History of Good Morning America in Timeline

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Good Morning America

Good Morning America (GMA) is an American morning television program broadcast on ABC, debuting November 3, 1975. It expanded to weekends, initially with a Sunday edition in 1993, which was later canceled and then revived with both Saturday and Sunday editions in 2004. Weekday and Saturday programs air from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. across all U.S. time zones, while Sunday editions are an hour long, airing live at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time with a specialized feed for the Pacific Time Zone. A third weekday hour was available on ABC News Now from 2007 to 2008.

January 6, 1975: ABC Launches AM America

On January 6, 1975, ABC launched AM America, hosted by Bill Beutel and Stephanie Edwards, in an attempt to compete with NBC's Today.

November 3, 1975: Good Morning America Debut

On November 3, 1975, Good Morning America debuted on ABC, expanding the network's morning television programming.

November 1975: Geraldo Rivera Joins Good Morning America

In November 1975, Geraldo Rivera, who previously hosted 'Good Night America,' joined Good Morning America after its premiere while continuing to work for ABC News on shows like Nightline and 20/20.

1975: Launch of Good Morning America

In 1975, ABC launched Good Morning America, leading to a name change for Boston's "Good Morning!" to "Good Day!".

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 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. Joan Lunden replaced her.

1982: John Coleman Leaves GMA

In 1982, John Coleman, the weather forecaster for Good Morning America, left to start The Weather Channel.

1983: Dave Murray Forecasts for GMA

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 Promoted to Co-Anchor

In 1986, Joan Lunden was promoted to co-anchor of Good Morning America, achieving more 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 a split screen between Detroit and New York City.

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, leading to skyrocketing ratings.

1992: Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk/Service Show

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 for Outstanding Talk/Service Show

In 1993, Good Morning America won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk/Service Show.

December 11, 1995: GMA Falls Behind Today

Around December 11, 1995, Good Morning America stumbled from its top spot, falling to second place behind Today.

1995: GMA Places Second to Today

From 1995 to 2012, Good Morning America generally placed second in the ratings, behind NBC's Today.

1996: Behind Closed Doors Premiere

In 1996, ABC executives promised Joan Lunden that a primetime program, Behind Closed Doors, would premiere on the network.

September 5, 1997: Lunden Steps Down as Host

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 Leaves GMA

On May 1, 1998, Charles Gibson left Good Morning America to make way for Kevin Newman, leading to a decline in ratings.

January 1999: Shelley Ross Selected

In January 1999, Shelley Ross was selected as executive producer of Good Morning America, instigating changes to improve the show'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 a dramatic increase in 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: Cancellation of Sunday Edition

In 1999, the Sunday edition of Good Morning America was canceled.

2001: Shelley Ross Sustained Momentum

From 2001 to 2009, according to Linda McLoof, Shelley Ross sustained viewing momentum, but a season later, the audience began to decline.

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: Antonio Mora Replaced by Robin Roberts

On March 18, 2002, Antonio Mora left Good Morning America to become an anchor at WBBM-TV, and he was replaced by Robin Roberts.

2002: Reference to 2002-06 'Good Morning America' Logo

In 2025, GMA unveiled a new logo for the first time in 19 years. The new logo resembled the 2002-2006 'Good Morning America' logo.

September 4, 2004: Weekend Editions Return

On September 4, 2004, weekend editions of Good Morning America returned on both Saturdays and Sundays after the Sunday edition was 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 Gibson and Sawyer.

November 3, 2005: 30th Anniversary and HD Broadcast

On November 3, 2005, Good Morning America celebrated its 30th anniversary and became the first network morning news program to begin broadcasting in high-definition television.

December 2, 2005: Tony Perkins Leaves GMA

On December 2, 2005, Tony Perkins left Good Morning America after six years to return to his family in Washington, D.C., and join WTTG.

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.

September 5, 2006: Chris Cuomo and Sam Champion Join Good Morning America

On September 5, 2006, Chris Cuomo became the news anchor and Sam Champion became the weather anchor for Good Morning America. The show also debuted a new graphics package and news area on this day.

September 13, 2006: New Good Morning America Logo Introduced

On September 13, 2006, Good Morning America introduced a new logo, featuring gold Avant Garde font on a blue background, reminiscent of the 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, 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 in her breast during a self-examination while preparing the Joel Siegel tribute episode.

October 22, 2007: New On-Air Graphics Package Introduced

On October 22, 2007, Good Morning America introduced a new on-air graphics package, shifting from a basic 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 first 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 On-Air Remark

On January 15, 2008, during an interview on Good Morning America, actress Diane Keaton made a fleeting expletive about Diane Sawyer's appearance, later apologizing for the remark.

March 28, 2008: Robin Roberts Completes Radiation Treatments

On March 28, 2008, Robin Roberts completed radiation treatments, while remaining as anchor, after announcing her breast cancer diagnosis.

September 2008: Good Morning America's "50 States in 50 Days" Tour

In September 2008, Good Morning America's anchors toured the United States by train as part of ABC News's "50 States in 50 Days" event, broadcasting from different locations each day throughout the month.

2008: Daytime Emmy Award

In 2008, Good Morning America won the Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Morning Program".

2008: Third Hour on ABC News Now Ends

In 2008, the third hour of the weekday broadcast of Good Morning America, which aired exclusively on ABC News Now, ended.

