‘Nightline’ goes all coronavirus

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ABC News has switched its late night news program “Nightline” to being solely devoted to coverage of the coronavirus — a nod back to its 1979 roots.

“Nightline” began as a daily news program to update viewers on the latest news about the Iran hostage crisis.

It was originally titled “The Iran Crisis: America Held Hostage” and anchored by lead “World News Tonight” anchor Frank Reynolds but hosting duties switched to Ted Koppel after the first few editions.

It was renamed “Nightline” in 1980 even as the hostage crisis continued (it wouldn’t end until 1981 after 444 days).

It also grew from 20 to 30 minutes.

The show would eventually evolve into featuring a variety of topics, although single topic editions were still done for special coverage. Koppel retired in 2005.

In 2012, ABC swapped timeslots for its late night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Nightline,” with the news program moving to 12:37 to 1:07 a.m. eastern.

When the hourlong “Kimmel” debuted in 2003, it was placed at 12:05 a.m., directly after “Nightline.”

For “Nightline,” ABC News is using the “COVID-19” logo design it has been using for some time now — but in a blue shade. The word “Outbreak” is added below.