Meredith Vieira to Make NBC Olympics History

By Jordan Chariton 

Bob Costas’ bad fortune will result in history tonight as Meredith Vieira becomes the first woman to anchor NBC’s Olympic primetime coverage.

“I’m really worried because I have to host primetime tonight…I’m filling in for Mr. C,” Vieira said in a phone call to “Today” this morning. “It’s an honor to fill in for him. You think about the Olympics, and you think the athletes and then Bob Costas.”

Matt Lauer has been filling in for Costas the last three nights. Costas — who has hosted NBC’s Olympics primetime coverage since 1988 — is starting to feel better from his eye infection and hopes to return soon.

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This also gives a nice boost for Vieira who begins hosting her own daytime syndicated show this Fall. NBC has been pulling in more than 22 million viewers in primetime during the Sochi games.

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