The Evolution of Halloween Costumes on the 'Today' Show: A Pictorial Journey
Relive the spooktacular moments from 'Today' Show's Halloween celebrations through the years! Take a captivating journey with cohosts as they showcase their incredible costumes on live TV Get ready for a thrilling Halloween photo extravaganza!
The Today show holds a significant place in morning television. One of the reasons being the annual tradition of the cohosts dressing up for Halloween during special holiday tapings. Whether it's emulating characters from Broadway shows or paying homage to Super Bowl performers, Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and other coanchors consistently go above and beyond with their costumes. Even after their morning celebrations, the NBC personalities continue their festive spirit at home.
Over the years, Kotb has regularly donned Sesame Street character costumes with her daughters, Hayley and Hope. On the other hand, Roker shared that his son, Nicholas, has a passion for going all out with his Halloween outfits.
"In 2020," the meteorologist recalled, "Nick expressed his desire to dress up as Bob from Bob's Burgers. He went all in with a wig, mustache, and even carried around a fake burger while trick-or-treating."
Roker has expressed his longing for the experience of trick-or-treating with his son and daughter, Leila, as he revealed to his Instagram followers in October 2018. Sharing throwback photos, the New York native captioned his post with a sense of wistfulness, acknowledging that it would be the first Halloween in 30 years where he wouldn't be joining one of his kids for the tradition.
Keep scrolling to look back at some of the costumes Katie Couric, Kathie Lee Gifford and more Today stars have donned on live TV.
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'Today' Show Halloween Costumes Through the Years: Photos
The Today show is a long-standing fixture in morning television, known for its Halloween tradition of cohosts donning elaborate costumes. Whether taking inspiration from Broadway shows or Super Bowl performers, Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, and other coanchors wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of the holiday. And even after the morning celebrations, these NBC personalities carry on with their own revelries at home.
Over the years, Kotb has joined her daughters Hayley and Hope in dressing up as characters from Sesame Street. Roker, on the other hand, shared that his son Nicholas has a passion for going all out with his Halloween costumes. In 2020, the meteorologist revealed that Nicholas wanted to portray Bob from Bob's Burgers and went all out, acquiring a wig, mustache, and even a fake burger to complete the look.
In October 2018, Roker expressed his longing for trick-or-treating with his son and daughter, Leila, in a post to his Instagram followers. Sharing throwback photos, he confessed that he was feeling wistful as it would be the first Halloween in 30 years that he wouldn't be accompanying one of his kids for trick-or-treating.
Keep scrolling to look back at some of the costumes Katie Couric, Kathie Lee Gifford and more Today stars have donned on live TV.
Viva Las Vegas! During the October 2022 broadcast, the reporters transported the audience to Sin City, impersonating some of the most iconic figures in the Vegas entertainment scene. From the legendary Elvis Presley and the talented Celine Dion to the mesmerizing Cirque du Soleil performers and glamorous showgirls, the news anchors left no stone unturned in their spectacular outfits. Co-hosts Peter Alexander and Kristen Welker stole the spotlight as Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, respectively, donning wedding attire as a tribute to the couple's July 2022 wedding.
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2021
With a theme of "Football Fright in America," the cohosts drew inspiration from NFL teams, Super Bowl halftime shows, and commercials. Geist hilariously donned a Tom Brady outfit, while Hager and Guthrie stole the show as Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. Finally, Kotb wowed the audience in an amazing Carrie Underwood costume.
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2020
All that jazz! In a heartfelt tribute to Broadway, which was forced to close its curtains due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving casts and crews without work, the gang put on a show. Guthrie and Kotb transformed into the iconic characters Elphaba and Glinda from Wicked, while Roker and Craig Melvin brought the stage alive as King George III and Alexander Hamilton from Hamilton. Jenna Bush Hager channeled her inner Grizabella from Cats, and Dylan Dryer and Sheinelle Jones lit up the dance floor as Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly from Chicago.
