Insight: “Anchors are the No. 1 reason” viewers watch morning network TV programs, states NY Post
ABC News is weighing a major shakeup at “Good Morning America” after the iconic broadcast lost its No. 1 ratings berth last season to NBC’s “The Today Show,” reports The New York Post.
According to the NY Post, during 2025-2026, the program “amassed 2.8 million total viewers and 477,000 viewers in the coveted 25-54 demo — while “Today” reeled in 2.9 million total viewers and 612,000 viewers in the demo.
“It was the first time “Today” was top dog since the 2011-12 season — when Matt Lauer and Ann Curry were co-anchors.
“It didn’t help that “Today” captured a massive audience spike earlier this year as viewers followed the developing story of co-host Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother. “Today” also got a boost as NBC carried the Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl this year.”
But, states the NY Post, “insiders also pointed to the fact that co-hosts Robin Roberts, Michael Strahan, and George Stephanopoulos are rarely on set together. The trio is “never” in the studio at the same time, an ABC source noted, adding that “someone is always on vacation,” on assignment or working on another project, which has harmed viewership.
“Anchors are the No. 1 reason people watch,” a source told the NY Post. “Anchor chemistry is everything, but Robin and George detest each other and Robin is jealous of Michael. It’s palpable. They don’t like each other,” stated the source.
PHOTO: Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos
