Why Hoda Kotb's exit from the "Today" show is "the hardest thing in the world"

It was an early morning shock: Hoda Kotb announced on Thursday, September 26, that she is leaving the “Today” show, which she co-hosted for more than five years.

This may not seem like earth-shattering news, and it probably isn’t, but for many people it’s more important than you might think.

As the show’s cast gathered on a couch at the end of the show, in one of those moments that only happen on a morning show, Kotb made the announcement. “This is the hardest thing in the world,” she said. Tears flowed, pleasantries were exchanged and Kotb explained her decision. She had recently turned 60, she said, and it had given her a new perspective on things. The same was true of her children, whom she said she gave birth to later in life.

Kotb stays on “Today” until the end of the year

“They deserve a bigger piece of my time pie than I have,” Kotb said. “I feel like we only have a limited amount of time.”

Co-host Savannah Guthrie cried as she said, “You have guts. Someone who quits at the peak of their career, gives up something wonderful that you love, where it’s easy and comfortable and beautiful and fun, and says, ‘But I dream bigger for myself, the great unknown.’ You have so much guts. You inspire me. I love you.”

Kotb co-hosts the actual “Today” show as well as the fourth hour of the show (kind of the same thing, but different). She started in the fourth hour of the show in 2008. In 2017, NBC surprisingly fired Matt Lauer, a longtime “Today” co-host, after allegations of sexual misconduct. She was initially a temporary replacement but was eventually hired permanently.

Even though the evening newscasts still draw a lot of viewers (and they do), the once prestigious anchor position has lost some of its prestige. But prestige is not what you want from a morning show anchor. You look for stability, for a constant. Mornings are all about routine, and when that routine is disrupted, everything goes haywire.

Who will replace Hoda Kotb?

For millions of people, Kotb was part of that routine. She came onto the scene through local television, so her reporting skills are solid. But she also has a kindness about her, a friendly demeanor that is perfect for an early-bird audience. It’s not a learned skill. It’s just a charisma, and Kotb has it.

Kotb said she will stay at “Today” through the end of the year and will remain loyal to the network. NBC has not yet named a successor.

It’s going to be tough. Mixing chemistry on morning shows is like trying to split an atom. If you screw it up, you’re in real trouble.

Craig Melvin was right when he spoke to her after the announcement. “You’ve been the heart of the show for a long time,” he said. “You can’t replace that.”

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Why Hoda Kotb’s exit from the “Today” show is “the hardest thing in the world”

ByJasper

Kotb stays on “Today” until the end of the year

Who will replace Hoda Kotb?

By Jasper

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