You wake up, stumble toward the coffee maker, and flip on the TV. Usually, you expect the familiar faces of Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb to greet you from Studio 1A. But some mornings, things look... different. Maybe there’s a random correspondent sitting in the main chair, or perhaps Al Roker is broadcasting from a rainy sidewalk in a city you don't recognize. If you’re wondering who hosted Today show today, you aren't alone. It’s actually one of the most searched questions every single morning because the NBC flagship program has a rotating door of talent that changes based on breaking news, personal vacations, and those inevitable Olympic assignments.
The core team is legendary. Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb typically anchor the first two hours. They’ve been the duo since 2018, marking a historic shift as the first all-female anchor team for the program. But "typical" doesn't mean "always."
The Main Desk: The Faces You Usually See
When everything is running according to plan, the 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM block is the Savannah and Hoda show. They have a specific chemistry. Savannah brings the hard-news edge, likely sharpened by her background as a legal analyst. Hoda? She’s the heart. She provides that emotional resonance that makes morning TV feel like a warm hug before you face your commute.
Al Roker handles the weather, though he’s basically the show's soul at this point. Craig Melvin often slides in for the news crawls and stays for the "Third Hour." Then, of course, you have the 10:00 AM hour—Hoda and Jenna Bush Hager. That’s a different vibe entirely. It’s more "wine at brunch" than "breaking news from D.C."
But people get sick. People take kids to school. Sometimes, Savannah is off filming a special segment in Europe, and suddenly, you see Craig Melvin or Sheinelle Jones holding down the fort.
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Why the Lineup Changes So Often
It’s not just about vacations. NBC uses the Today show as a proving ground. You’ll see Saturday anchors like Peter Alexander or Laura Jarrett fill in on weekdays to see how the audience reacts to them. It’s a chemistry test. If you noticed someone new today, it might be because the network is "testing the waters" for future permanent slots.
News cycles dictate the roster too. If there is a massive trial in New York, Savannah might be on-site, leaving Hoda to anchor with a fill-in. If there’s a hurricane, Al Roker is likely on a plane heading toward the wind, leaving a local NBC meteorologist or Dylan Dreyer to handle the graphics in the studio.
The Third Hour and Today with Hoda & Jenna
The show is basically a marathon. By 9:00 AM, the energy shifts. This is the "Third Hour." Usually, it’s a mix of Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer. It’s looser. They talk about viral TikTok trends or cooking segments.
Then comes the 10:00 AM hour. This is technically still Today, but it’s branded as Hoda & Jenna. If Hoda is out, you might see a guest host like Justin Sylvester or even a celebrity friend of Jenna’s. It’s less about the news of the day and more about lifestyle, books, and "social cellars."
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The Weekend Crew
Don't forget the Saturday and Sunday folks. If you're asking who hosted Today show on a weekend, you’re looking at a completely different roster. Joe Fryer, Savannah Sellers, and Laura Jarrett usually handle the desk. It’s a different pace—more long-form storytelling and less of the frantic "here is what happened while you were sleeping" energy of the Monday through Friday grind.
Identifying the Fill-ins
NBC has a deep bench. If the main stars aren't there, look for these regulars:
- Tom Llamas: Often handles big breaking news or fills in when a male perspective is needed at the main desk.
- Vicky Nguyen: A frequent face for consumer-focused segments who often steps into the anchor chair.
- Willie Geist: While he has his own Sunday show, he’s a legacy member of the family and pops up frequently during the week.
Honestly, the rotating cast is part of the brand. It keeps the show from feeling stagnant. But it does make it confusing when you just want to know why your "TV friends" aren't there.
How to Check the Today Show Hosts in Real Time
Since I can't see your screen right now, the fastest way to verify the exact names for this morning is to look at the show's official social media. The Today show Twitter (X) and Instagram accounts are incredibly active. They post "Coming Up" graphics around 6:30 AM ET every single day that list the morning's guests and show the anchors currently in the studio.
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Another pro tip? Check the hashtags. Fans of the show are devoted. If Savannah is wearing a specific dress or Hoda says something hilarious, the #TodayShow hashtag will be flooded with screenshots within minutes.
What to do if you missed a segment
If you missed the opening "tease" where they introduce everyone, you can head to Today.com. They upload the "Pop Start" and main news blocks almost immediately after they air. It’s the easiest way to catch up without sitting through three hours of television.
Actionable Steps for Today Show Fans:
- Follow the "Today Food" and "Today with Hoda & Jenna" accounts on Instagram. They often post behind-the-scenes clips of whoever is hosting that specific day before the cameras even roll.
- Download the NBC app. You can stream the show live, and the thumbnail usually features the anchors who are on deck for that broadcast.
- Sign up for the "Morning Rundown" newsletter. It hits your inbox early and usually mentions which correspondents are leading the big stories of the day.
The cast might change, but the mission doesn't. Whether it's Savannah and Hoda or a group of weekend subs, the show stays focused on that specific blend of news and morning inspiration. If you don't see your favorite host today, don't worry—they're likely just taking a well-deserved day off and will be back behind the desk before you know it.