June 26, 2009: Charles Gibson Returns to Anchor Desk

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 the anchor of ABC World News at the end of the year.

December 10, 2009: George Stephanopoulos Announced 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: Shelley Ross Audience Decline

From 2001 to 2009, according to Linda McLoof, Shelley Ross sustained viewing momentum, but a season later, the audience began to decline.

2009: Daytime Emmy Award

In 2009, Good Morning America won the Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Morning Program".

May 3, 2010: New Graphics and Theme Music Debut

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. This marked the first major set change since the show upgraded to high definition in November 2005.

February 25, 2011: James Goldston Joins 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 Lara Spencer would rejoin Good Morning America 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: 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.

April 1, 2012: Katie Couric Fills In for Robin Roberts

During the week of April 1, 2012, Katie Couric, who had recently joined ABC News, filled in for Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. This marked Couric's return to morning news after six years.

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 as the most-watched network morning news program.

April 2012: GMA Overtakes Today in Ratings

In April 2012, Good Morning America, with anchors Roberts and Stephanopoulos, overtook NBC's Today show in the ratings.

April 16, 2012: Good Morning America Beats Today Again

During the week of April 16, 2012, Good Morning America once again beat Today in viewership, with a larger margin of 166,000 viewers.

July 9, 2012: Premiere of 'Good Afternoon America'

On July 9, 2012, Good Morning America launched a special summer afternoon edition titled 'Good Afternoon America' as a temporary replacement for the canceled talk show 'The Revolution'.

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August 30, 2012: Robin Roberts Takes Medical Leave

On August 30, 2012, Robin Roberts began a 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' Limited-Run Program

On September 7, 2012, the limited-run program 'Good Afternoon America,' hosted by Josh Elliott and Lara Spencer, concluded. The show was taped immediately after the morning program and focused on lighter content, originating from Times Square Studios.

January 14, 2013: Robin Roberts Announces Anticipated Return

On January 14, 2013, Robin Roberts announced her hope to return to Good Morning America sometime in February, after medical leave.

February 20, 2013: Robin Roberts Returns Part-Time

On February 20, 2013, Robin Roberts made a part-time return to Good Morning America, following her medical leave.

December 4, 2013: Sam Champion Departs Good Morning America

On December 4, 2013, Sam Champion left Good Morning America to join The Weather Channel. He was succeeded by Ginger Zee.

March 30, 2014: Josh Elliott Leaves ABC News

On March 30, 2014, Josh Elliott departed from ABC News to become a correspondent for NBC Sports. Amy Robach replaced him as news anchor.

April 15, 2014: Michael Strahan Joins Good Morning America as Contributing Anchor

On April 15, 2014, Michael Strahan was introduced as the new contributing anchor on Good Morning America, while continuing his role 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 on "Motivate Me Mondays"

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 anchors, and weather anchors returning to share their stories and show clips from the past 40 years.

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 Begins as Full-Time Co-Anchor

On September 6, 2016, Michael Strahan began his role as a full-time co-anchor of Good Morning America, alongside Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Lara Spencer. A new title sequence was also debuted.

2016: Nine Network Broadcasts GMA in Australia

From 2016, the Nine Network in Australia broadcast Good Morning America on all its regional affiliates.

May 23, 2018: GMA Day Announced as Replacement for The Chew

On May 23, 2018, an afternoon extension of Good Morning America, originally titled GMA Day (now GMA3), was announced to replace the cancelled cooking series The Chew in the 1:00 p.m. ET timeslot.

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July 3, 2018: Nine No Longer Airs GMA

As of July 3, 2018, Nine in Australia no longer airs Good Morning America.

September 10, 2018: Premiere of 'GMA Day'

On September 10, 2018, GMA3 premiered under the title of '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 'Strahan and Sara' as the subtitle, continuing with hosts Michael Strahan and Sara Haines.

August 26, 2019: Keke Palmer Joins 'GMA3'

On August 26, 2019, Keke Palmer joined 'GMA3' as a permanent third co-host, and the show was subtitled 'Strahan, Sara and Keke' until March 2020.

March 2020: GMA3 Becomes 'GMA3: What You Need to Know'

In March 2020, 'GMA3: Strahan, Sara and Keke' 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 in Australia

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 Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Good Morning America

In April 2022, Robin Roberts celebrated her 20th anniversary with Good Morning America, marked by an on-air celebration and the honoring of her with a plaque in Times Square.

September 7, 2023: Ray the Mascot Introduced

On September 7, 2023, Good Morning America introduced Ray, an anthropomorphic sun-like creature, as the show's mascot.

October 2023: Relocation of GMA to New Disney Facility Announced

In October 2023, it was announced that GMA, along with many ABC News and WABC-TV's on-air studio operations, would relocate to a new Disney facility at 7 Hudson Square in Lower Manhattan.

2024: Ratings Struggle

In 2024, Good Morning America struggled in the ratings, losing the demographic of adults under 54 to the Today show for several months and periodically to CBS Mornings.

June 16, 2025: GMA Relocates to 7 Hudson Square

On June 16, 2025, Good Morning America officially moved and began broadcasting from Studio C in their new facility at 7 Hudson Square, Lower Manhattan. A new logo was unveiled for the first time in 19 years, resembling the 2002-06 logo. Additionally, new graphics and studios combining hard scenery, virtual set extensions, and movable LED units were also revealed.