Regis Philbin on Thursday’s “Good Morning America.”
On day three of Katie Couric’s return to mornings it was a split decision for the #1 and #2 morning shows.
According to Nielsen Fast National ratings “Good Morning America,” with Couric as a fill-in co-host, topped her old show by +87,000 viewers (5.236M vs. 5.149M). But “Today” prevailed in younger viewers with +319,000 more viewers than “GMA.”
“Today” won Monday and Tuesday in both Total Viewers and the A25-54 demo.
NBC’s promotable segment Wednesday was with Ryan Seacrest who discussed a possible future role at the show as well as announcing that his new contract with NBCUniversal includes coverage at the London Summer Olympics.
Last week, “GMA” beat “Today” twice: On Tuesday by +107,000 viewers and on Friday by +89,000 viewers.
When you compare Tuesday, March 27 to Tuesday, April 3, it appears the “Today” show’s stunt of making Sarah Palin co-host for the day made a difference as “Today” topped “GMA” by +356,000 viewers.
Regis Philbin, billed as “a true legend,” dropped by GMA this morning. “Katie Couric you’re the best, you really are,” said Reege. “I hate to see you go to 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Afternoon television is dead these days! This is where the action is right here.”