Top of the Morning (book)
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Media, Television |
| Founded | April 23, 2013 |
| Founder | Brian Stelter |
| Products | Nonfiction book |
| Parent | Grand Central Publishing |
Top of the Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV is a 2013 nonfiction work authored by media analyst Brian Stelter. Released on April 23, 2013, through Grand Central Publishing, the book delves into the fiercely competitive environment of morning television.[1] An important excerpt was published in The New York Times Magazine shortly before the book’s official launch.[2]
Synopsis
In Top of the Morning, Stelter provides an insider’s view on significant figures and developments within daytime television, drawing from his experience as a The New York Times media correspondent. The narrative highlights Ann Curry stepping in for Meredith Vieira on the Today show[3] and explores the fierce competition for ratings between Good Morning America and Today.[4]
Reception
Reviews for Top of the Morning have been varied. The Washington Times delivered a generally favorable critique, whereas Entertainment Weekly presented a more mixed viewpoint, observing that the book gained strength as it progressed but contained aspects better covered in other sources. Both the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and The Hollywood Reporter expressed criticism; notably, the former compared its tone to celebrity gossip rather than rigorous journalism.
Television adaptation
On December 17, 2013, Lifetime revealed intentions to create a two-hour TV movie based on the book, focusing on the rivalry between Today and Good Morning America. By 2016, however, Lifetime allowed their option to expire and halted further development.
Subsequently, the book served as inspiration for the drama series The Morning Show, which portrays behind-the-scenes life in morning television. Featuring and executive produced by Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon for Apple TV+, the show includes Brian Stelter as a consulting producer.
External links
- ↑ "'Top of The Morning' Author Brian Stelter Talks Morning Show Wars and Future of Social Media". Yahoo News. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
- ↑ Stelter, Brian (April 18, 2013). "Who Can Save the 'Today' Show?". The New York Times. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
- ↑ "Shinan: Extreme social lessons from the world of early morning shows via George Stephanopoulos". National Post. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
- ↑ Kenneally, Tim (June 27, 2011). "NY Times Media Reporter Brian Stelter Scores Morning-TV Book Deal". The Wrap. Retrieved May 22, 2013.