NBC has made a major switch-up for its Christmas Day broadcast of the Today show.
The beloved morning show looked a bit different for its holiday episode as it changed its format from its usual set-up.
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As Christmas-themed graphics played at the start of Monday’s episode of the Today show, the narrating voice revealed it was a “special edition” of the program.
Among the changes to the show was the fact that the program didn’t open with Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb sitting at their desk.
Instead, the two sat on the show’s white couch with co-stars Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Carson Daly.
“Good morning, everybody! Welcome to Today, and Merry Christmas!” Savannah said to open the show.
“We’re all here, and we’re so happy when you join us on this special day. Christmas morning, here we go.”
Hoda added to fans: “We’re happy to be sharing it with you.”
Though the team of hosts were all there together on set, they weren’t there live on Christmas.
In the corner of the screen, NBC revealed another one of the changes to the broadcast – portions had been “previously recorded,” including this segment with the hosts.
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It’s unclear when the hosts filmed their pre-taped portions of Monday’s episode as Hoda and Savannah began their breaks before the start of Friday’s broadcast.
To ensure Today was still sharing up-to-date news stories with viewers, Savannah threw it over to correspondent Garrett Haake to help anchor the program live.
The two announced their holiday hiatus on Thursday during an on-air segment.
Hoda and Craig took a moment to wish Savannah an early happy birthday since the star’s December 27 birthday would be when everyone was off from the show.
The moment took place during Thursday’s show instead of Friday’s, Hoda explained, because the two main anchors would be out at the end of the week for the start of their break.
“Your much-deserved holiday, all of ours, starts soon,” Hoda said. “Tomorrow.”
The host added that they all won’t be together again until the new year.
Hoda went on: “But happy early birthday to you. Spend it with people you love.”
The following day, Sheinelle Jones and Craig took over to lead the flagship Today show broadcast.
Craig explained to viewers that Hoda and Savannah were getting a “jumpstart on their festivities.”
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