- Good Morning America celebrated its 50th anniversary, having first aired on November 3, 1975.
- The show has seen a remarkable evolution of hosts, from original anchors David Hartman and Nancy Dussault to the current familiar faces.
- Many hosts, including George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan, initially turned down the coveted anchor job out of fear or uncertainty.
- The history includes controversial exits, such as Joan Lunden’s departure, which she later attributed to ageism and sexism.
GMA’s 50-Year Legacy
For half a century, Good Morning America has been a morning staple in households across the nation. Since its debut on November 3, 1975, the program has guided viewers through the day’s biggest news, cultural moments, and heartfelt stories. In a special 50th-anniversary broadcast, the current team of Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Michael Strahan, Lara Spencer, and Ginger Zee were joined by veteran anchors to honor the show’s enduring legacy.
Reflecting on the milestone, Stephanopoulos described it as an “incredible privilege,” calling his co-anchors a “family.” As we look back on five decades of morning television, the journey of its hosts reveals a story of surprising starts, emotional departures, and unwavering dedication.
The Current GMA Family
Robin Roberts
Promoted to co-anchor in 2005, Robin Roberts has become a cornerstone of the show. She emphasizes the “intimacy” of morning television, viewing it as a privilege to connect with viewers as they start their day. “They feel like we’re there to give them a hug or hold their hand,” she told PEOPLE.
George Stephanopoulos
Interestingly, the man who is now a GMA mainstay initially said no to the anchor role. After joining ABC as an analyst in 1997, he was hesitant to move into the co-anchor chair. “I said, ‘Are you kidding? That’s not what I do,’ ” he recalled. A persuasive pitch from the ABC News president changed his mind, a decision he now calls “one of the best professional decisions I ever made.”
Michael Strahan
The NFL legend also had doubts about joining in 2016. “When they offered it to me, I said, ‘No, I don’t do news,’ ” Strahan admitted. He realized he was saying no “more out of fear” and is now grateful he took the leap.
Pioneers Who Paved the Way
The Original Anchors: David Hartman and Nancy Dussault
David Hartman and Tony-nominated actress Nancy Dussault were the first to greet America in 1975. Hartman, who co-anchored for over a decade, called it a “flat-out privilege” to provide useful information to viewers. Dussault, who came from a theater background, recalled the “jolt” of the early morning schedule.
Diane Sawyer and Charles Gibson
Diane Sawyer joined in 1999, bringing a hard-news edge and a significant viewership boost. After nearly 3,000 shows, she departed in 2009 to anchor ABC World News. Charles Gibson, a co-anchor from 1987 to 1998 and again from 1999 to 2006, was at the desk during pivotal moments in history, including the September 11th terrorist attacks.
The Controversy Behind Joan Lunden’s Exit
Joan Lunden was a co-host for nearly 17 years before her departure in 1997. While the official reason given at the time was her desire to spend more time with her children, she later revealed a different story. In a 2022 interview, Lunden explained she was allegedly pushed out due to ageism and sexism, a secret she kept for years to maintain a classy exit.