What Happened to Today Show?

The 'Today Show' premiered on January 14, 1952, as the brainchild of NBC executive Sylvester 'Pat' Weaver, who sought to create a new genre of television – the morning news-magazine. It was designed to be both informative and entertaining, a format that allowed viewers to tune in for segments while preparing for their day. The show's original host, Dave Garroway, set a relaxed, conversational tone that became a hallmark of morning television.

Throughout its extensive history, 'Today' has undergone significant transformations and faced intense competition. A key turning point came in 1974 when Barbara Walters became the first woman to officially co-host the program, breaking new ground for female journalists in television. The show expanded its reach by adding Sunday editions in 1987 and Saturdays in 1992. In 1994, 'Today' moved to its iconic Studio 1A at Rockefeller Plaza, featuring a street-side window that connected the anchors directly with the public, a move that further cemented its cultural presence.

The program's length also evolved, expanding to three hours in 2000 and a full four hours by 2007, with the later hours developing into distinct entities like 'Today with Jenna & Sheinelle'. While 'Today' enjoyed a long period of ratings dominance, it faced fierce competition from ABC's 'Good Morning America' in the late 1980s and again in the 2010s, often swapping the top position. A significant personnel change occurred in November 2017 with the departure of long-time co-anchor Matt Lauer amidst allegations of inappropriate conduct, leading to a reshuffling of the anchor desk.

In recent years, the 'Today Show' has continued to adapt its lineup. In September 2024, Hoda Kotb announced her decision to step down from her co-anchor role on the main 7-9 AM hours and the fourth hour, effective early 2025, to prioritize family. Following this, Craig Melvin officially joined Savannah Guthrie as co-anchor for the primary morning block starting January 13, 2025. The fourth hour also saw a change, with Sheinelle Jones being announced as the permanent co-host alongside Jenna Bush Hager in December 2025, and the segment officially rebranding as 'Today with Jenna & Sheinelle' on January 12, 2026.

As of August 2026, 'Today' remains a powerful force in morning television. It experienced a notable 23% surge in viewership in February 2026, partly attributed to the public's interest in the search for Savannah Guthrie's missing mother and coverage of the Winter Olympics. Critically, 'Today' finished the second quarter of 2026 as the #1 morning show in both total viewers and the key demographic of adults 25-54, marking its longest weekly winning streak in 14 years and its third consecutive quarterly win in total viewers. The show continues to broadcast live from Studio 1A, delivering a mix of news, interviews, and lifestyle segments to millions of viewers daily.