NBC's Today Show: 70+ Years of Morning TV That Changed America
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Last Updated: 11 September 2026, 12:54 PM UTC | Author: Akshat Malik | Category: Entertainment & Culture
What Is the Today Show? A Quick Answer
The Today Show is a long-running American morning news and talk program broadcast on NBC, which first aired on January 14, 1952 — making it one of the longest-running television programs in U.S. history. It airs weekdays from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM ET and covers breaking news, lifestyle, health, entertainment, celebrity interviews, cooking segments, and human interest stories. As of 2026, it remains one of the most-watched morning programs in the United States.
A Brief History of the Today Show
The Today Show was conceived by Sylvester "Pat" Weaver, then-president of NBC, as a new kind of television program — one that would blend news with entertainment and serve as a companion to viewers during their morning routines. It debuted on January 14, 1952, with Dave Garroway as its first host, famously accompanied by a chimpanzee named J. Fred Muggs, who became an unlikely early mascot for the show and helped boost ratings significantly.
Over seven decades, the show evolved dramatically — from black-and-white news segments to live remotes, from celebrity cooking to global coverage of major world events. It has been a witness to history: from presidential elections to space launches to natural disasters.
Today Show: Key Historical Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1952 | Premiered on NBC with Dave Garroway as host |
| 1953 | J. Fred Muggs (chimpanzee) joins, ratings surge |
| 1961 | John Chancellor and Hugh Downs era begins |
| 1974 | Tom Brokaw and Jane Pauley join as anchors |
| 1982 | Bryant Gumbel and Jane Pauley become anchor duo |
| 1991 | Katie Couric joins as co-host; becomes a cultural phenomenon |
| 1997 | Today beats Good Morning America in ratings for first time in 16 years |
| 2006 | Meredith Vieira succeeds Katie Couric |
| 2011 | Ann Curry becomes co-host |
| 2012 | Savannah Guthrie becomes co-host; Today loses ratings lead to GMA |
| 2013 | Al Roker celebrates 40 years with NBC |
| 2017 | Matt Lauer terminated following misconduct allegations |
| 2018 | Hoda Kotb named co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie |
| 2024 | Hoda Kotb announces departure from Today after 17 years |
| 2025 | Craig Melvin named co-anchor; show continues its evolution |
Iconic Hosts Who Defined the Today Show
The Today Show has been shaped by a succession of personalities who became household names across America. Each brought a distinct style that reflected the era they anchored.
Dave Garroway (1952–1961)
The original host, Garroway set the relaxed, conversational tone that became the show's signature. His sign-off — "Peace" — with a raised hand became one of early television's most iconic moments.
Barbara Walters (1974–1976)
The first woman to co-anchor a network evening newscast, Walters broke significant ground as a Today co-host, bringing serious journalistic credibility to morning television.
Jane Pauley (1976–1989)
One of the most beloved Today anchors, Pauley spent 13 years on the show, becoming synonymous with the program's trusted, warm morning presence.
Bryant Gumbel (1982–1997)
Gumbel's 15-year tenure as co-host is among the longest in Today Show history. His sharp interviewing style and broadcast authority helped the show maintain dominance through the 1980s and early 1990s.
Katie Couric (1991–2006)
Widely credited with bringing youthful energy, humour, and emotional depth to the Today Show, Couric's 15-year run made her one of the most recognisable faces in American media. Her interviews — including her coverage of the September 11, 2001 attacks — are considered landmark moments in broadcast journalism.
Matt Lauer (1997–2017)
Lauer's two-decade run as co-host included some of the show's highest-rated years. He was terminated by NBC in November 2017 following allegations of sexual misconduct — a pivotal and difficult moment in the show's history, widely covered by media outlets including The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter.
Hoda Kotb (2008–2024)
Kotb became one of the most beloved figures in Today Show history. After co-anchoring alongside Kathie Lee Gifford from 2008, she was elevated to co-anchor of the main hour in 2018. She announced her departure in January 2024 after 17 years, citing her desire to spend more time with her young daughters.
Savannah Guthrie (2012–Present)
A former NBC News legal correspondent and White House reporter, Guthrie has co-anchored the Today Show since 2012, bringing strong journalistic credentials to the morning format.
Today Show Format: What Happens in 4 Hours?
The Today Show currently airs across four hours on weekday mornings:
- Today (7–9 AM ET): Hard news, weather, breaking stories, major celebrity interviews, and lifestyle segments with Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin.
- Today Third Hour (9–10 AM ET): Lighter news, pop culture, trending stories, product spotlights.
- Today with Jenna & Friends / Today with Hoda & Jenna (10–11 AM ET): Conversational, lifestyle-focused hour with Jenna Bush Hager.
Ratings and Cultural Impact
The Today Show has been one of the most-watched morning programs in U.S. television history. At its peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s, it regularly drew 6 to 8 million viewers per morning, according to Nielsen ratings data reported by major media sources. The rivalry between Today and ABC's Good Morning America is one of the longest-running ratings battles in American broadcast television.
