Morning show hosts bring Hollywood to Halloween

This Halloween season, co-hosts of the ‘Today’ show did exactly that-they really did raise the bar for what is seen on these type of programs. This was done in the form of iconic movie characters from film history. A mix of comedy and creativity was on the cards as the hosts all dressed up as everything from Austin Powers to Elle Woods, which delighted audiences, bringing with it some rather nostalgic memories. Being the annual Halloween special of its kind, it did not, this year, miss that mark.

Austin Powers, Elle Woods, and More Hollywood Classics

In what has become annual tradition on ‘Today,’ the host show team produced Halloween for the books when various characters recreated some the most beloved and iconic movie characters as each of the hosts decided to go out all during a Halloween special. While the rest of the program were more on scary Halloween traditions, Savannah Guthrie revived the swinging ’60s as the groovy spy Austin Powers by going ruffled shirt with wearing his blue velvet complete with the character’s catchphrase for the day.

Meanwhile, Hoda Kotb won the hearts of the audience playing Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, all in pink tones and holding a miniature, stuffed Chihuahua inside a purse. Her take on the blonde law school enthusiast was a huge hit, especially with fans of the classic Reese Witherspoon film.

Other notable guest appearances included Al Roker as Indiana Jones, sporting a leather jacket, fedora, and whip, and Carson Daly, dressed as The Joker and bringing the darker side of Gotham City to morning TV. Each costume was indeed a true embodiment of the classic characters, giving their fans a treat with the larger-than-life personas made alive.

Controversy: Is Halloween Going Too Far on Morning Shows?

While most people might enjoy the fun atmosphere as well as the various kinds of costumes worn on such an occasion, it does not always sit well with the rest to have Halloween at the ‘Today’ show. There are even those saying morning shows have gotten too wild for Halloween, being a bit too interested in spectacular costumes than bringing the news. “It feels like a costume party instead of a news show. Is the seriousness of losing its significance?” a social media commentator asked.

Others appreciated the feel-good entertainment it brought to the morning, acknowledging that Halloween is really the only time when the ‘Today’ show anchors can be themselves in front of the camera. Balance between fun and professionalism on Halloween day has been the recurrent debate as numerous people have protested against the annual festival as something joyous that brings some levity to seriousness.

Backstage: The Makeup and Costumes

As the show producers will explain, it was a task of much work to create these outfits, and the wardrobe and makeup team took weeks on each single host to put those costumes so close to originals, like making Al Roker look exactly like Indiana Jones by getting all of his accessories in hours, especially making Hoda Kotb be just like Elle Woods in Pretty Woman, with every single little piece being included, even a pink-outfitted costume that contained a fake dog in the bag.

“Everyone on set really loves Halloween,” said one of the show’s costume designers. “It’s just a fun time of year when we can get really creative and step out of our normal roles.”
Off-camera, it is an all-hands-on-deck effort to bring into view each character’s appearance and personality, transforming the ‘Today’ show studio into a mini-Hollywood set.
Conclusion: A Spirited Halloween Tradition
Many consider the ‘Today’ show transformation during Halloween as the highlight of the year, watching their favorite morning show host in a new light. The co-hosts have the chance to become different famous movie characters, hence celebrating Halloween while bonding with the audience over a shared experience.

While not everyone looks at Halloween specials as any big deal, it was pretty obvious that the ‘Today’ team did indeed care enough to produce such a great event. The production of this piece with the strange Austin Powers and Indiana Jones’ fearlessness came to make the glamour of Hollywood look quite great on morning television.

And last, but not least, the ‘Today’ show’s Halloween bash: sometimes, just a little Halloween costume shenanigans are all we need to make even the dullest of mornings more lively.