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'GMA' Beats 'Today' Yet Again

The morning-show ratings war continues

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert May 1, 2012 7:51AM

The early morning infotainment war has heated up to a volley. After "Good Morning America finally smashed "Today's" 16-year ratings reign two weeks ago, "Today" took back the crown for the week of April 16. Now, "GMA" has countered with another win, beating "Today" for the week of April 23, while also taking the first day of May sweeps, according to early numbers.

Bing: "Good Morning America" | "Today"

The crown will return to "GMA" once again, according to Nielsen Fast Nationals. ABC's early morning team scored 5.297 million viewers the week of April 23, for a 166,000 lead over "Today." The NBC morning crew still maintains its 16-year streak with viewers 25-54, but that lead is shrinking, as well.

This second "GMA" win reflects higher ratings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with Thursday being the start of the May sweeps. It also reflects a much healthier lead over "Today" than in the first win, which was a mere 31,000 viewers.

 

Also: What shows will be returning next season?


Matt Lauer's "Today" show vacation was cited as a major factor in the first "GMA" win. Interestingly, however, Lauer was on hand for all three of the "GMA" wins this time, but not on Friday, when "Today" won without him being in the house. 

Final ratings will be released Thursday.

"Good Morning America" and "Today" air weekdays at 7:00 a.m., ET/PT on ABC and NBC, respectively.

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24Comments
Jane Wilcox (PinkyKeller)
May 2, 2012 9:11AM
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I cannot stand Savannah. She is a rude interviewer. I feel she is pushing Natalie out, who I think is very witty and fun. Yes, I don't think Ann is a good follow up to the past female hosts, but I still think Matt is great, and I think he is a very fair interviewer. I don't like all the Duggar crap, or the Kardashian stuff. I just don't get the interest there. I like the panel of professionals. I think the show fails when the regulars aren't there together - Matt, Ann, Al and Natalie. Mix that up and it is a mess. If they replace Ann with Savannah, I am out of here.
D M R
May 2, 2012 9:01AM
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Yesterday Ann Curry suggested to Al Roker that he hold his umbrella up like Mary Poppins so he wouldn't block the viewers standing outside.  Lately she's been giving more of this mushy advice and comments to her coworkers.  It's driving me crazy.  I have watched Today since Tom Brokaw.  Life without it is unimaginable...but, if they don't do something about Ann Curry and her horrible interviews and comments, I'm leaving.  While I'm on my soapbox, I cannot stand the professionals.  It's weird, and no one really listens to each other.  Dr. Nancy knows everything about every disease.  I really enjoyed her week away.  But with Rosie???  The other big big big problem with Today is that it's turning into a tabloid rag.  I want the news.  I want decent interviews.  Help!

Someone (Lanco)
May 2, 2012 7:38AM
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I switched to GMA because the chemistry of the Today crew is terrible. Matt Lauer always looks like he's sucking a lemon. Can't stand Savannah and the Star/Donny/Dr. Nancy segment is a complete rip off of Lara Spencer's 8 a.m. trends segment. I had doubts about George, but he's great, especially when he goes along with the less-than-newsworthy​ segments lets the others poke fun at him. Love Robin Roberts -- she really began to shine after Diane Swayer left.  
chickaboom boom
May 2, 2012 6:55AM
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I have never seen anyone more unsuited for an on-camera job than Ann Curry. She's gawky, chides colleagues if they make a joke that she doesn't approve of, stumbles over her words, and interrupts guests to blurt out a question that they've already answered - making it painfully apparent that she hasn't heard a word they're saying. I was a HUGE today show fan, but when Ann Curry took over, I either watch GMA or don't watch at all. Oh, and what's with Jenna Bush? Those segments are almost as painful as Ann Curry. I do cut her some slack for being young and spawn of a true idiot.
Lynne Frieg
May 2, 2012 6:24AM
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Stopped watching Today when they started using the unwatchable Ann Curry - now I watch GMA and love it and won't switch back - worst move Today ever made just because they felt they had to give the spot to Ann.
james eckley
May 2, 2012 2:59AM
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After holding out during contract negotiations until the last minute for more money, I wonder how Matt Lauer's new annual salary compares to those greedy wall street CEO's salaries.
Wild Willy84
May 1, 2012 10:33PM
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Ann Curry seems like a lovely person, but it is painful to watch her. Her interviews are excruciating. I cannot fathom how she got the job with all the talent there is out there. I really think The Today ratings have slipped because she is so boring. I change channels the second she comes on. As for the weekend Today Show, Jenna Wolfe has GOT to go...way too strong, brash and masculine. Who on earth makes these talent decisions? You can tell that Lester can't stand her. The chemistry, or lack thereof, is laughable. Lester deserves better even though he too is pretty lackluster. As for Sam Champion...he's okay but, you're right, his laugh is so annoying that it's almost worth replacing him...phony, phony, phony.
Livin_life
May 1, 2012 10:08PM
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I think the Today Show is better when Ann Curry isn't doing interviews on serious subjects. I think she puts her interviewees off guard with her questions and often doesn't listen to their answers and puts them on the spot with irrelevant questions. You can tell she is reading from a script. Natalie and Savannah are more casual on their approach to serious interviews and tries to make their guests more at ease without putting them on the spot.

