History of Good Morning America in Timeline
Good Morning America (GMA) is an American morning television program broadcast on ABC. Launched on November 3, 1975, it expanded to weekends, initially with a Sunday edition in 1993, which was later canceled. Weekend editions returned on 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 hour of the weekday broadcast was available on ABC News Now from 2007 to 2008.
January 6, 1975: Launch of AM America
On January 6, 1975, ABC launched AM America, hosted by Bill Beutel and Stephanie Edwards with Peter Jennings as newsreader, to compete with NBC's Today.
November 3, 1975: Good Morning America Debut
On November 3, 1975, Good Morning America, an American morning television program, debuted on ABC.
November 1975: Geraldo Rivera works for Good Morning America
In November 1975, after Good Night America went off the air, Geraldo Rivera worked for Good Morning America when it premiered, while still working for ABC News and its other shows such as Nightline and 20/20.
1975: Good Morning America Title
In 1975, after the launch of Good Morning America, WCVB station manager Bob Bennett accused ABC entertainment president Fred Silverman of stealing the title from their local show, Good Morning!.
August 30, 1976: Tom Brokaw Anchors Today
On August 30, 1976, Tom Brokaw began anchoring Today, leading to increased competition with Good Morning America.
April 1977: Sandy Hill Replaced Nancy Dussault
In April 1977, Nancy Dussault was replaced by Sandy Hill 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.
1982: John Coleman Leaves GMA
In 1982, John Coleman, the weather forecaster for Good Morning America, left the show to start The Weather Channel.
1983: Dave Murray Forecasts
From 1983 to 1986, Dave Murray provided 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 News This Morning.
1986: Joan Lunden Promotion
In 1986, Joan Lunden's popularity led to her promotion to co-anchor of Good Morning America, gaining equal footing with David Hartman.
1986: Jerry Hodak Forecasts
Prior to Spencer Christian's arrival in 1986, Jerry Hodak provided weather forecasts on Good Morning America via split screen from WXYZ-TV in Detroit.
February 20, 1987: David Hartman's Retirement
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 Charles Gibson on Good Morning America, resulting in increased ratings.
1992: Good Morning America wins Daytime Emmy Award
In 1992, Good Morning America won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk/Service Show.
January 3, 1993: Weekend Edition Launch
On January 3, 1993, Good Morning America expanded to weekends with the debut of a Sunday edition.
1993: Good Morning America wins Daytime Emmy Award
In 1993, Good Morning America won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk/Service Show.
December 11, 1995: GMA Ratings Slip
Beginning the week of December 11, 1995, Good Morning America fell to second place behind Today in the ratings, ending its run at the top.
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 a prime time program called Behind Closed Doors, after she discussed working less on Good Morning America.
September 5, 1997: Lunden's Departure
On September 5, 1997, Joan Lunden stepped down as host of Good Morning America after 17 years and was replaced by Lisa McRee.
May 1, 1998: Gibson's Departure
On May 1, 1998, Charles Gibson left Good Morning America to make way for Kevin Newman, leading to a sharp decline in ratings.
January 1999: Shelley Ross Selected
In January 1999, Shelley Ross was selected as executive producer to improve Good Morning America's ratings.
January 18, 1999: Gibson-Sawyer Team Debut
On January 18, 1999, the Charles Gibson and Diane Sawyer team debuted on Good Morning America, leading to increased viewership.
September 13, 1999: Move to Times Square Studios
On September 13, 1999, Good Morning America moved from ABC News headquarters to Times Square Studios.
1999: Sunday Edition Cancellation
In 1999, the Sunday edition of Good Morning America was canceled.
2001: ABC News Research
According to Linda McLoof, executive director of news research at ABC News, from 2001 to 2009, the viewing momentum of Good Morning America declined after Shelley Ross left.
2001: Pentagon Broadcast
After the September 11 attacks in 2001, Good Morning America originated a live show from The Pentagon for the reopening of the damaged wing.
March 18, 2002: Robin Roberts Replaces Antonio Mora
On March 18, 2002, Robin Roberts replaced Antonio Mora as newsreader on Good Morning America.
September 4, 2004: Return of Weekend Editions
On September 4, 2004, weekend editions of Good Morning America returned on both Saturdays and Sundays after being previously cancelled in 1999.
May 23, 2005: 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 Gibson and Sawyer.
November 3, 2005: 30th Anniversary Celebration
On November 3, 2005, Good Morning America celebrated its 30th anniversary with retrospectives, clips, and guests including former co-hosts Hartman and Lunden, along with former meteorologist Spencer Christian. It also became the first network morning news program to begin broadcasting in high-definition television 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.
