Willie Geist Joins Savannah Guthrie as Co-Host on Special Today Show Edition

NEW YORK, NY — Willie Geist stepped in as co-host alongside Savannah Guthrie during Wednesday’s edition of the Today show while regular host Craig Melvin was on a family cruise in Miami.

Geist, best known for helming Sunday Today, easily acclimated to the role, complementing Guthrie and the rest of the team, which includes Laura Jarrett and Carson Daly. Dressed in a classic suit with a light blue collared shirt, Geist fit right in with the show’s polished yet approachable vibe.

Guthrie, who is known for her commitment to preparation, shared insights into her rigorous morning routine. “I wake, depending on what’s on the show, between 3 and 4 in the morning,” she stated. During morning hours, she prepares research for crucial interviews, mentioning her recent session with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. “I had a stack of research,” she added, “and I think I woke up at 3 a.m. that day.”

Upon arriving at the studio at 5:30 a.m., Guthrie and her team are under pressure to finalize segments by 6:30 a.m. “Those have to be constantly updated for feeds, especially if you have a breaking news situation,” she explained.

Craig Melvin, addressing his own preparation for the day ahead, noted that he wakes up at 3:45 a.m. Bobbing his head to gospel music during the commute was a ritual he shared—“I’ve mastered the skill over the years,” he said, emphasizing the importance of being dressed and ready for his broadcast.

“The commute to the city is about an hour, and about forty minutes in I listen to my gospel music playlist,” Melvin added. “After a few songs, I put on this bizarre massage eye mask that massages my temples and adds some heat while I keep listening to the music.”

Both hosts faced travel challenges during their journey to Miami for a special segment, as thunderstorms caused flight delays. Al Roker, also a staple of the show, humorously pointed out those difficulties on air, stating, “Craig and I actually got delayed coming down here because of these thunderstorms,” while Dylan Dreyer, waiting in Miami, quipped, “I was keeping myself busy while you guys were trying to get here,” referring to the delays. The show featured a humorous cutaway to Dreyer, who was aboard the cruise ship.

In addition to Wednesday’s excitement, Craig Melvin is set to take a break for spring break with his family next week, and NBC sportscaster Mike Tirico is slated to fill in as co-host. Guthrie announced this during an episode, highlighting the special news, “After Mike gets his fill of golf, all next week he’s going to join us right here in studio 1A.”

Tirico expressed his excitement for the opportunity, also jokingly referencing reporter Jon Hamm’s previous segment. “I was so excited about it and then I just watched Jon Hamm’s live audition and now I’m out,” he said, playfully referring to Hamm’s televised reading during the interview segment.

This transition brings enthusiastic responses from the viewers on Today’s official social media pages, with fans expressing their eagerness for Tirico’s return, likening it to family. “Have a great vacation Craig but having Mike fill in will be fun to watch,” stated one commenter, while another remarked, “Mike is awesome! Welcome Mike, I’ll be watching!”

As Gomes prepares to take his place in the anchor chair, viewers remain engaged in the evolving narratives of their favorite morning news team, solidifying the Today show’s status as an essential morning ritual for millions.