History of Good Morning America in Timeline
Good Morning America is an American morning television program broadcast on ABC, premiering on November 3, 1975. It expanded to weekends starting January 3, 1993, with a Sunday edition. After a cancellation in 1999, weekend editions returned on Saturdays and Sundays on September 4, 2004. 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 Pacific Time Zone viewers receiving an updated feed. A third hour of the weekday broadcast aired from 2007 to 2008 on ABC News Now.
January 6, 1975: AM America Launched
On January 6, 1975, ABC launched AM America 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, marking the start of the American morning television program.
November 1975: Geraldo Rivera Joins GMA
After Good Night America went off the air, Geraldo Rivera still worked for ABC eventually working for Good Morning America when it premiered in November 1975, while still working for ABC News and its other shows such as Nightline and 20/20.
1975: Title Controversy
In 1975, after the revamped ABC morning show took to the air under the title Good Morning America, WCVB station manager Bob Bennett accused ABC entertainment president Fred Silverman of deliberately stealing the title of Good Morning!.
August 30, 1976: Tom Brokaw Anchors Today
On August 30, 1976, Tom Brokaw began anchoring Today, prompting Good Morning America to threaten Today's ratings dominance.
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
In 1980, Sandy Hill left Good Morning America after run-ins with David Hartman.
1982: John Coleman Leaves
In 1982, John Coleman left Good Morning America to start The Weather Channel.
1983: Dave Murray Provides Forecasts
From 1983 to 1986, Dave Murray provided the weather forecasts for Good Morning America.
August 1986: Spencer Christian Replaces Dave Murray
In August 1986, Spencer Christian replaced Dave Murray as the weather forecaster for Good Morning America.
1986: Joan Lunden Promoted
In 1986, Joan Lunden was promoted to co-anchor of Good Morning America.
1986: Jerry Hodak provides forecasts
Prior to Spencer Christian's arrival in 1986, Jerry Hodak provided forecasts on the program via a split screen.
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: Charles Gibson Joins as Co-Anchor
On February 23, 1987, Charles Gibson was paired with Joan Lunden on Good Morning America, leading to increased ratings.
1987: Logo Resemblance
On September 13, 2006, the program introduced a new logo which bears a resemblance to the original Good Morning America logo that was used up to early 1987.
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: Ratings Slip
On the week of December 11, 1995, Good Morning America fell to second place behind Today in the ratings.
1995: Ratings Decline
From 1995 to 2012, Good Morning America generally placed second in the ratings, behind NBC's Today.
1996: Lunden to host Primetime Program
In 1996, ABC executives promised Joan Lunden that a prime time program, Behind Closed Doors would premiere on the network.
September 5, 1997: Lisa McRee Replaces Joan Lunden
On September 5, 1997, Lisa McRee replaced Joan Lunden as host of Good Morning America.
May 1, 1998: Kevin Newman Joins as Anchor
On May 1, 1998, Kevin Newman replaced Charles Gibson as anchor of Good Morning America, leading to a 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-Sawyer Team Debut
On January 18, 1999, the Charles Gibson-Diane Sawyer team debuted on Good Morning America, resulting in increased viewership.
September 13, 1999: Move to Times Square Studios
On September 13, 1999, Good Morning America moved to Times Square Studios.
1999: Sunday Edition Canceled
In 1999, the Sunday edition of Good Morning America was canceled.
2001: Shelley Leaves
From 2001 to 2009, According to Linda McLoof, executive director of news research at ABC News from 2001 to 2009, "When Shelley left, her viewing momentum was initially sustained, but a season later, the audience began to decline.
2001: Originating Live Show From The Pentagon
Good Morning America originated a live show from The Pentagon for the reopening of the wing damaged during the September 11 attacks in 2001.
March 18, 2002: Robin Roberts Joins as Newsreader
On March 18, 2002, Robin Roberts replaced Antonio Mora as newsreader for Good Morning America.
September 4, 2004: Weekend Editions Return
On September 4, 2004, weekend editions of Good Morning America returned on both Saturdays and Sundays.
