Variety sums up the summer morning wars: “Ratings-wise, Today is looking every bit the juggernaut it was before Couric left. In the eight weeks since she left the show, Today has actually padded its lead over GMA in total viewers. The gap stands now at 20%, double what it was the same time last year.”

Michael Learmonth adds: “The show’s ratings lead, built in large part on regular Today subs like [David] Gregory, [Campbell] Brown and Lester Holt, not to mention expanded roles for Lauer, Ann Curry and Natalie Morales has Today execs feeling like they’ve built a system even more powerful than the talent.“

> Also: “The show’s signature street-level studio will be rebuilt with a lighter color palette, video screens instead of static backgrounds and mosaic glass…”