Several journalists and news personalities have stepped into the spotlight to replace Matt Lauer following his departure from NBC's Today show. Viewers seeking continuity and fresh perspectives have watched as new hosts adjust to the demands of morning television.
Below is a detailed breakdown of who replaced Matt Lauer, how the transitions unfolded, and the impact on the show's format, audience, and brand.
| Person | Role on Today | Start Year | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Roker | Weather Anchor | 1996 | Longest-serving Today weather anchor, known for upbeat style and travel segments. |
| Hoda Kotb | Co-Anchor (third hour) | 2018 | Veteran NBC correspondent, empathetic interviewer and New York Times bestselling author. |
| Savannah Guthrie | Co-Anchor (first hour) | 2012 | Legal correspondent turned morning anchor, strong on news breakdown and interviews. |
| Jackie Geary | Former Co-Anchor (third hour) | 2017–2018 | Contributor and anchor, brought digital sensibility and lifestyle coverage. |
| Kathie Lee Gifford | Former Co-Anchor (third hour) | 1984–2000 | Established lifestyle and entertainment segment before Lauer's era and later return as contributor. |
Adapting to a Post-Lauer Morning Routine
With Matt Lauer's exit in late 2017, NBC redesigned the Today show's third hour to focus more on empathy, digital trends, and cultural conversations. The new lineup emphasized a balance of hard news and lighter lifestyle features, aiming to retain longtime viewers while attracting a younger audience.
Producer changes and new segments were introduced to stabilize viewership, focusing on reliable news summaries, wellness topics, and interactive social media engagement. These moves helped anchor the show during a transitional period.
Hoda Kotb and the Third Hour Transformation
Hoda Kotb became the defining anchor for the third hour, bringing a personal and inspirational tone to segments. Her background in hard news and human-interest stories allowed the show to tackle serious topics with sensitivity while maintaining approachability.
Under her leadership, the third hour leaned into storytelling, including author interviews, mental health discussions, and viewer-submitted stories, which strengthened emotional connections with the audience.
Savannah Guthrie and the First Hour Dynamics
Savannah Guthrie continued to anchor the first hour with a straightforward news-oriented approach. Her legal training and experience interviewing high-profile figures helped the show maintain credibility and depth in covering national and international stories.
Guthrie's chemistry with co-anchor Willie Geist offered a steady, professional foundation, ensuring that breaking news and political coverage remained sharp and accessible.
Viewer Experience and Format Evolution
As part of the effort to replace Matt Lauer, NBC adjusted camera work, seating arrangements, and segment lengths to reflect a more conversational style. The set design incorporated warmer tones and more collaborative anchor desk spacing to encourage organic interactions.
Digital integrations, such as live social polls and behind-the-scenes clips, extended the show's reach beyond television, engaging viewers who follow Today on mobile platforms throughout the day.
Moving Forward With Today's Lineup
The adjustments made to replace Matt Lauer demonstrate how a major morning show can evolve while respecting its legacy. By balancing trusted faces with new energy, Today continues to serve as a daily touchstone for millions of viewers.
- Anchor transitions were managed with clear segmentation between news and lifestyle topics.
- Hoda Kotb became the emotional anchor of the third hour through storytelling and cultural features.
- Savannah Guthrie provided steady, credible news coverage in the first hour alongside Al Roker.
- Digital engagement and set refreshes helped modernize the viewer experience.
- Ongoing format tweaks ensure the show remains relevant to both longtime and new audiences.
FAQ
Reader questions
How did the Today show change after Matt Lauer left?
The Today show redesigned its third hour with a focus on storytelling, wellness, and digital culture, anchored by Hoda Kotb, while Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker maintained stability in the first hour with news and weather.
Who became the main anchor for the third hour after Matt Lauer departed?
Hoda Kotb became the primary anchor for the third hour, introducing a mix of empathetic interviewing, author features, and personal stories that reshaped the show's tone during that time slot.
Did Savannah Guthrie take over Matt Lauer's role full-time?
No, Savannah Guthrie continued to anchor the first hour of Today, focusing on news and hard interviews, while Jackie Geary and later other contributors handled the third hour alongside Kotb.
What impact did Matt Lauer's exit have on Today's viewership and format?
Matt Lauer's exit led to a temporary ratings dip, but the restructured segments, new anchor pairings, and stronger digital engagement helped Today rebuild its audience with a fresher, more conversational format.