May 23, 2005: Robin Roberts Promoted to Co-Anchor
On May 23, 2005, Robin Roberts was promoted to co-anchor of Good Morning America.
November 3, 2005: 30th Anniversary Celebration
On November 3, 2005, Good Morning America celebrated its 30th anniversary and began broadcasting in high-definition television.
December 2, 2005: Tony Perkins Leaves
On December 2, 2005, Tony Perkins left Good Morning America.
June 28, 2006: Charles Gibson Leaves
On June 28, 2006, Charles Gibson left Good Morning America to anchor ABC World News Tonight.
August 2006: Chris Cuomo Named News Anchor
In August 2006, Chris Cuomo was named news anchor of Good Morning America.
September 5, 2006: Cuomo and Champion Begin Duties
On September 5, 2006, Chris Cuomo and Sam Champion began their duties as news anchor and weather anchor, respectively, on Good Morning America.
September 13, 2006: New Logo Introduced
On September 13, 2006, Good Morning America introduced a new logo.
June 29, 2007: Death of Joel Siegel
On June 29, 2007, Joel Siegel, the program'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 her breast cancer diagnosis after discovering a lump during a self-examination while preparing a tribute episode.
October 22, 2007: New On-Air Graphics Package Introduced
On October 22, 2007, Good Morning America launched 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 of Weekday Broadcast
In 2007, a third hour of the weekday Good Morning America broadcast aired exclusively on ABC News Now.
2007: Sawyer's Contract Expiration
In 2007, there was speculation that Diane Sawyer would leave Good Morning America when her contract expired.
January 15, 2008: Diane Keaton's Expletive Remark
On January 15, 2008, during an interview with Diane Sawyer, actress Diane Keaton made a fleeting expletive remark, which prompted an apology and no action from the FCC.
March 28, 2008: Robin Roberts Completes Radiation Treatments
On March 28, 2008, Robin Roberts completed her radiation treatments while continuing to anchor GMA.
September 2008: 50 States in 50 Days Tour
In September 2008, Good Morning America's anchors toured the United States via Amtrak train as part of ABC News's "50 States in 50 Days" event, broadcasting from different locations each day. The first stop was in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, featuring James Taylor.
2008: Daytime Emmy Award
In 2008, Good Morning America won the Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Morning Program".
2008: Third Hour of Weekday Broadcast Ended
In 2008, the third hour of the weekday Good Morning America broadcast ended.
June 26, 2009: Charles Gibson Returns to Anchor Desk
Following the death of Michael Jackson, on June 26, 2009, Charles Gibson returned to the Good Morning America anchor desk with 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.
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, effective December 14.
2009: Shelley Leaves
From 2001 to 2009, According to Linda McLoof, executive director of news research at ABC News from 2001 to 2009, "When Shelley left, her viewing momentum was initially sustained, 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".
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.
May 3, 2010: New Graphics and Theme Music Debuted
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, an entirely new set was introduced for Good Morning America, marking the first major set change since the show upgraded to high definition in November 2005.
February 25, 2011: James Goldston Becomes Senior Executive Producer
On February 25, 2011, James Goldston transitioned from Nightline to become the Senior Executive Producer of Good Morning America.
March 17, 2011: Lara Spencer Rejoins GMA
On March 17, 2011, ABC News announced that Lara Spencer would rejoin Good Morning America in May as a lifestyle anchor.
March 29, 2011: Josh Elliott Named News Anchor
On March 29, 2011, ESPN anchor Josh Elliott was named news anchor of Good Morning America, succeeding Juju Chang.
September 6, 2011: Broadcast from New Studio Set
On September 6, 2011, Good Morning America began broadcasting from a new studio set on the first floor of the Times Square studios, featuring a back-projection of Times Square.
April 1, 2012: Katie Couric Fills in for Robin Roberts
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.
April 9, 2012: GMA Beats Today in Ratings for First Time in 16 Years
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 morning news program.
April 2012: Ratings Overtake Today
In April 2012, Good Morning America overtook Today in the ratings with anchors Roberts and Stephanopoulos.