August 2006: Chris Cuomo and Sam Champion Named to GMA
In August 2006, Chris Cuomo was named news anchor for Good Morning America, while continuing roles on Primetime. Sam Champion was named weather anchor and weather editor for ABC News.
September 5, 2006: Chris Cuomo and Sam Champion Join Good Morning America
On September 5, 2006, Chris Cuomo became the news anchor, continuing his roles on 'Primetime' and as ABC News's senior legal correspondent. Sam Champion, from WABC-TV, was named weather anchor and ABC News weather editor. The show 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 debuted a new logo featuring a gold Avant Garde font on a blue background, resembling the original logo used until 1987.
June 29, 2007: Death of Joel Siegel
On June 29, 2007, Joel Siegel, Good Morning America's longtime film critic, passed away at the age of 63 due to complications from colorectal cancer.
July 31, 2007: Robin Roberts Announces Breast Cancer Diagnosis
On July 31, 2007, Robin Roberts announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a lump during a self-examination while preparing a tribute episode for Joel Siegel.
October 22, 2007: Good Morning America Introduces New Graphics Package
On October 22, 2007, Good Morning America introduced a new on-air graphics package, with a shift from a blue background to an orangish-gold setting. The opening sequence, news ticker, and time-and-temperature bug were also updated.
2007: Daytime Emmy Award
In 2007, Good Morning America won the Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Morning Program", sharing the inaugural award with Today.
2007: Third Hour on ABC News Now
In 2007, a third hour of the weekday broadcast of Good Morning America began airing exclusively on ABC News Now.
January 15, 2008: Diane Keaton's On-Air Remark
On January 15, 2008, during an interview with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, actress Diane Keaton made a comment about Sawyer's physical attractiveness, which led to an apology from Keaton.
March 28, 2008: Robin Roberts Completes Radiation Treatments
On March 28, 2008, Robin Roberts completed her radiation treatments while remaining as anchor of Good Morning America during her battle with breast cancer.
September 2008: Good Morning America's "50 States in 50 Days" Tour
In September 2008, Good Morning America's anchors toured the United States on an Amtrak train as part of ABC News's "50 States in 50 Days" event, broadcasting the program from different locations around the U.S. each day.
2008: Daytime Emmy Award
In 2008, Good Morning America won the Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Morning Program" outright.
2008: End of Third Hour
In 2008, the third hour of the weekday broadcast of Good Morning America on ABC News Now ended.
June 26, 2009: Charles Gibson Returns to Good Morning America
On June 26, 2009, Charles Gibson returned to the Good Morning America anchor desk with Robin Roberts while Diane Sawyer was away, following the death of Michael Jackson.
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.
December 10, 2009: George Stephanopoulos Named as Sawyer's Replacement
On December 10, 2009, George Stephanopoulos was announced as Diane Sawyer's replacement on Good Morning America, with Juju Chang replacing Chris Cuomo as newsreader. The changes took effect on December 14.
2009: ABC News Research
According to Linda McLoof, executive director of news research at ABC News, from 2001 to 2009, the viewing momentum of Good Morning America declined after Shelley Ross left.
2009: Daytime Emmy Award
In 2009, Good Morning America won the Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Morning Program" outright.
April 2010: Anchor Desk Relocation
In April 2010, the anchor desk in the studio was relocated back in front of the window overlooking Times Square, where it had been when Good Morning America moved to the Times Square Studios facility in 1999.
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: New Set Introduced
On January 31, 2011, Good Morning America introduced an entirely new set, marking the first major set change since the show upgraded to high definition in November 2005.
February 25, 2011: James Goldston Joins GMA
On February 25, 2011, James Goldston moved from Nightline to become Senior Executive Producer of Good Morning America.
March 17, 2011: Lara Spencer Rejoins Good Morning America
On March 17, 2011, ABC News President Ben Sherwood announced that former GMA national correspondent Lara Spencer would be rejoining the program in May in a newly created lifestyle anchor position.
March 29, 2011: Josh Elliott Named News Anchor
On March 29, 2011, ESPN anchor Josh Elliott was named news anchor of Good Morning America following the departure of Juju Chang.
September 6, 2011: New Studio Set on First Floor
On September 6, 2011, Good Morning America began broadcasting from a new studio set located on the first floor of the Times Square studios.
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. 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 beat Today in viewership for the first time in 16 years, ending Today's 852-week streak as the most-watched network morning news program.
April 2012: GMA Overtakes Today
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
During the week of April 16, 2012, Good Morning America beat Today in viewership for a second consecutive week, with a larger margin of 166,000 viewers.
July 9, 2012: Premiere of Good Afternoon America
On July 9, 2012, a special summer afternoon edition of Good Morning America, titled Good Afternoon America, premiered. It served as a temporary replacement for The Revolution in the 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time weekday slot.
