Behind the Scenes at Hoda Kotb’s ‘Today’ Departure: ‘NBC Went All Out’ on the Host’s Big Goodbye

Morning arrives very early for the hosts of Today. Savannah Guthrie sets her alarm for 3:30 a.m. Al Roker rises earlier, at 3:15 a.m. Even Craig Melvin, who boasts that he can “get out of the house in 22 minutes,” wakes at 3:45 a.m. For the cast and crew, it’s the start of another day at the office. 

For a whopping 2.7 million T.V. viewers, Today is the best way to start the day. “America loves waking up to these people. They’re the secret ingredient,” a Today insider exclusively tells Closer. “The show is also iconic and one of the longest-running on T.V.” 

Hoda Kotb, who departs the anchor desk on Friday, January 10 after 17 years with the show, admits she won’t be missing her 3:15 a.m. wake-up call. However, she will miss the NBC commissary on the ninth floor — “It’s got a good spread,” she confides — as well as the building’s gym and her Today friends. 

The feeling among her coworkers is mutual. “I don’t think anyone will not miss Hoda,” says the insider. “She’s like your best friend, sister and mother all rolled into one. She really made coming to work enjoyable.” 

The ‘Today’ Show Countdown Starts

Most of the show’s stars arrive at the studio by 5:30 a.m. If the weather is pleasant, Al, 70, likes to commute to Rockefeller Plaza on his bicycle. “I get makeup, I go over to 30 Rock and do Wake Up With Al on the Weather Channel from 5:30 to 6:55,” he says. Afterward, it’s a walk across the street back to Today. 

The hosts are typically having their makeup and hair done before 6 a.m. “On good days, tough days, or mornings where I definitely didn’t get enough sleep, they work their hair and makeup magic,” says Sheinelle Jones. 

The makeup room is also a place to chat and indulge in a little gossip. “That’s where [we] catch up on the night, talk about the show, [and] laugh,” says Craig, 45. 

Jenna Bush Hager confesses that it’s going to be very difficult not spending this time with Hoda, 60, anymore. “I feel like the girl that just got dumped,” says the host, who’s not completely joking. 

“She and Jenna have a special bond,” says the insider. “They were always huddled together.” It’s not all fun and games. Savannah, 53, rarely lingers in makeup. “She likes to be super prepared, so she prefers to be alone so she can bone up on the headlines of the day,” confides the insider. 

At 6:30, there’s a run-through on the set. “Teasers,” or previews of segments, are recorded. The anchors are also briefed on the day’s most important news stories. “There’s always a lot of activity going on before the cameras start rolling,” says the insider. “Breaking news takes precedence. It gets very serious. No one wants to be uninformed — it’s all about delivering a professional and accurate report.” By the stroke of 7 a.m., Today is on the air — and by 11, it’s a wrap. The hosts rarely linger afterward. “They all have busy lives and get up way too early,” says the insider. 

Hoda Kotb’s Big ‘Today’ Show Goodbye

Creating an appropriate tribute to Hoda took months of planning. “NBC went all out with special guests, coworkers from her past, classic clips and big stars,” says the insider, who adds that Hoda deserves it. 

In addition to her warmth and professionalism, her excitement was contagious. “Hoda almost lost it when she finally got to interview Oprah Winfrey,” says the insider. “She also fanned out for Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Blake Shelton and Tom Hanks. It’s what makes her so relatable.” 

Craig, who moves into the co-anchor chair, “knows that he won’t fill Hoda’s shoes,” says the insider, but “he’s a natural fit. He gets along with the cast and crew very well. The dynamic will change and it will take some time but, ultimately, Today will go on.”