Savannah Guthrie made her first appearance as 'Today' show co-anchor alongside partner Matt Lauer on Monday.
"It truly is a new day around her," said Matt Lauer, as he welcomed her into the new position. Guthrie said in response to a question on how she felt, "Great... it's an honor to be here," adding that she was "so nervous" that she did not even realize the show's announcer calling her name.
Lauer shared his joy to have her as his new partner saying, "You've done a great job. We're happiest because you bring a great attitude and what we like to call a weird sense of humor."
Later on in the show, more time was given to Guthrie to welcome her as a "part of the family." Guthrie admitted that her serving as Ann Curry's replacement was a "little unexpected," but that she was "so proud and honored to be in a place occupied by so many women that I admire."
Guthrie's mention of her unexpected tenure is in reference to the NBC network giving her the high position amidst its most troubling time. The network has a long history of being the leader in morning television, but has recently been given competition by its ABC rival "Good Morning America."
NBC has high hopes that Guthrie will transition into this new position gracefully. Not only has she been the co-host of the 9AM hour of 'Today,' but she has filled in for Curry more than any other co-host has in the past. She has also worked continuously with the network from being its legal correspondent to White House reporter and then a co-host on 'Today.'
Guthrie will be able to prove herself as the best replacement with the 2012 London Olympics coming up in late July. NBC assured that its new co-anchor arrangement occurred before the start of the Games, as it intends on winning over ratings and diminishing the recent competition ABC has created.