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2019
The Today team had a blast with the “Everybody Dance” theme, dressing as beloved characters from Grease, Saturday Night Fever, Dirty Dancing and more.
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2019
Carson Daly and Guthrie stepped out as Danny and Sandy, respectively, from Grease.
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2019
Geist and Bush Hager recreated Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s iconic lift scene from Dirty Dancing in the middle of Rockefeller Plaza.
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2018
Guthrie dazzled as Cyndi Lauper, while Kotb stole the show as Elton John in a feathered white costume with oversize glasses.
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2018
The cohosts decided to embrace the popular '80s theme, coincidentally the same as Good Morning America's Halloween costumes that year. Geist took on the persona of Ferris Bueller, Gifford transformed into Madonna, and Roker and Dreyer became the iconic duo of Dr. Emmett Brown and Marty McFly from Back to the Future.
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2017
Let's go girls! Megyn Kelly dressed up as Shania Twain while Daly went as Billy Ray Cyrus. And both stars showed up for the occasion!
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2017
Sing it! Guthrie and Matt Lauer put on a show as Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.
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2017
Trick-or-treat, y'all! Gifford and Kotb went country for Halloween as Miley Cyrus and Blake Shelton, respectively.
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2016
Remember the nostalgic moment when the Today show delighted viewers with a flashback to the iconic '90s for their highly anticipated Halloween reveal? Notable highlights featured Lauer flawlessly embodying the beloved character of Jerry Seinfeld, Roker transforming into the unforgettable Steve Urkel from Family Matters, and Gifford effortlessly channeling her former cohost Regis Philbin.
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2016
Bush Hager dressed up as her grandmother Barbara Bush for the big day, and her costume received the ultimate approval from the former first lady. Joining the live broadcast, Barbara Bush exclaimed, "You look better than I ever looked."
Daly revisited his MTV TRL days by wearing long sideburns, a nose ring and spiky hair. The TV personality hosted the call-in music program from 1999 to 2001.
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2015
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Roker did his best "Chuck" in the character's signature yellow polo with a zigzag stripe.
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2015
Guthrie and Lauer cuddled up modeling Sally and Lucy's classic puffy-sleeved dresses and oxford shoes.
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2015
Kotb channeled Snoopy as the high-flying Red Baron while Gifford got into character as his feathered friend Woodstock.
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2015
In lieu of actual dirt, Meredith Vieira surrounded herself in a cloud of slate tulle as the beloved stinker Pig Pen.
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2015
Natalie Morales and Tamron Hall dressed as besties Marcie and Peppermint Patty.
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2014
Kotb and Gifford ditched their wine for fun wigs as they mimicked Mike Myers and Dana Carvey's characters from Wayne's World, which originated on Saturday Night Live.
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2014
They've got the moves! Roker and Lester Holt belted out some tunes as Dan Aykroyd (Elwood Blues) and John Belushi ("Joliet" Jake Blues) from The Blues Brothers.
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2014
Vieira, Guthrie, and Bush Hager whipped out their best tie-dyed tops and mom jeans as they reenacted Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's famous Saturday Night Live sketch.
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2014
Ready? OK! Geist and Hall donned Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri's Saturday Night Live Spartan cheerleaders outfits from the '90s.
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2014
Superstar! Morales joined her coworkers' Saturday Night Live theme by dressing as Molly Shannon's hilarious character Mary Katherine Gallagher.
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2014
Lauer looked nearly unrecognizable in a wig as Julia Sweeney's Saturday Night Live character Pat.
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2013
The Halloween costumes worn by the Today show team in 2013 were nothing short of incredible! They went all out to recreate classic TV shows, such as Baywatch, The Flintstones, Laverne & Shirley, CHiPs, and The A-Team.
Lauer chose to celebrate Halloween by donning a famous Baywatch red bathing suit, channeling Pamela Anderson's iconic look. Embracing the character, he confidently showcased his legs, flaunted eye-catching cleavage, and completed the ensemble with a blonde wig.
