The morning shows went all out for their Halloween episodes this morning, dressing up as everything from classic TV characters to 21-year-old pop stars.
This is the 20th Halloween celebration for NBC’s “Today” show and we have seen the cast dress up in some elaborate costumes over the years. NBC went with another example of cross promotion, having the “Today” anchors dress up various “Saturday Night Live” characters.
Willie Geist and Tamron Hall did their best impersonations of Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri, dressing up as the Spartan Cheerleaders. Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb dressed at Wayne and Garth from “Wayne’s World.”
As for Matt Lauer, who usually uses the occasion to dress in drag, we can’t be certain… as he dressed as the legendary gender-challenged “Pat.” Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager and Meredith Vieira gave new meaning to the term “Mom Jeans,” although Vieira looked a little too comfortable recreating the “SNL” digital short.
Cooperate synergy was also in full effect on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” with its anchors dressed as celebrities vying for a spot on “Dancing With the Stars.” Robin Roberts dressed as the “Frozen” character Elsa, who was joined by her pal Olaf played by ABC’s T.J. Holmes.
Amy Robach was in full character, not even smiling, as Maleficent. Ginger Zee dressed up as pop star Ariana Grande. Laura Spencer played Britain’s Prince George and was rolled out in a gold-plated stroller by dance pro Karina Smirnoff, with assistance from two royal guards.
Special “GMA” correspondent Tim Tebow also made a surprise visit, dressed as Maverick from the movie “Top Gun.” Other Halloween segments on “GMA” included Michael Strahan’s scary elevator pranks and a visit from rapper Nelly, who was disguised as the devil until his identity was eventually revealed.
On “Fox & Friends,” the cast didn’t transform until the end of the show but eventually went with a superhero theme. Steve Doocy dressed as Captain America, Kimberly Guilfoyle as Wonder Woman, Tucker Carlson as The Incredible Hulk and Maria Molina as Bat Girl.
Even HLN’s “Morning Express with Robin Meade” got in on the action, with entire on-air team doing a “Golden Girls” homage. Sports correspondent Brian McFayden was Rose, Robin Meade was Blanche, business correspondent Jennifer Westhoven was Sophia, and meteorologist Bob Van Dillen was Dorothy.