KEY POINTS:
As the camera zoomed out and they waved goodbye, their relieved smiles said it all.
Job well done.
After somewhat shaky beginnings, presenters James Coleman and Carly Flynn survived the inaugural broadcast of Sunrise - TV3's new breakfast programme - bringing some much-needed personality to the breakfast television
market.
Better dressed and better looking than their competitors, Coleman and Flynn make a formidable pair.
Their natural chemistry made for easy banter, though it has to be said, their timing could be better.
Excessive switching between speakers saw the presenters come unstuck more than once, talking over one another and pausing awkwardly, waiting for the other to speak.
Newsreader Sasha McNeil also seemed to suffer some opening morning jitters, stumbling through her initial news bulletin. By the second update, however, she was back in control and maintained her composure for the following four bulletins.
Sports reader Rod Cheeseman added great entertainment value to the line up and appeared the most relaxed of the foursome, joking his way through all four of his reports.
But not even he was immune to opening day blunders, finding himself lost for words when a teleprompter malfunction saw the wrong story appear.
A problem, which seemed to repeat later in the show, when Flynn read a teaser for an upcoming segment about "this Olsen twin", while a picture of Nicole Richie appeared on screen.
Indeed, after two teasers for the Olsen twin story, the segment never eventuated.
Crossing live to Nelson Aspen in Hollywood, we were updated on the goings on of Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal (nothing's happening - she's not very nice apparently); Russell Crowe's new reality show and Nicole Richie's wedding. But no Olsens.
These teething problems aside - for they were but minor incidents in the grand scheme of things - Sunrise proved itself an entertaining watch and worthy competitor for the breakfast viewer.
Highlights included the "All Star" segment - an informal chat with Bill Ralston and Jaquie Brown, which included the discussion of tasers, toys and Kiwi women's drinking habits.
TV3 also proved its commitment as a serious news provider, featuring several live crosses to breaking stories, including the Ports of Auckland strike and the Prime Minister's visit to 10 Downing St.
Less impressive, however, were the never-ending references to the Rugby World Cup.
With no less than four segments on the Rugby World Cup - three live crosses to Mike McRoberts in Paris and an interview with a couple who accidentally planned their wedding on the day of the final - it remains to be seen what they will talk about once the event is finally over.
Judging by today's efforts, they are more than capable of coming up with
something. And I'll be watching when they do.