April 16, 2012: GMA Beats Today in Ratings for Second Week in a Row
During the week of April 16, 2012, Good Morning America beat Today in the ratings for the second consecutive week, with a larger margin of 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 Begins Medical Leave
On August 30, 2012, Robin Roberts began medical leave after being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome and undergoing a bone marrow transplant. Amy Robach and Elizabeth Vargas served as primary substitutes.
September 7, 2012: Good Afternoon America Ended
On September 7, 2012, the limited-run program 'Good Afternoon America,' hosted by Josh Elliott and Lara Spencer, ended its run after originating from Times Square Studios. The program was taped immediately after 'Good Morning America'.
January 14, 2013: Robin Roberts Announces Hope to Return
On January 14, 2013, Robin Roberts announced that she hoped to return to Good Morning America sometime in February.
February 20, 2013: Robin Roberts Returns 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 GMA
On December 4, 2013, weather anchor Sam Champion left Good Morning America 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. Amy Robach replaced him as news anchor.
April 15, 2014: Michael Strahan Joins GMA as Contributing Anchor
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 2014: Speculation of Michael Strahan Joining GMA
In early April 2014, media reports speculated that Michael Strahan would be joining GMA as a contributing anchor.
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"
On September 15, 2014, Tim Tebow made his debut as a part-time correspondent, launching the new segment "Motivate Me Mondays" on Good Morning America.
September 2014: Tim Tebow Joins GMA
In September 2014, it was announced that Tim Tebow would be joining Good Morning America as a part-time correspondent to launch "Motivate Me Mondays".
November 19, 2015: 40th Anniversary Celebration
On November 19, 2015, Good Morning America celebrated its 40th anniversary, with returning anchors and news/weather anchors sharing stories and clips from the past 40 years.
April 19, 2016: Michael Strahan Announces Departure from Live!
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 debuted.
2016: Good Morning America Broadcast on Nine Network
In 2016, the Nine Network in Australia began broadcasting Good Morning America on all its regional affiliates.
April 2018: Lara Spencer Cuts Back GMA Hours
In April 2018, Lara Spencer announced she would be cutting back her hours on GMA to three days a week to focus on her own projects. Robin Roberts also announced she would no longer anchor Fridays except for Christmas or New Years.
May 23, 2018: GMA3 Announced as Replacement for The Chew
On May 23, 2018, an afternoon extension of GMA (originally titled GMA Day, now known as GMA3) was announced as a replacement for the canceled cooking series The Chew.
July 3, 2018: Nine no longer airs Good Morning America
On July 3, 2018, Nine in Australia stopped airing Good Morning America.
September 10, 2018: GMA Day Premiered
On September 10, 2018, 'GMA Day', a spinoff of GMA, premiered. The show was hosted by Michael Strahan and Sara Haines.
January 28, 2019: GMA Day became GMA3
On January 28, 2019, 'GMA Day' became 'GMA3', with the subtitle 'Strahan and Sara'. Michael Strahan and Sara Haines continued as hosts.
August 26, 2019: Keke Palmer joined GMA3
On August 26, 2019, Keke Palmer joined Michael Strahan and Sara Haines as a permanent co-host of GMA3, which was then subtitled 'Strahan, Sara and Keke'.
March 2020: GMA3 became 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. The show originally covered the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: WIN Television Broadcasts Good Morning America
Since 2021, WIN Television in Australia has been broadcasting Good Morning America with a one-day delay on Tuesdays through Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Monday mornings.
April 2022: Robin Roberts Celebrates 20th Anniversary
In April 2022, Robin Roberts celebrated her 20th anniversary with Good Morning America, receiving a plaque in Times Square.
September 7, 2023: Ray the Mascot Introduced
On September 7, 2023, Ray, an anthropomorphic sun-like creature, was introduced as the show's mascot.
2024: Ratings Struggle in 2024
In the first half of 2024, Good Morning America struggled in the ratings, losing the adults under 54 demographic to Today and CBS Mornings.
2025: Expected Relocation in 2025
In 2025, the show is expected to relocate with ABC News and WABC-TV's on-air studio operations to a new Disney facility at 4 Hudson Square.
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