many of them watch the program specifically for ms. roberts , who is , according to industry research , the most - liked host on any american morning news program by a wide margin .
i have something , ' " she said . "
read more : robin roberts says she 's feeling stronger every day the official announcement of roberts ' return was made feb. 6 after her most recent test showed no signs of abnormalities and she received the all - clear from her doctors .
the broadcast gave abc fresh optimism that “ good morning america , ” with ms. roberts , 52 , back in her chair , can continue to beat nbc ’s “ today , ” which last year was dislodged from the top spot in the morning ratings after 16 straight years .
photo “ now , ” robin roberts said to the staff of her top - rated morning show , “ good morning america , ” right after it wrapped on wednesday , “ we can resume regular programming .
there ’s so many people that i want to thank throughout the morning , my doctors and nurses and family and colleagues and people who have sat in thischair and those who have blazed the trail before me , " roberts said . "
 
the return , promoted two weeks ahead of time by abc , was celebrated by fans , tens of thousands of whom sent well - wishes on social networking sites .
” ms. roberts had just made a television comeback unlike any other , as a host of the program for the first time since she was forced to leave it in august to fight a life - threatening illness .