When Faith Meets Primetime: Savannah Guthrie’s Book Sparks Backlash
It all started when Today host Craig Melvin shared a heartfelt post on Instagram about Savannah Guthrie’s latest book, Mostly What God Does. But instead of receiving a flood of praise, the post lit up with criticism from viewers who felt the show had crossed a line. Since its release on February 20, Savannah’s faith-based book has dominated segments, interviews, and social media posts, leaving some fans feeling alienated.
Craig, 44, posted a photo of the book on February 23 with a caption that read, “Out of the office and been off the grid for a few and missed the celebration of faith. Reading the deeply personal book my dear friend @savannahguthrie wrote about God’s abundant and omnipresent love. Proud. Just so proud. Worth a read for sure. Happy it’s sparked so many conversations. Back to reading and doing very little.”
Not Everyone Is Celebrating Savannah’s New Project
While Savannah’s Today co-hosts have rallied around her new endeavor, not all viewers are on board. Some have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with the show’s recent focus on faith-based content. “This caused us to switch to GMA this week. We still get to watch a Roker! I don’t think we’ll be back, Today Show,” one commenter wrote on Craig’s Instagram post.
Read also:Mika Brzezinski Shares Couplersquos Workout Moment With Husband Joe Scarborough
Another commenter expressed their frustration, saying, “@savannahguthrie quit using the show to promote your religious views. We don’t care.” These comments reflect a growing sentiment among viewers who feel the show has strayed from its traditional focus on news, weather, and entertainment.
A Faith-Based Roundtable Sparks Controversy
The controversy reached new heights during a February 21 roundtable discussion featuring Savannah, 52, Craig, Al Roker, Hoda Kotb, and Carson Daly. The hosts shared personal stories about how faith has played a role in their lives, but not everyone tuned in for this kind of conversation. “Please make it stop!! I’ve had to switch from the Today 700 Club to GMA this week. Wasn’t one day enough? If I was paying to advertise on the Today show, I’d be pissed. Equal time for other religions and atheists?” one Instagram user wrote.
Some viewers feel the show has gone too far, arguing that they tune in for news, weather, and lighthearted entertainment—not faith-based discussions. “Starting to think about switching to ABC. Don’t want to hear about this crap from supposed journalists,” one commenter said. Another added, “I don’t want to stop watching, but I’m feeling incredibly disappointed in the producers and you when you present these stories to millions of viewers, all with different religions or beliefs.”
Feedback on X Reflects Viewer Frustration
The backlash isn’t limited to Instagram. On X (formerly Twitter), many viewers expressed their frustration with Today’s promotion of Mostly What God Does. “I’m happy for her. But frankly I’m getting tired of all the religion on the Today Show. God is personal. Enough,” one user wrote. “Today has been my favorite morning show for 50 years. But I’m starting to watch CBS Morning. If I want church, I will go there.”
Despite the criticism, Savannah hasn’t addressed the backlash publicly. Instead, she’s continued to promote her book on social media and embarked on a book tour across the U.S. Fans who’ve read her deeply personal book have rallied behind her, offering words of encouragement. “I appreciate you! Let the haters hate, they’ll always be there. But this is a time where you can share your perspective & shine!” one supportive comment read.
