Today (American TV program)

Today (American TV program)
Name	Today
Genre	Morning news/Talk show
Creator	Sylvester L. Weaver Jr.
Presenter	Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, Al Roker
Country	United States
Language	English
Network	NBC
First aired	January 14, 1952
Runtime	4 hours (live)

Today (American TV program). Premiering on NBC in 1952, it is the first-ever national morning news and talk television program, a format it pioneered and has sustained for over seven decades. Conceived by Sylvester L. Weaver Jr., the show blends hard news, interviews, lifestyle segments, and entertainment from its iconic street-level studio at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Its longevity and influence have made it a cornerstone of American broadcast television and a defining program within the NBC News division.

History

The program debuted on January 14, 1952, with host Dave Garroway, who established its relaxed yet informative tone alongside news anchor Jim Fleming and a chimpanzee named J. Fred Muggs. Under executive producer Reuven Frank in the 1960s, it solidified its journalistic credentials, expanding coverage of major events like the assassination of John F. Kennedy and the Apollo 11 moon landing. The 1980s and 1990s, marked by the tenure of Jane Pauley and later Katie Couric, saw massive ratings success and cultural prominence. The show has navigated numerous transitions, including the move to a four-hour format in 2007 and the 2012 departure of longtime host Matt Lauer, leading to the current anchor team led by Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb.

Format

The broadcast follows a structured, magazine-style format divided into hourly blocks, typically beginning with hard news and political interviews before transitioning to lighter fare. Key segments include the opening "Headlines" summary, the "Today's Take" discussion, live performances on the Plaza, and popular recurring features like Al Roker's weather forecasts and the "Third Hour" and "Fourth Hour" programs. The set's large window overlooking Rockefeller Center allows for audience interaction and has become a signature visual element, famously used during events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Christmas tree lighting ceremonies.

Notable hosts and personalities

The program has been defined by a succession of influential anchors, beginning with the avuncular Dave Garroway. Barbara Walters made history as the first female co-host in 1974, followed by the highly successful pairing of Jane Pauley and Bryant Gumbel. The team of Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, and Al Roker dominated morning ratings for over a decade. Other notable figures include news anchors Frank Blair and John Palmer, contributor Willard Scott, and current personalities like Craig Melvin, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer. Hoda Kotb made headlines upon her promotion to co-anchor in 2018.

Cultural impact and ratings

For much of its history, the program was the undisputed leader in the morning television wars, setting the standard for competitors like Good Morning America on ABC and CBS Mornings. Its "window on the world" studio design has been widely imitated. The show has become an essential stop for politicians, authors, and celebrities promoting new projects, and its annual holiday traditions, like the Toy Drive and Thanksgiving feast, are national institutions. While facing stiff competition in the 2010s, it remains a top-rated program with significant influence on public discourse.

Spin-offs and international versions

The success of the flagship program has spawned several domestic extensions, including the weekend edition Weekend Today and the lifestyle-focused Today with Hoda & Jenna. NBC has also licensed the format globally, leading to local adaptations such as Today Australia on the Nine Network and BBC Breakfast in the United Kingdom, which initially used a similar blueprint. These versions adapt the core mix of news and conversation to their respective markets while retaining the brand's recognizable identity.

Controversies and criticism

The program has faced several significant controversies, most notably the 2017 firing of anchor Matt Lauer over allegations of sexual misconduct. Earlier, the 2008 ouster of host Ann Curry was widely criticized as mishandled and sparked a viewer backlash. The show has also been scrutinized for perceived shifts toward tabloid-style entertainment over hard news, a criticism often leveled during the intense ratings battles with Good Morning America. Additionally, its celebratory plaza events and commercial integrations have occasionally drawn accusations of excessive commercialism within a news program.

Category:NBC network shows Category:American morning television shows Category:Television series by NBCUniversal