NBC and ABC both touted morning show wins this week following a couple weeks of heavy breaking news.
The "Today" show, which was the number one morning show for 16 years until the spring of 2012, beat rival "Good Morning America" on Wednesday for the first time since November. Matt Lauer interviewed disgraced celebrity chef Paula Deen about her controversial use of the n-word. Deen's interview was considered big news even on the same day the Supreme Court overruled the Defense of Marriage Act and cleared the way for same-sex marriage in California.
"Today" beat "GMA" in both total viewers and the coveted 25-54 age demographic. Wednesday's win might signal a new ratings chapter for the NBC broadcast, as this week also coincides with the one year anniversary of former co-host Ann Curry's firing from the morning show. "Today" took a major hit in the ratings immediately following her exit, with some viewers saying they blamed Lauer for her messy departure.
ABC, on the other hand, celebrated a victory of its own. "Good Morning America" beat the "Today" show last week by nearly 1 million total viewers, posting its largest season gain over the NBC morning show it overtook last year.
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