chrlnmrry I actually love the Today show...but I hardly ever watch it since they are constantly rushing through segments..its uncomfortable to watch Natalie and Matt along with the others rush through each story or segment..I feel yucky watching it and i know the guests do too...I would much prefer to have less stories or highlights rather than everyone feeling stressed and rushing..the Today show staff look like they aren't listening and are merely trying to get through their bit as quick ad possible..its awkward for all and I think i speak for everyone when I say.. its embarrassing for the guests and the hosts..I cringe whenever i see it happen which is often..please stop that..

rasherer I'm not sure where you got your data about cast members, but someone needs to check it with NBC. Dave Garroway, the original host of Today, appeared on at least 2000 episodes during the first nine years of the run -- 5 days a week for at least 48 weeks a year for nine years -- but you credited him with 3 episodes. Jack Lesculie was an everyday regular on the show for at least 3 years in the beginning. To credit these men with fewer appearances than J. Fred Muggs, a chimpanzee who appeared on the show during that era, is an insult to their memory -- particularly since Muggs was biting them all the time! In those days, the program was live, so the human performers had to be careful how they reacted. Seriously, this was one of the most important programs in the early days of television, thanks largely to the work of Garroway, Pat Weaver and newscaster Frank Blair. It trained people to get up in the mornings and turn on their sets -- a habit we've continued to practice for more than half a century!

hankhanks12345 Someone suggested the show go to a 1 hour format, because that would be plenty of time to get what they wanted in. Well, how about going to a 15 minute format. That's about how much substance there is on any given show.Even the weather primarily consists of Al Roker joking around on the plaza. I actually like him, but they should stop the charade that he's giving a forecast and just say "Here's Al Roker, who is going to schmooze a bit on the plaza and then unhelpfully gesture toward a map the United States and mention that in some part of the country it will rain. Or not rain."

TxMike One thing anyone can count on in my house, first thing in the morning. The TV will be tuned to local Channel 2 for the Today Show. It has been around for over 50 years now, the cast has changed many times, but NBC always manages to find replacements that are better than the original when someone leaves. The show is always timely, interesting, and informative. The best show of its kind.Right now the four regulars are led by Katie Couric, the bubbly, miniature lady who used to be a cheerleader and whose secret passion is singing. One year when each regular was featured doing their secret interest, Katie actually did a duet with Tony Bennett and wasn't bad. My only complaint with Katie -- she is one of the worst interviewers I have seen. She will ask a question then, instead of just waiting to see what response she will get, goes further and 'contaminates' the question with suggested answers. Drives me crazy!!Her sidekick is Matt Lauer, the most professional of the group. He is usually the straight man, but he has a sly sense of humor also. Matt's passion project was becoming a jockey for a day.Al Roker does the weather, and is a do it all member of the team. Al has probably the best personality of all of them, in that he always seems genuine and is smart and funny. He made big news last year when he lost very much weight and became virtually half a man.The most recent addition is Ann Curry who seems less confident, but actually is better than Katie as a reporter and interviewer. She complements the team very well.