August 30, 2012: Robin Roberts Goes on Medical Leave
On August 30, 2012, Robin Roberts went on medical leave after undergoing a bone marrow transplant for myelodysplastic syndrome. Amy Robach and Elizabeth Vargas served as primary substitutes.
September 7, 2012: End of Good Afternoon America
The limited-run program Good Afternoon America, hosted by Josh Elliott and Lara Spencer, ended on September 7, 2012. The show taped immediately after the morning program and focused on lighter fare.
January 14, 2013: Robin Roberts Announces Return Plans
On January 14, 2013, Robin Roberts announced that she hoped to return to Good Morning America sometime that February after her bone marrow transplant.
February 20, 2013: Robin Roberts Returns Part-Time
On February 20, 2013, Robin Roberts returned to Good Morning America part-time after her medical leave for a bone marrow transplant.
August 2013: Robin Roberts Announces Full-Time Return
In August 2013, Robin Roberts announced that she would return to full-time hosting duties on Good Morning America on September 3 of that year.
December 4, 2013: Sam Champion Departs Good Morning America
On December 4, 2013, Sam Champion departed Good Morning America and ABC News to join The Weather Channel.
March 2014: America's Morning Headquarters Debuts
In March 2014, America's Morning Headquarters debuted on The Weather Channel with Sam Champion as the primary anchor.
March 30, 2014: Josh Elliott Leaves ABC News
On March 30, 2014, Josh Elliott left ABC News after three years as news anchor of Good Morning America to become a correspondent for NBC Sports.
April 15, 2014: Michael Strahan Introduced as Contributing Anchor
On April 15, 2014, Michael Strahan was introduced as the new contributing anchor on Good Morning America.
April 2014: Michael Strahan Joining GMA as Contributing Anchor
In early April 2014, it was speculated that Michael Strahan would be joining Good Morning America as a contributing anchor while continuing 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 on the program alongside Roberts and Stephanopoulos.
September 15, 2014: Tim Tebow Debuts on Good Morning America
On September 15, 2014, Tim Tebow made his debut on Good Morning America.
September 2014: Tim Tebow Joins GMA
In September 2014, Tim Tebow was announced to be joining Good Morning America as a part-time correspondent to help launch the new segment, "Motivate Me Mondays".
November 19, 2015: 40th Anniversary Celebration
On November 19, 2015, Good Morning America celebrated its 40th anniversary with main anchors, news and weather anchors returning to share their stories and clips from all 40 years being shown.
April 19, 2016: Michael Strahan to Join Good Morning America Full-Time
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 Becomes 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.
2016: Nine Network broadcast of Good Morning America
In 2016, the Nine Network in Australia broadcast Good Morning America on all its regional affiliates.
April 2018: Lara Spencer Reducing GMA Hours
In April 2018, it was announced that Lara Spencer would cut back her hours on Good Morning America from five days a week to three to focus on her own projects, and Roberts would no longer anchor Fridays except for Christmas or New Years.
May 23, 2018: GMA Day Announced
On May 23, 2018, an afternoon extension of GMA (originally titled GMA Day, now known as GMA3) was announced as a replacement in the fall of 2018 for the cancelled cooking series The Chew in the 1:00 p.m. ET/noon CT timeslot.
July 3, 2018: Nine Network ceases airing Good Morning America
As of July 3, 2018, the Nine Network in Australia stopped airing Good Morning America. They had been broadcasting it with a map providing forecasts for Australia in place of the national U.S. weather map.
September 10, 2018: Premiere of GMA Day
On September 10, 2018, GMA Day, a spinoff/third hour of GMA, premiered with Michael Strahan and Sara Haines as hosts.
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 GMA3: 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 effectively was cancelled.
2021: WIN Television broadcasts Good Morning America
Since 2021, WIN Television in Australia has broadcast Good Morning America on a one-day delay every Tuesday through Friday 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 a.m.
April 2022: Robin Roberts' 20th Anniversary
In April 2022, Robin Roberts celebrated her 20th anniversary with Good Morning America, and an on-air celebration was held, and she was honored with a plaque featuring her name on the grounds of Times Square.
September 7, 2023: Ray the Mascot Introduced
On September 7, 2023, Ray, an anthropomorphic show mascot styled as a sun-like creature, was introduced to Good Morning America's viewers.
2024: Struggles in Ratings Race
In the first half of 2024, Good Morning America struggled in the ratings race, losing the demographic of adults under the age of 54 to the Today show for several months and periodically losing the same demographic to CBS Mornings.
2025: Show Relocation to New Disney Facility
In 2025, Good Morning America is expected to relocate with many of ABC News and WABC-TV's on-air studio operations to a new Disney facility at 7 Hudson Square.
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