Key moments that drew massive viewership include:
- September 11, 2001 — The Today team broadcast live as the World Trade Center attacks unfolded, with Matt Lauer and Katie Couric anchoring for hours. This remains one of the most-watched moments in U.S. broadcast history.
- Princess Diana tributes (1997) — Today's coverage drew enormous audiences following Diana's death.
- Annual Halloween costume segments — A beloved viewer tradition that consistently trends on social media.
- "Where in the World is Matt Lauer?" — A travel segment that ran for years and became one of the show's most popular recurring features.
Today Show and Wellness: Morning Routines That Inspire
One of the Today Show's enduring segments is its focus on health, wellness, and everyday self-care — from sleep routines and fitness tips to skincare and nutrition. Morning television has long been a trusted source of wellness information for everyday viewers, and the Today Show has featured everything from clinical experts to consumer wellness products over its 70-year history.
If you're inspired to take your morning wellness routine to the next level, the Lukewarm Wellness Collection on ClickOnCare offers a curated range of science-backed health supplements designed for everyday wellbeing — from Vitamin C and Glutathione effervescents to skincare support.
Wellness Note: The above is a brand reference only and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any supplement or wellness programme. Products mentioned are not affiliated with NBC or the Today Show.
Today Show in 2026: What's Changed?
As of September 2026, the Today Show continues to evolve in response to changing viewing habits. Streaming and digital platforms have become as important as live TV broadcasts, with Today segments regularly generating millions of views on YouTube and the NBC News app. The show has adapted by producing exclusive digital content, shorter social-media clips, and interactive viewer experiences — ensuring its relevance for a new generation of audiences who may never watch traditional broadcast television.
Craig Melvin, who formally joined as co-anchor in 2025, has brought renewed energy to the first hour alongside Savannah Guthrie, while Jenna Bush Hager continues to anchor the popular fourth hour, which maintains a strong and loyal viewership.
FAQs: People Also Ask About the Today Show
What network is the Today Show on?
The Today Show airs on NBC (National Broadcasting Company) — one of the major U.S. broadcast television networks. It streams live on Peacock, NBC's streaming platform, and clips are available on YouTube and the NBC News website.
What time does the Today Show air?
The Today Show airs weekdays from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM Eastern Time (ET) in the United States. Times may vary by region for cable and satellite providers.
Who are the current Today Show hosts in 2026?
As of September 2026, the primary hosts of the Today Show include Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin (first and second hours), Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer (third hour), and Jenna Bush Hager (fourth hour). Al Roker continues as the show's long-serving weatherman. Host rosters can change — always verify current hosts via the official NBC Today Show website at today.com.
When did the Today Show start?
The Today Show premiered on January 14, 1952, on NBC — making it over 74 years old as of 2026 and one of the longest-running programs in American television history.
Why did Hoda Kotb leave the Today Show?
Hoda Kotb announced her departure from the Today Show in January 2024, citing her desire to spend more time with her two adopted daughters, Haley and Hope. She had been with the show for 17 years. Her final broadcast was widely covered by U.S. media outlets including People magazine and USA Today.
How long has Al Roker been on the Today Show?
Al Roker has been with NBC's Today Show since 1996 as its primary weather anchor. He has been with NBC in various capacities since 1978, making him one of the longest-serving personalities in the show's history. He celebrated significant milestones with the network, including a well-publicised health recovery following a serious illness in late 2022.
Is the Today Show available outside the US?
The Today Show is primarily a U.S. broadcast, but clips and segments are widely available globally on YouTube (NBC News channel) and through the NBC News website (nbcnews.com). International viewers in India and other countries can access highlight content through these digital platforms.
Disclaimer: This article is a factual, informational overview of NBC's Today Show, compiled from publicly available sources including NBC News, Nielsen ratings data as reported by industry media, and published journalism from The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. All host information is accurate as of the article's publication date (11 September 2026) and may change. This content is for general informational and entertainment purposes only. ClickOnCare is not affiliated with NBC, the Today Show, or any of its presenters. Wellness product links are to ClickOnCare's own catalogue and are not endorsed by NBC or Today Show talent.
Sources & References
- NBC Today Show — Official Website (today.com)
- NBC News — Official Website
- The New York Times — Today Show Coverage
- The Hollywood Reporter — Matt Lauer Coverage (2017)
- USA Today — Hoda Kotb Departure Coverage (2024)
- Today Show — Official YouTube Channel
About the Author
Akshat Malik is a digital entrepreneur, content strategist, and founder of ClickOnCare — one of India's growing wellness e-commerce platforms. With a background spanning business development, digital media, and consumer wellness, he writes on topics ranging from entertainment and culture to health, finance, and public policy. He is not a financial adviser, medical professional, or legal expert; this article reflects general research and editorial intent, not professional advice of any kind. Connect with Akshat on LinkedIn.