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2013
Gifford and Kotb were overflowing with joy when they decided to don the personas of Wilma and Betty from The Flintstones for the momentous occasion. They flawlessly embodied the characters, paying meticulous attention to every intricate aspect, such as Wilma's elegant white pearl necklace, Betty's vibrant blue bow, and their colossal feet.
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2013
Morales and Guthrie were all smiles as they dressed as the titular characters from Laverne & Shirley for the big plaza debut.
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2013
Though everyone else had a partner for Halloween, Roker took the solo route as he dressed as Mr. T's B.A. Baracus from The A-Team.
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2011
Royals take the plaza by storm! Half a year following Prince William and Kate Middleton's matrimonial union witnessed by a whopping 22.8 million audience on live television, Lauer and Ann Curry donned outfits resembling the bride and groom, while Morales attempted to imitate Pippa Middleton. Roker transformed into Prince Harry and Guthrie portrayed King Charles III.
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2011
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice should not be overlooked! Kotb and Gifford flawlessly portrayed Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew's daughters, who gained attention for their extravagant hats at the time of the royal wedding.
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2011
Kardashian mania! The Weekend Today crew rocked the glam and style of the famous family back in 2011. Leading the pack was Janice Huff, who flawlessly portrayed the matriarch herself, Kris Jenner. Joining her were Amy Robach, Jenna Wolfe, and Melissa Francis, as they flawlessly embodied the roles of Kourtney, Kim, and Khloé Kardashian respectively.
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2010
Free-for-all! In 2010, the co-hosts decided to break away from the usual themed costumes and opted for a more diverse range of outfits, transforming themselves into everyone from popular music icons to legendary superheroes. Standout costumes featured Justin Bieber, Superman, Lady Gaga, and Amelia Earhart. Moreover, the highly anticipated appearance of Tina Fey and Will Ferrell saw them channeling their memorable characters from the film Megamind.
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2010
Lucy and the gang! Kotb, Gifford and Sarah Haines stayed in character as they walked the Today show plaza in 2010 as Ethel Mertz, Lucille Ball and Ricky Ricardo.
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2009
The Today show went all out in 2009 by dressing up as Star Wars characters. Some unforgettable moments included Lauer as Luke Skywalker, Vieira as Princess Leia, Curry as Darth Vader, Kotb as Yoda, and Roker as Han Solo.
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2009
Simon Cowell, are you here? Nick Cannon teamed up with his co-star from America's Got Talent, Cowell, and the incredible Susan Boyle for a Halloween celebration in 2009. While Robach masqueraded as the renowned British TV personality, Holt donned the guise of the timid singer who captured hearts during the same year's singing competition.
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2008
The Today show team showcased their love for beloved children's characters in 2008, charmingly transforming into Humpty Dumpty, Pinocchio, The Gingerbread Man, and Red Riding Hood.
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2007
It's a festive celebration in Munster style! The Today family teamed up to skillfully embody the unforgettable characters from the beloved 1964 series, delighting everyone in 2012. Lauer flawlessly portrayed Herman Munster, while Roker took on the charming role of Grandpa. Vieira exuded the essence of Lily Munster, and Kotb effortlessly embodied the youthful Marilyn. Not to be left behind, Morales enthusiastically embraced the role of the mischievous young son, Eddie Munster.
Johnny Depp would surely receive a great honor! Lauer and Roker skillfully collaborated, embodying characters from the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean film. Adding to the excitement, the remarkable women of the morning show transformed into influential megastars, with Curry diligently portraying Cher and Morales exuding the essence of Madonna, circa 1990.
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2005
In 2005, on the Today show plaza, Marilyn's bodyguards, Lauer and Roker, elevated their style by wearing Batman and Robin costumes. Meanwhile, Couric made a stunning appearance as the late Marilyn Monroe, dressed in a pink ensemble.
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2004
Halloween to the extreme! In 2004, Couric, Roker, Lauer, and Curry pulled out all the stops as they dressed up as Donald Trump, Paris Hilton, and Tina Turner.
