Last week’s morning show ratings race resulted in a split decision. ABC’s Good Morning America finished No. 1 in total viewers, and NBC’s Today ranked No. 1 among adults 25-54.
The aforementioned NBC morning show topped its ABC competitor by +40,000 A25-54 demo viewers (+3%) and its CBS competitor by +461,000 A25-54 demo viewers (+66%).
GMA outdelivered Today by +164,000 total viewers to win premiere week in average total audience for the 8th year running – since the 2012-13 season. The ABC morning show also managed to increase its lead compared to the same week last year by +55% (vs. 106,000) to score its largest premiere week victory in 3 years – since the 2016-17 season.
The morning news programs were once again down versus the same week last year. GMA was -5% in total viewers, and -6% in the key A25-54 demo. Today show was -7% in total viewers and a whopping -15% among adults 25-54, despite winning the that demo. CBS This Morning remained stuck in third, -9% in total viewers and -7% among adults 25-54 vs. last year.
Due to live coverage of the Intelligence Committee Hearing on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, ABC’s and NBC’s morning show weekly averages are based four days (Mon-Wed and Fri), while CBS’ weekly averages are based on three days (Mon, Wed and Fri).
Ironically, ratings during the same week last year were also based on only four days (Mon, Weds and Fri) due to the testimonies of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Judge Brett Kavanaugh in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018.
Week of Sept. 23, 2019:
| ABC | NBC | CBS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Total Viewers: | 3,728,000 | 3,564,000 | 2,673,000 |
| • A25-54: | 1,119,000 | 1,159,000 | 698,000 |
Source: The Nielsen Company, NTI Total Viewers, Adults 25-54 Live + SD, 2018-2019 Current Week (w/o 9/23/19), and Year-Ago Week (w/o 9/24/18). Averages based on regular telecasts.