Waking up and wondering about the NBC Today Show guests today is basically a ritual for millions of people before they’ve even finished their first cup of coffee. It’s that familiar blend of hard news, celebrity fluff, and someone cooking a frittata that shouldn't look that good at 8:45 AM.
But here’s the thing. The lineup changes faster than the New York City weather outside Studio 1A. If you aren't watching the 7:00 AM opening tease, you might feel like you're chasing a moving target.
Tracking the NBC Today Show guests today and why the schedule shifts
Let’s be real. The guest list for Today isn't just a list of names; it’s a reflection of what the cultural zeitgeist cares about on any given Tuesday or Friday. Usually, the "big" gets—think A-list movie stars like Tom Hanks or political heavyweights—occupy the 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM slots.
Why? Because that’s when viewership peaks.
By the time the third hour or Today with Hoda & Jenna rolls around, the vibe shifts. It gets looser. More conversational. You’re more likely to see a TikTok chef or a lifestyle expert explaining why you need more linen in your closet. Honestly, the logistical gymnastics required to book these segments are insane. Publicists start angling for these spots months in advance, yet a breaking news story can bump a guest to a digital-only segment in a heartbeat.
If you are looking for the specific names for this morning, January 18, 2026, the lineup reflects the heavy hitters of the winter season. We’re seeing a massive push for mid-season television premieres and several health-focused segments, which makes sense given everyone is still pretending to care about their New Year's resolutions.
Breaking down the four hours of programming
The show isn't a monolith. It's a four-headed beast.
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Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb usually anchor the "serious" hours. Here, the guests are often newsmakers. Think CEOs discussing the latest tech layoffs or doctors explaining a new strain of the flu. It’s snappy. It’s professional.
Then the mood lightens. Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Sheinelle Jones take over for the Third Hour. This is where you see the "human interest" guests. It might be a local hero who saved a puppy or an author who wrote a book about the psychology of procrastination.
Finally, Hoda and Jenna (or a guest host if someone is on vacation) bring the Fourth Hour energy. It’s basically a brunch party without the bottomless mimosas. The guests here are almost exclusively from the entertainment world—actors, reality stars, and musicians.
How the NBC Today Show guests today get selected
Ever wonder how someone actually ends up on that couch? It isn't random.
The booking producers at NBC are some of the most powerful people in media. They look for "hooks." If a movie is opening on Friday, the lead actor is probably hitting the Today Show on Wednesday or Thursday. If a scandal breaks, the person at the center of it is getting a frantic call from a 212 area code at 3:00 AM.
- The Promotional Cycle: This is the bread and butter. If you see a guest, they probably have something to sell—a movie, a book, a brand of vitamins, or a political platform.
- The "Today" Family: Some guests are "friends of the show." You'll see the same nutritionists and DIY experts every few weeks because they’re reliable and the audience likes them.
- The Viral Moment: Sometimes a person goes viral on Monday and is sitting in Studio 1A by Wednesday. The turnaround is dizzying.
Real-world guest impact
When a guest appears on the Today Show, the "Today Show Effect" is real. I’ve seen books jump from #500 to #1 on Amazon charts before the segment even finishes in the Pacific Time Zone. Small business owners who showcase their products on "Steals and Deals" often see their websites crash from the traffic. It’s a level of exposure that very few other platforms can match, even in the age of social media dominance.
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Watching the Today Show live versus catching highlights
Most people don't sit through all four hours. Life happens.
If you missed the NBC Today Show guests today, the digital team is usually incredibly fast at uploading clips. By 11:00 AM ET, almost every major interview is on their website or YouTube channel. However, there’s something about the live energy—the potential for a guest to say something off-script or for a prop to fail during a cooking segment—that you just don't get from a clipped video.
Remember when Savannah Guthrie had to interview that AI robot that got a little too "sentient" for comfort? Or the legendary moments where a guest’s kid wanders onto the set? That’s the magic of live TV.
Why the guest list matters for your morning
It sounds cheesy, but the guest list sets the tone for the day. If the lineup is heavy on climate change and economic data, you leave the house feeling one way. If it’s Dolly Parton talking about her new pet line, you’re probably humming a tune on your way to work.
The show serves as a cultural barometer.
Staying updated on future guests
If you're a superfan or just someone who doesn't want to miss their favorite actor, there are a few ways to stay ahead. The show usually announces the next day’s big names at the very end of the fourth hour.
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- Check the official Twitter (X) feed: They usually post the lineup late the night before.
- The Today Newsletter: This is actually a solid way to get the list delivered to your inbox while you're still asleep.
- Social Media Teasers: Hoda and Jenna are notorious for posting "Gram" stories of their guests backstage.
Knowing who is on the show helps you decide if you're going to lean in or use that time to finally organize your junk drawer.
Actionable steps to maximize your viewing
To get the most out of the NBC Today Show guests today, don't just watch passively. If a guest mentions a book or a product, the show’s website usually hosts a "Shop Today" section that lists everything mentioned. It’s much easier than trying to squint at the TV to catch a brand name.
If you’re hoping to see a guest in person, you can actually join the crowd on the Rockefeller Plaza. It’s free, but you’ve got to be there early—like 5:00 AM early. The guests often come outside to wave or do a quick "hi" to the cameras, and if you’re lucky, you’ll end up on the Jumbotron.
Keep an eye on the schedule for Friday mornings especially. During the warmer months, the "Citi Concert Series" brings in massive musical guests. These performances are a logistical feat and usually require a specific fan pass if you want to be anywhere near the stage.
The guest list is more than just a schedule; it’s a snapshot of what’s happening in the world right now. Whether it’s a hard-hitting journalist or a celebrity promoting a rom-com, those guests are the reason we keep tuning in decade after decade.