Matt Lauer who was reportedly "100 percent behind Ann leaving", according to Us Weekly, found himself giving Savannah Guthrie, his new co-anchor, a very warm welcome during the 'Today' show this morning that went on something like this:
"Good morning, and welcome to 'Today' on a Monday morning. It truly is a new day around here. I'm Matt Lauer and I'm pleased to be sharing this new day with Savannah Guthrie who after several years of playing a great role on this program takes a step forward this morning to joins us as co-anchor of 'Today.' How does it feel?"
"It's an honor to be here," Guthrie said in addition to mentioning she was a bit nervous. Lauer then replied, "We're happiest because you bring a great attitude and what we like to call a weird sense of humor."
Lauer also said, "Well it's nice to be here because I get to be the first to say welcome to 'Today'. We are thrilled to have you."
As Guthrie made her official debut on the 'Today' show alongside Matt Lauer as co-host, the NBC begins a new chapter in attempting to drive its ratings back up to dominance.
Guthrie interviewed former White House press secretary but now President Obama's adviser, Robert Gives, on her first day and the show quickly ran a series of clips displaying Guthrie's history with NBC.
Guthrie assumes the role in a crucial time since the show's ratings have suffered recent slumps.
After being the ratings leader through 852 weeks (since 1996), ABC's 'Good Morning America' surpassed the 'Today' show in four occasions during the first half of 2012 according to Nielsen.
NBC is hoping Guthrie will help 'Today' not only regain its ratings, but also "click" with co-anchor Matt Lauer. According to Us Weekly, "[Matt and Ann] were not talking to each other a few weeks before Ann was ousted."
Although Guthrie may arguably smooth things out with Lauer on set, she doesn't possess the necessary assets as anchor to give NBC its ratings according to most people who voted on a poll.
The Latinos Post found that out of 1,614 votes, 119 people or 7.4% believe Guthrie will help with the show's ratings. 722 people or 44.7% on the other hand believe she will hurt the ratings while 773 people or 47.9% believe her presence will neither hurt nor help the ratings.
Other poll findings:
Guthrie as a good fit for 'Today'
Out of 878 votes, 171 people believe Guthrie is a good fit for the show while 432 people believe she is not a good fit. 275 voted they are ok with it (neutral).
Guthrie, her talents compared to Curry
Out of 1190 votes, 71 people believe she is more talented than Curry while 801 people believe she is less talented. Also 63 people who voted believe Guthrie is as talented as Curry. 255 people believe the comparison is not applicable.
Guthrie, her charm compared to Curry
Out of 1044 votes, 80 people think Guthrie is more charming than Curry, 745 people believe otherwise, 46 people both are equally charming, and 173 believe the comparison is non-applicable since both of them have their unique charm.
What did you think on Guthrie's debut?
Related Articles:
>> Ann Curry: Can NBC Restore its 'Today' Show Ratings with New Anchor?
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>> Ann Curry Leaves Today Show; NBC President Openly Criticizes her Performance
>> On Ann Curry Leaving Today Show: Matt Lauer '100 Percent' Behind It
>> Ann Curry Left the 'Today' Show, Viewers Leave with Her Too
>> Ann Curry Leaving Today Show: 83 Percent Believe NBC Made a Mistake
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