 20, 2013: Robin Roberts Returns to Good Morning America Part-Time
On February 20, 2013, Robin Roberts made a part-time return to 'Good Morning America' after her medical leave.
December 4, 2013: Sam Champion Departs Good Morning America
On December 4, 2013, weather anchor Sam Champion left 'Good Morning America' and ABC News to join The Weather Channel.
March 30, 2014: Josh Elliott Leaves ABC News
On March 30, 2014, news anchor Josh Elliott left ABC News to become a correspondent for NBC Sports, and was replaced by Amy Robach as news anchor later that week.
April 15, 2014: Michael Strahan Joins Good Morning America
On April 15, 2014, Michael Strahan was introduced as the new contributing anchor on 'Good Morning America', while maintaining his co-host duties on 'Live! with Kelly and Michael'.
April 18, 2014: Lara Spencer Promoted to Co-Anchor
On April 18, 2014, Lara Spencer was promoted to co-anchor of 'Good Morning America', receiving top billing alongside Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos.
September 15, 2014: Tim Tebow Debuts "Motivate Me Mondays" Segment
On September 15, 2014, Tim Tebow made his debut on 'Good Morning America' as a part-time correspondent, launching the new segment, "Motivate Me Mondays".
November 19, 2015: Good Morning America Celebrates 40th Anniversary
On November 19, 2015, 'Good Morning America' celebrated its 40th anniversary, with main anchors, news and weather anchors returning to share stories and clips from the show's history.
April 19, 2016: Strahan Announces Departure from Live! with Kelly and Michael
On April 19, 2016, Michael Strahan announced that he would be leaving 'Live! with Kelly and Michael' to join 'Good Morning America' full-time.
September 6, 2016: Michael Strahan Begins as Full-Time Co-Anchor
On September 6, 2016, Michael Strahan began his run as a full-time co-anchor of 'Good Morning America' alongside Roberts, Stephanopoulos, and Spencer. A new title sequence was debuted, and the show format included news in the first hour and "soft news" in the second hour.
2016: Nine Network Broadcasts GMA
From 2016, the Nine Network in Australia broadcast Good Morning America on all its regional affiliates.
May 23, 2018: GMA Day Announced
On May 23, 2018, an afternoon extension of 'Good Morning America', originally titled 'GMA Day' (now known as GMA3) was announced as a replacement for 'The Chew' in the 1:00 p.m. ET/noon CT timeslot.
July 3, 2018: Nine No Longer Airs GMA
As of July 3, 2018, Nine in Australia no longer aired Good Morning America.
September 10, 2018: GMA Day Premieres
On September 10, 2018, GMA3, a spinoff of GMA, premiered under the title GMA Day, hosted by Michael Strahan and Sara Haines.
January 28, 2019: GMA Day becomes GMA3
On January 28, 2019, GMA Day was renamed GMA3, with the subtitle Strahan and Sara.
August 26, 2019: Keke Palmer Joins GMA3
On August 26, 2019, Keke Palmer joined GMA3 as a permanent co-host, and the show was subtitled Strahan, Sara and Keke.
March 2020: GMA3 Becomes "What You Need to Know"
In March 2020, GMA3 became GMA3: What You Need to Know, an hour-long news program hosted by Amy Robach that originally covered the COVID-19 pandemic. The Strahan, Sara and Keke incarnation of the program was effectively cancelled.
2021: WIN Television Broadcasts GMA
Since 2021, WIN Television in Australia has broadcast Good Morning America on a one-day delay on Tuesdays through Fridays from 3:30 to 5:00, Saturdays from 5:30 to 7:00, Sundays from 6:00 to 7:00 and Monday mornings from 4:00 to 5:00.
September 7, 2023: Ray the Mascot Introduced
On September 7, 2023, Ray, an anthropomorphic sun-like creature, was introduced to viewers as an official show mascot for 'Good Morning America'.
October 2023: Relocation to 7 Hudson Square Announced
In October 2023, the relocation of GMA, along with other ABC News and WABC-TV on-air studio operations, to a new Disney facility at 7 Hudson Square in Lower Manhattan was announced.
June 16, 2025: GMA Relocates to 7 Hudson Square
On June 16, 2025, Good Morning America officially moved to a new Disney facility at 7 Hudson Square in Lower Manhattan, broadcasting from Studio C. As part of the relocation on June 16, 2025, a new logo was unveiled for the first time in 19 years, along with new graphics and studios that combine hard scenery, virtual set extensions, and movable LED units.
November 3, 2025: 50th Anniversary Celebration
On November 3, 2025, Good Morning America celebrated its 50th anniversary with many former anchors joining the celebration.
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