Introduction to Notable Former Today Show Male Hosts
This article profiles male hosts who previously appeared on NBC’s Today show, detailing their on-air roles, approximate tenures, career contexts, and what followed their departures. It is framed as an evergreen reference to support long-term understanding of the program’s lineup history. The focus is on verifiable roles and timelines rather than speculation or commentary, emphasizing clarity and durability.
Why Some Hosts Depart and How the Show Evolves
Major morning programs regularly refresh their lineups due to retirement, career shifts, restructuring, or strategic pivots by the network. For a high-profile show like Today, these changes can affect audience habits, local affiliate workflows, and broader media coverage. Reviewing former hosts helps viewers contextualize current formats and anticipate future directions, especially when long-tenured personalities exit or when multiple co-hosts transition out within a short period.
Hosts Who Have Previously Co-Anchored Today
Several men have co-anchored Today alongside female counterparts over decades. Some served briefly, while others maintained long tenures before leaving for new opportunities or retirement. Below is a concise reference table of select notable male hosts, followed by detailed profiles.
| Name | Role on Today | Tenure (Approximate) | Subsequent Career Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant Gumbel | Co-Anchor | 1982–1997 | Returned to CBS News, later focused on other broadcast projects |
| Matt Lauer | Co-Anchor | 1994–2017 | Departed after contract non-renewal; no regular on-air role since |
| Al Roker | Weather Anchor | 1996–2022 | Moved to NBC streaming/limited projects; occasional media commentary |
| Ann Curry | Co-Anchor | 2011–2015 | Returned to CNN as international correspondent |
| Hoda Kotb | Co-Anchor (substitute, later regular) | 2014–present (as co-anchor) | Continues as co-anchor as of the latest public information |
| Savannah Guthrie | Co-Anchor | 2011–present (as co-anchor) | Continues as co-anchor as of the latest public information |
Bryant Gumbel
Bryant Gumbel co-anchored Today from 1982 to 1997, becoming one of the program’s most prominent male faces of his era. After leaving Today, he returned to CBS News and remained visible through magazine appearances and periodic broadcast work. His departure marked one of the earlier major transitions for the show during a period of evolving morning television competition.
Matt Lauer
Matt Lauer co-anchored Today from 1994 until 2017, when NBC chose not to renew his contract following internal reviews and reported workplace conduct concerns. His exit came after decades on air and coincided with broader changes in the show’s format and staffing. Since leaving Today, he has not held a regular national morning show role or returned to NBC programming.
Al Roker
Al Roker served as the Today weather anchor from 1996 to 2022, making him one of the longest-tenured personalities in the program’s history. He maintained a high public profile through books, television appearances, and weather segments. In 2022, Roker transitioned to NBC’s streaming initiatives and scaled back his live morning commitments, though he has remained engaged in weather-related projects.
Ann Curry
Ann Curry co-anchored Today from 2011 to 2015. Her role during a period of transition contributed to visible changes in on-air dynamics. After Today, she returned to CNN as an international correspondent, covering global stories before scaling back to a more limited role in subsequent years.
Key Transitions and Their Impact on Viewers
When long-serving hosts leave Today, audiences must recalibrate their routines, and the show’s rhythm can shift. New co-host pairings, revised segment structures, and updated priorities often follow departures. These changes can refresh coverage or, temporarily, unsettle regular viewers. Understanding which male hosts have left—and when—helps explain Today’s current format and provides context for how the program continues to adapt in competitive morning television.
Summary of Notable Former Male Co-Anchors and Weather Presenters
The table below condenses key details about several former Today hosts. It focuses on roles, approximate dates, and clear outcomes, avoiding speculative commentary.
| Name | Role | Years on Today | What Happened Next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant Gumbel | Co-Anchor | 1982–1997 | Returned to CBS News, other broadcast appearances |
| Matt Lauer | Co-Anchor | 1994–2017 | Departed NBC; no regular on-air role afterward |
| Al Roker | Weather Anchor | 1996–2022 | Shifted to streaming and limited NBC projects |
| Ann Curry | Co-Anchor | 2011–2021 | Returned to CNN as correspondent |
Closing Note
This overview presents male hosts who previously appeared on Today, focusing on verified roles, tenures, and documented outcomes. For the most current anchor lineup and scheduling, consult official Today show announcements and NBC’s latest programming information.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who is the current male co-anchor on Today as of 2025?
As of the latest public information, Savannah Guthrie and co-anchor with Hoda Kotb; both women currently serve as the program’s primary anchors.
Why did Matt Lauer leave Today?
Matt Lauer’s contract was not renewed by NBC in 2017 after a combination of internal reviews and reported workplace conduct concerns. He has not returned to a regular hosting role on the program.