Show summary Hide summary
Good Morning America narrowed the ratings gap to just 72,000 viewers behind Today, marking a stunning comeback in the morning show battle. The ABC News program delivered explosive growth while NBC‘s long-standing leader holds on by a thread.
🔥 Quick Facts
- GMA Lead: Now trailing by just 72,000 viewers, up 10 percent year-over-year in total viewers
- Today’s Hold: 2.996 million viewers average for the week of April 20, up 17 percent from 2025
- GMA’s Gain: 2.924 million viewers with 508,000 in the key Adults 25-54 demo, up 9 percent year-over-year
- CBS Mornings Loss: Only show down year-over-year with 1.756 million viewers, down 7 percent in total viewers
The Tightest Morning Show Race in Years
Good Morning America is mounting the most competitive challenge against Today in recent memory. With just 72,000 viewers separating the two broadcasts, GMA has transformed the morning television landscape. The ABC network program averaged 2.924 million total viewers for the week ending April 20, 2026.
The margin is razor-thin, powered by Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan commanding viewers. GMA climbed 1 percent week-over-week and 10 percent year-over-year, signaling a momentum shift in morning news.
GMA today narrows Today lead to just 72K viewers in tight ratings race
Double down tour: Jason Aldean & Luke Bryan announce 4 stadium dates, tickets May 8
NBC’s Today Show Holds the Crown but Faces Pressure
Today retained the number one position with 2.996 million viewers and 639,000 demo viewers for Adults 25-54. Hosted by recently returning Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin, the NBC morning show achieved substantial year-over-year growth. The program was up 17 percent in total viewers compared to the same week in 2025.
Yet the competitive pressure remains intense. Today stayed flat week-over-week in total viewers but gained 2 percent in the coveted Adults 25-54 demographic. Savannah Guthrie‘s return energized the broadcast, but the narrowing gap suggests the era of Today‘s dominance may be tested.
Morning Show Ratings Comparison
The latest ratings for the week of April 20 show the dramatic shifts across morning television. Two shows gained significant ground while one failed to keep pace. The data reflects shifting viewer preferences and competitive strategies as networks battle for morning audiences.
| Show | Total Viewers | Adults 25-54 Demo | YoY Change |
| Today (NBC) | 2.996 million | 639,000 | +17 percent |
| GMA (ABC) | 2.924 million | 508,000 | +10 percent |
| CBS Mornings | 1.756 million | 310,000 | -7 percent |
“GMA continues to close the gap on the Today show when it comes to total viewers, with just 72,000 separating the two broadcasts.”
— TV Insider/AdWeek, citing Nielsen ratings data
CBS Mornings Stumbles While Competition Intensifies
CBS Mornings faced the toughest week among the three major morning programs. Hosted by Gayle King and Nate Burleson, the CBS network show averaged 1.756 million viewers and 310,000 in the demo. The program declined 7 percent year-over-year in total viewers, making it the only morning show down in both key categories.
While CBS Mornings improved 4 percent in the demo week-over-week and decreased just 2 percent in total viewers from the prior week, the year-over-year decline signals difficulty maintaining its viewership base. The performance gap between CBS and GMA grew to nearly 1.2 million viewers.
What Does This Mean for Morning Television Going Forward?
The 72,000 viewer gap between GMA and Today represents the closest the morning show race has been in years. Robin Roberts and her team have built momentum through consistent gains, suggesting ABC News is making strategic inroads into NBC‘s audience. The question now becomes whether GMA can sustain this trajectory and eventually claim the top spot.
Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie‘s recent return to Today has boosted the program’s standing, but the trend favors ABC. As networks continue investing in morning talent and content, the morning show landscape may be entering a new competitive era where the traditional power dynamic shifts.
