For the hosts of the "Today" show, mornings start way before the sun comes up. Savannah Guthrie sets her alarm for a brutal 3:30 a.m. Al Roker, always one to beat the clock, rises even earlier at 3:15 a.m., while Craig Melvin, who prides himself on his speed, claims he can "get out of the house in 22 minutes," still wakes up at an ungodly 3:45 a.m. For the entire cast and crew, this early start is just another day at the office.
And for an impressive 2.7 million TV viewers, "Today" is the perfect way to kick off their day. "America loves waking up to these people. They're the secret ingredient," an insider exclusively tells Closer. "The show isn't just iconic; it's one of the longest-running programs on television, a true American institution." The charm and warmth of the hosts create a connection that keeps viewers tuning in day after day.
Hoda Kotb, who bid farewell to the anchor desk on Friday, January 10 after an incredible 17-year run, admits she won’t miss her 3:15 a.m. wake-up call. But there are things she'll miss dearly, like the NBC commissary on the ninth floor, "which has a great spread," she shares, and the building's gym. Most of all, she'll miss her "Today" family. The feeling among her coworkers is mutual. "I don’t think anyone will not miss Hoda," says the insider. "She’s like your best friend, sister, and mother all rolled into one. She truly made coming to work enjoyable."
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When the 'Today' Show Starts
Most of the show's stars arrive at the studio by 5:30 a.m. If the weather is pleasant, Al Roker, 70, enjoys commuting to Rockefeller Plaza on his bicycle. "I get my makeup done, then head over to 30 Rock to do 'Wake Up With Al' on the Weather Channel from 5:30 to 6:55," he explains. Afterward, it's just a quick walk across the street back to "Today." The morning routine for the hosts involves getting their makeup and hair done before 6 a.m. "On good days, tough days, or mornings where I definitely didn’t get enough sleep, they work their hair and makeup magic," says Sheinelle Jones.
The makeup room is not just a place for beauty prep; it's also a hub for catching up and indulging in some light gossip. "That’s where [we] catch up on the night, talk about the show, and laugh," shares Craig Melvin, 45. Jenna Bush Hager confesses that it's going to be tough not spending this time with Hoda Kotb, 60, anymore. "I feel like the girl that just got dumped," says Jenna, only half-joking. "She and Jenna have a special bond," says the insider. "They were always huddled together." But not everyone lingers in the makeup room. Savannah Guthrie, 53, prefers to be alone to focus on the headlines of the day. "She likes to be super prepared," the insider explains.
Prepping for the Day’s Broadcast
At 6:30 a.m., the team gathers for a run-through on the set. "Teasers," or previews of segments, are recorded. The anchors are briefed on the most important news stories of the day. "There’s always a lot of activity going on before the cameras start rolling," says the insider. "Breaking news takes precedence. It gets very serious. No one wants to be uninformed — it's all about delivering a professional and accurate report." By 7 a.m., "Today" is live, and by 11 a.m., it's a wrap. The hosts rarely stick around after the show. "They all have busy lives and get up way too early," says the insider.
Hoda Kotb’s Farewell on the 'Today' Show
Planning an appropriate tribute to Hoda Kotb took months of effort. "NBC went all out with special guests, coworkers from her past, classic clips, and big stars," says the insider, adding that Hoda deserves every bit of it. In addition to her warmth and professionalism, her excitement was contagious. "Hoda almost lost it when she finally got to interview Oprah Winfrey," says the insider. "She also fanned out for Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Blake Shelton, and Tom Hanks. It’s what makes her so relatable." Craig Melvin, who steps into the co-anchor chair, "knows that he won’t fill Hoda’s shoes," says the insider, but "he’s a natural fit. He gets along with the cast and crew very well. The dynamic will change and it will take some time, but ultimately, 'Today' will go on."
