Ever find yourself sitting with a second cup of coffee around 9:00 AM, wondering why the energy on your TV suddenly shifted from "serious news" to "brunch with friends"? That’s the magic of the 3rd hour. It’s a weirdly specific vibe. Honestly, it’s arguably the most relaxed sixty minutes in morning television. While the first two hours of the Today show handle the heavy lifting of global politics and breaking tragedies, the Today 3rd hour cast has the enviable job of pivoting into lifestyle, human interest, and—let’s be real—a lot of playful bickering.
The lineup isn't just a random assortment of NBC talent. It’s a curated chemistry experiment. You’ve got a mix of veteran news anchors, weather experts who have seen it all, and personalities who aren't afraid to look a little bit ridiculous on national television.
The Core Today 3rd Hour Cast Members You See Every Morning
The table is usually anchored by four familiar faces, though the rotation can shift if someone is out on assignment or taking a much-needed vacation.
Al Roker is the undisputed dean of the group. He’s been a staple of the Today family since 1996, but in the 3rd hour, we see a different side of him. He isn't just standing in front of the map telling you it’s raining in Des Moines; he’s cracking jokes, sharing stories about his kids, and often acting as the "dad" of the group who tries to keep the chaos contained.
Then there is Sheinelle Jones. She’s pure energy. If you’ve ever watched her during a fitness segment or a dance-off, you know she brings a specific kind of "let’s go" spirit to the desk. She’s a journalist at heart—having spent years in local news in Philadelphia and at the national level—but her ability to pivot from a serious segment on parenting to a lighthearted cooking demo is why she’s indispensable.
Craig Melvin provides the balance. He’s a heavy hitter for NBC News and MSNBC, often covering the biggest stories of the day. In the 3rd hour, he lets his guard down. He has this dry, understated wit that plays perfectly off Al’s bigger personality.
Rounding out the main four is Dylan Dreyer. As a meteorologist, she brings a technical background, but she’s also become the "everywoman" of the show. Whether she’s talking about the struggles of raising three boys or trying out a new gadget, she feels accessible.
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Why the Chemistry Actually Works (It’s Not Scripted)
You can tell when a morning show is faking it. You’ve seen those segments where the anchors laugh a little too hard at a joke that wasn't funny.
The Today 3rd hour cast feels different. They actually seem to like each other. They’ve gone on record multiple times—in interviews with People magazine and on their own social media—talking about their group chats and off-camera dinners. That translates to the screen. When they go off-script, which happens basically every day, it doesn't feel like a train wreck. It feels like a conversation you’d have at a dinner party.
The Evolution of the 9:00 AM Slot
It hasn't always been this specific group. If you’ve been watching for a decade, you remember the "Today’s Take" era or the very brief and somewhat turbulent Megyn Kelly transition.
After those shifts, NBC leaned into the "ensemble" format. It was a smart move. They realized that viewers at 9:00 AM don't necessarily want one "star" host. They want a community. By leaning on Al, Craig, Sheinelle, and Dylan, NBC stabilized the ratings. They created a "safe space" for viewers who were tired of the 24-hour news cycle and just wanted to see people they trusted talk about things that matter to daily life.
Sometimes, you’ll see Jacob Soboroff or Vicky Nguyen jump in. These "recurring" members of the family add a different flavor, often bringing in more investigative or consumer-focused reporting that fits the 3rd hour’s mission of being useful as well as entertaining.
How Segments are Chosen for the Cast
Ever wonder how they decide who does what? It’s usually based on personal interest. Dylan often takes the lead on family and parenting hacks. Al is the go-to for anything involving food or New York City history. Craig usually handles the "big gets"—the interviews with celebrities or newsmakers who want a slightly more relaxed environment than the 7:00 AM hour provides.
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Navigating the "Consumer" Side of the 3rd Hour
One of the reasons people tune in—and why the Today 3rd hour cast is so effective—is the "3rd Hour Consumer" angle. They do a lot of "Steals and Deals" or "Today's Best Sellers."
While this could easily feel like a long commercial, the cast keeps it grounded. They’ll actually say if they don't like a product. They’ll joke about how they’d never be able to assemble a specific piece of furniture. That honesty builds "E-E-A-T" (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). You trust Al Roker’s recommendation because he’s been in your living room for thirty years.
Common Misconceptions About the Show
People often think the 3rd hour is just a "lite" version of the main show. That’s a mistake.
Actually, the production team for the 3rd hour is distinct. They have their own set of producers and writers who are specifically looking for "Discovery-style" content—stories that are highly shareable, visually interesting, and emotionally resonant. While the 7:00 AM hour is about what you need to know, the 9:00 AM hour is about what you want to talk about with your friends later.
Another misconception? That the anchors just show up at 9:00. Most of these folks have been at 30 Rockefeller Plaza since 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning. By the time they hit the 3rd hour, they are on their fourth wind (and probably their fifth cup of coffee).
The Impact of Social Media and "Going Viral"
The Today 3rd hour cast is a meme machine. Whether it’s Al Roker’s hilarious reactions or a cooking segment gone wrong, this hour is designed for the digital age. They know that a three-minute segment on the show can live on for weeks on TikTok or Instagram.
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This is why you see them doing challenges, trying weird foods, and engaging with the "Orange Room." They aren't just talking to the people watching on TV; they are talking to the people scrolling through their feeds at work.
What to Watch For in the Coming Months
The cast is currently in a very stable place, but morning TV is always evolving. Keep an eye on how they integrate more "live" remote segments. As travel becomes more central to the lifestyle beat again, expect to see the cast hitting the road more often, bringing that 30 Rock energy to different cities across the country.
How to Get the Most Out of Watching
If you’re a fan of the Today 3rd hour cast, don’t just watch the broadcast.
Check out the "Today" website for the deep-dive versions of their segments. Often, the on-air portion is just the tip of the iceberg. They usually have extended interviews or "how-to" guides that provide the actual substance behind the fun.
If you're looking for a specific product they mentioned, "Shop Today" is their dedicated hub. It’s categorized by the segments you see on screen, making it easy to find that one kitchen gadget Dylan was raving about.
Follow the cast members on Instagram for the real "behind the scenes." That’s where you see the makeup chair conversations and the actual snacks they eat during the commercial breaks. It rounds out the experience and makes the morning feel a little more like you're part of the crew.
Pay attention to the "Consumer Reports" collaborations they often run during this hour. These are some of the most factually dense segments they produce, offering legitimate data on everything from car seats to sunscreens. It's the perfect example of how they mix the "fun" cast chemistry with actual, high-value information you can use to make decisions for your family.