Kathie Lee Is Back and Today Has Got Her

Kathie Lee Gifford by Virginia Sherwood/ NBC Photo

Today co-anchor Matt Lauer on Monday morning announced that Kathie Lee Gifford will join Hoda Kotb for the fourth hour of the NBC morning program. "I'm eight years older, 10 pounds heavier and a half-inch shorter — just in time for HD television," quipped Gifford, 54. Once Gifford starts her Today job on April 7, Ann Curry and Natalie Morales will go back to working the show's first three hours with Al Roker.

Gifford of course was a staple of morning TV when she sat beside Regis Philbin for the syndicated Live with Regis and Kathie Lee from 1988 to 2000. She was also a regular fill-in host for ABC's Good Morning America during the early '80s. It was during one of those fill-in stints that she met future husband Frank Gifford. — Stephen Battaglio

What's your take? Do you welcome Kathie Lee back to morning TV? Or did this just seal Today: Hour 4's fate on your viewing schedule?

POLL: Will Kathie Lee make you more or less inclined to watch Today?

Related:
• Dawn of a New Today for Kathie Lee Gifford?

Leave a Comment

TVGuide Links:

Posted by

TV Guide News

Mar 31, 2008 9:11 AM

Report Abuse

I've heard rumors that Tiki Barber is out on Today. This annoucement gives credence to those rumors.
Posted by TheNightStalker Mar 31, 2008 10:32 AM Report Abuse

What a huge mistake. This is, without a doubt, not a good fit with the people that are there. Either Ann or Natalie would have been a much better choice. Kathie Lee is not even close when it comes to style, experience or personality for this show.

Some might even argue that she has had her day and should stay retired for so many reasons. I'm one of them. Obnoxious come to mind.

I wonder why Ann is always passed over for these type of openings.

Regardless, Kathie Lee is totally "WRONG!!".

Huge mistake......."HUGE!!!!!!".

Posted by thebigone

Mar 31, 2008 10:44 AM

Report Abuse

HUGE mistake!!! The Today show is now lost all its credability. Ann and Natalie are fun to watch and they are relatable to the general public. Kathie Lee is bored at home with her grown children so she needs to pollute the airays once more. She should just work in the sweat shjops and be done with it.
Posted by btooley Mar 31, 2008 10:50 AM Report Abuse

You could get someone with real talent! You seem to hire people that are done (in all sense of the word). How about giving someone else their opportunity to shine? I'm really dissapointed.
Posted by terca53 Mar 31, 2008 11:12 AM Report Abuse

Welcome back Kathie Lee!! Of course not knowing what format she will be playing it is hard to say whether I will watch. I love Meredith and I watch her when I can but I usually do not watch the other hours of Today Show but I will certainly peek in to see how Kathie Lee is doing. I only wish her the best as she has really been battered by the press - note to the press: "Leave her alone!"
Posted by srzies Mar 31, 2008 11:14 AM Report Abuse

OH NO!!! I would think Kathie Lee would know by now that...The public does not take to her..The embarrasment alone should keep her away.She keeps trying & fails.. Kathie Lee....People don't like you!!
Posted by tilly11 Mar 31, 2008 11:17 AM Report Abuse

When Kathie Lee left her talk show with Regis, she said it was because she wanted to act with celebs instead of just interview them. Seems like those big plans didn't materialize. Guess she has to "lower" herself to return to daytime, eh??
Posted by petesmom Mar 31, 2008 11:25 AM Report Abuse

If she shuts up with her holier than thou attitude and her gushing about her two kids on a constant basis I might be able to take her, but if not goodbye to the 4th hour of Today
Posted by starrbeth8 Mar 31, 2008 11:32 AM Report Abuse

My take is that starting April 7th NBC might just as well fade to black for the entire 4th hour since nobody will be watching anyway!NBC might as well just cancel the 4th hour now because they just gave it the kiss of death.It doesn't matter whether or not we love or hate Kathie Lee because she loves HERSELF enough for all of us!!There is just no appropriate word in the English language to express how enormously huge a mistake this is for NBC!

Posted by DonnyR1958

Mar 31, 2008 11:32 AM

Report Abuse

I don't think it's fair or accurate to say nobody likes Kathie Lee. I know she can be overbearing, but Live with Regis and Kathie Lee always had solid ratings, and she has to have had something to do with that.

I didn't dislike KL, but I did cringe at her sometimes. Still, I watched and I enjoyed the show. I won't watch this, because I think four hours of Today is just too much! And it'll go up against, what? The Price Is Right and The View (in the east, anyway). I don't see this fourth hour as necessary or an attraction for viewers.

Posted by TV Gord

Mar 31, 2008 11:34 AM

Report Abuse

Maybe I am the odd person out but I like KLG as long as she doesn't go on about her kids. I think she should go back with Regis & replace that whiney, I have arrived & want Regis off the show obnoxious Kelly Ripa!! Coreen Burnaby, B.C.
Posted by casinoqueen Mar 31, 2008 11:55 AM Report Abuse

All this passionate hate for someone on tvguide's website? I'm guessing that means she's a republican?
Posted by wildbill Mar 31, 2008 12:09 PM Report Abuse

I'm guessing that means she's a republican?
Posted by TV Gord Mar 31, 2008 12:15 PM Report Abuse

I don't know why everyone dislikes Kathie Lee so much. I use to watch Regis/Kathie Lee faithfully every morning. I may be one odd ball, but I enjoyed listening to both of them talking about their families. Since she has been gone I think I may have watched Regis & Kelly maybe 3 times at the most.
Posted by divan Mar 31, 2008 12:20 PM Report Abuse

In This Section

TV Guide Spotlight

Also on TVGuide.com