‘Today’s’ twists and turns
By Deborah Netburn, Patrick Day and Jevon Phillips, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
NBC recently announced that Kathie Lee Gifford would be returning to morning television as the co-host of the fourth (!) hour of the Today show, joining current host Hoda Kotb in the 7-month-old spot.
The Gifford hire is just the latest twist in the ongoing narrative of the Today show, which is the most successful and long-running of the morning shows. Almost from its inception in 1952, the show created news around itself even as it covered the news (some of it serious, some of it incredibly light).
In case you havent had time to follow the complete Today story, heres our SparkNotes version of the highlights. (Peter Kramer / Associated Press)
Feud brews
As Katie Couric neared the end of her contract with NBC, executive Jeff Zucker said that he hoped she would be at the network “for many, many years to come.” Well, with co-hosts bickering behind the scenes, that hope was too optimistic.
Reports circulated in the celebutabs that Couric and Matt Lauer were not too chummy. Though the two remained mum on their alleged strained off-screen relationship.
Pictured: Couric’s last day. Lauer moves back while Katie and Ann Curry partake in a farewell smooch. (Richard Drew / Associated Press)
‘Today’ gets longer and longer
In late 2000, NBC canceled the post-”Today” show “Later Today” and replaced it with a third hour of “Today.” ABC countered in 2007 by adding a third hour of “Good Morning America” available only on its website. In 2007, NBC continued the buildup by announcing a fourth hour of “Today.” In early 2008, Kathie Lee Gifford was announced as the new co-host of “Today’s” fourth hour. (Peter Kramer / Associated Press)
