On the chilly morning of Monday, October 29, viewers tuning into the third hour of the 'Today' show were greeted by a familiar face—but a notable absence. Megyn Kelly, who had recently stirred controversy with her comments about blackface, was no longer at the helm. Instead, Al Roker, a beloved 'Today' show veteran, stepped in alongside Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin to address the future of the show. If you haven't seen it yet, check out the video above for more on Al's new role in this evolving chapter of 'Today.'
A New Chapter for the 'Today' Show
Hoda Kotb warmly opened the program by acknowledging the significant shift in the show's format. "Today, as you all know, we are embarking on a new chapter in the third hour of our show," she told the audience. She emphasized the commitment of the entire 'Today' family to continue delivering the same high-quality, informative, and important stories that viewers have come to expect. This transition, she assured, would not alter the essence of what makes 'Today' special. It's about maintaining the connection and trust with the audience while embracing change.
Al Roker's Return: A Thrilling Comeback
According to Radar Online, Al Roker was thrilled to reclaim his spot as host of the third hour, a position he had been stripped of earlier when NBC handed it over to Megyn. Sources revealed that Al still harbored some resentment over the initial decision but was genuinely happy to have his old hour back. This return not only restores a sense of normalcy for fans but also reinforces Al's enduring presence in the 'Today' family.
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Megyn Kelly's Departure: The Fallout
NBC confirmed last week that Megyn Kelly, 47, would be leaving 'Today' just days after she sparked outrage with her comments on blackface during a panel discussion. In her now-infamous remarks, she questioned why wearing blackface for Halloween was considered racist. "When I was a kid, that was okay as long as you were dressing up as a character," she reportedly said. These comments ignited a firestorm, leading to her swift exit from the show.
Al Roker, 64, expressed his deep hurt over Megyn's offensive comments, stating that she owed a more profound apology to people of color across the country. "This is our history, going back to the 1830s," he said. He elaborated by sharing his personal experience with minstrel shows, explaining how such performances were used to denigrate an entire race. "I'm old enough to have lived through 'Amos 'n' Andy,' where you had white people in blackface playing black characters, magnifying the worst stereotypes about black people. That's the heart of the problem," he emphasized.
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