Carson Daly has been named co-anchor of “Saturday Today.”
The former “Total Request Live” host will make his official debut Saturday alongside co-anchor Laura Jarrett, star anchor Joe Fryer and meteorologist Angie Lassman, according to a press release.
“I’m excited to add ‘Saturday Today’ to my weekday morning schedule,” Daly said in a statement. “My kids asked me if I would continue making pancakes. I told them yes, but I’m going to make them for Laura, Joe and Angie instead. I’m both grateful and excited for this opportunity.”
Daly, 53, will continue to co-host weekday “Today” while joining the Saturday team.
“Carson has been an integral part of the ‘Today’ program family for 13 years, and we are thrilled that our viewers will be able to spend one more day of the week with him,” Libby Leist, executive vice president of Today and Lifestyle, said in a statement.
“Carson and Laura make a great team, and we can’t wait for this new chapter of ‘Saturday Today,'” she added.
Addressing her new role on Jenna Bush Hager’s “Morning Boost” segment on Thursday, “I just want to say I’m very fortunate to have a lot of TV gigs, but this one is really special. This one – at my age and at my stage in my career – to have the opportunity to sit next to Laura and learn and get better at my job, to be the best broadcaster I can be – again, it’s not something I take it lightly.
“We’re going to have a lot of fun on Saturday, but most of all, the best part of the concert…is going to your workplace with great human beings. We’re family and I’m grateful to be able to spend one more day in this building. Six days a week is an absolute honor. Thank you so much!”
In response to the news, Savannah Guthrie exclaimed, “You know how much I love you, you’re like a brother to me. I always tell anyone who will listen to me that Carson is like salt and pepper in a meal. He makes everything better, he makes every segment he’s in pop.
“You bring so much love and light and I’m so happy, so cheers to you.”
The group – which also included Al Roker, Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones – cheered Daly’s new role with Guinness beers, a nod to his Irish heritage.
During the early years of his career, Daly hosted MTV’s “Total Request Live” from its official launch in 1998 until his departure in 2003.
Daly also hosted NBC’s late-night series “Last Call with Carson Daly,” which ran for 18 seasons until 2019.
In 2013, Daly joined “Today” as host of the Orange Room, serving as the digital liaison that connected the show and its audience.
In his PopStart segment, Daly covers the latest pop culture news, conducting interviews with music, sports and entertainment stars.
In addition to his new role on “Today,” Daly will also continue to host and executive produce “The Voice” on NBC.
Daly also produces “The Voice: Celebrity,” which will be hosted by Keke Palmer.
“Saturday Today” airs Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. ET.
Gn entert