Matt Lauer has a similar approach to Ann with his interviews and seems to be looking for an angle in every situation to bring dirt on the person he is interviewing. I like Lara, and Robin and the light-heartedness approach to news casting. It's refreshing to watch and it seems like they all get along off camera.

 

ctheslayer
May 1, 2012 8:37PM
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Jim - Sarah Palin was on for one day. Well, she gets blamed for everything else, might as well blame her for a show tanking.

 

Actually, I'm a GMA viwer and I watched Today  the ONE day Sarah Palin was on because I was trying to escape The Second Coming of Couric (sorry, I thought the  pr campaign was a huge diss to Robin Roberts) and I was surprised at how bad it was. My local ABC station doesn't carry GMA on Sundays so I watch Today w/Lester Holt and Jenna Wolf - if  they want to make a casting change maybe they should look at their weekend team.

tigerlily67
May 1, 2012 7:50PM
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I quit watching "Today" when they kept putting the Duggars, Kardashians and other celebrity whores on every other week in the place of real news.
Ok gal
May 1, 2012 7:38PM
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Ann needs to go.  That phony sweet voice drives me wild, especially when she lowers it 3 octaves.  Love Samantha, she is fun and smart.  Nat is also good, either on would  be fine with me. Hard to replace Meridith. Matt hasn't had a good whopping in a while. Only go to GMA, for day after reality shows update.
ajnow
May 1, 2012 7:36PM
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I quit watching all of the NBC news programs including the Today show and the nightly news.  As Jay Leno had once called it...  "the Obama election headquarters".  Enough said!
BUBBYSMITH
May 1, 2012 7:35PM
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Stopped watching TODAY because of the time spent on what's next, then commercials, then when they finally start a segment....... host is always listening or looking at the producers for how much time is left..... so that they can go to commercial. Still watch Hoda & Kathie Lee but that is getting annoying with Hoda spending more time telling us how many seconds are left.

 

MOONBOY
May 1, 2012 7:30PM
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Charlie Rose is my choice! Smile
Cobly
May 1, 2012 7:16PM
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Today Show lost me after 48 years of a viewer when Ann got promoted.  Savannah is making the ship sink more.  Bring in new, fresh blood.  Ryan Seacrest would be outstanding.  If it is between hiring Natalie or Savannah to replace Ann, please choose Natalie.  Better yet, look outside the box.  Get with it Today.  Savannah's wicked sense of humor makes her hard to like.  I miss Katie & Meredith they were funny and kind and most of all, professional.  Matt is old news.
lol888
May 1, 2012 6:49PM
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Those who are in favor for Savannah, go ahead thumb down on me. Everyone is entitled to his/her opinions. Well, I can't stand Savannah Guthrie.  I am done with Today if she ever takes over Ann. Leave Ann alone.  She worked hard to get that spot. Looks like Savannah is trying to steal Ann's spot.  I would even prefer Natalie.  Besides, no blame it on Ann. It all started when Today got that Palin on the show.

lillie784
May 1, 2012 6:28PM
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GMA has an outstanding team with co-anchors Robin and George. Sam, Josh, and Lara make up the rest. Together, they are all amazing. Congratulations.
tmpe
May 1, 2012 6:22PM
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It is no wonder the Today show is waning.  I feel the show has become way to liberal and Anne is just to gushy.  Then they insult the intelligent mind even more by inviting Rosie on to give her always obnoxious views.  Get real or move over permanently.
B CAMPBELL (Phoenix 07)
May 1, 2012 6:21PM
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I always watch GMA.  BUT, the weatherperson (Samantha) oops, Sam has a phony, phony laugh.  I don't know how the rest of the cast stand it.
Gpa57
May 1, 2012 6:13PM
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I have to agree with MEP-college grad......Anne Curry is a very sweet lady.  However, she does not have the wit and banter of former co-hosts.  She comes across quite "syrupy" and a bit melodramatic in interviews.  Ms. Guthry has the wit, banter, and confidence to bring Today back to its' consistent ratings coup. 
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