TheWrap’s got new ‘Today’ show co-anchor Hoda Kotb’s latest Q Score, and a few other reasons why NBC News chief Andy Lack picked her
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There’s a good reason Hoda Kotb looks so comfortable in Matt Lauer’s former “Today” show chair: she’s a lot better-liked than he was, according to the main metric networks use to gauge the popularity of their stars.
Kotb was named as Lauer’s replacement on Tuesday, just over a month after NBC fired him over sexual misconduct accusations. Everyone seems pretty stoked about the team of Kotb and Savannah Guthrie — and with good reason.
According to the Q Scores Company, Kotb’s most-recent (September 2017) Positive Q Score was a 16, and her Familiarity rating among adults is currently at 30 percent. While those are about average scores for a program host (a 17 and a 35 percent, respectively), they’re better than Savannah Guthrie’s numbers.
Also Read: ‘Today’ Tops 3rd Straight Week in Viewers After Matt Lauer Ouster
Plus, Kotb’s Positive Q Score is a lot higher than Lauer’s 11. No, that’s not the name of a bad Las Vegas casino heist movie remake — it’s his actual lackluster Q Score.
With the anchor spot, Kotb’s popularity levels should grow, Q Scores president Henry Schafer told TheWrap. He also expects her Positive Q Score to climb. Schafer’s company, which is used by the media, entertainment and branding industries to track the popularity and likability of celebrities, is currently putting together its Winter data update. Those figures should be available next month.
Among adult women, Kotb has a 17 Q Score and 33 percent Familiarity rating.
Also Read: Twitter Loves the #GirlPower as Hoda Kotb Joins Savannah Guthrie on ‘Today’
“Another key point is that she is not polarizing as was Matt, even before the latest troubles for him,” Schafer told TheWrap. “I believe the morning shows are ready for two female anchors since women are the primary audience target for that day part.”
Q Scores ratings aside, this decision was really all about TV ratings. Since Lauer’s ouster in late November, “Today” has consistently beaten chief competition “Good Morning America” in total viewers, something the NBC program hasn’t been able to say in a very long time.
With Guthrie and Kotb co-anchoring, “Today” has averaged 4.519 million total viewers per day, with 1.610 million coming out of the key adults 25-54 demo. Compare that with “Good Morning America,” which has received 4.334 million and 1.360 million viewers, respectively, in that same time frame.
No wonder Kotb was the only one ever really considered for the role.
Also Read: ‘Today’ Wins the Week in TV Ratings With Hoda Kotb in for Matt Lauer
Kotb’s been successfully hosting the 10 a.m. hour alongside Kathie Lee Gifford since 2008, even surviving the recent disadvantage of having Megyn Kelly as a lackluster lead-in .
But Kotb is not entirely new to 7 a.m. — she signed on early for years to pitch in and help Lauer and Guthrie. People tend to think of Kotb as the wine-cork-cracking co-host of the fourth hour, but she’s played key roles in more serious spots — like on the network’s “Dateline,” where she has worked since before the turn of the century.
And if you also need somebody to dance, well, click here. Kotb kinda does it all, and generally with a big, contagious smile on her face.
‘Today’ Fallout: 13 Potential Replacements for Matt Lauer, From Ann Curry to Robin Meade (Photos)
Matt Lauer has exited NBC’s « Today » show after allegations of sexual misconduct, which Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb announced on the show Wednesday morning. His departure leaves a big hole in the « Today » team. Here are some potential replacements. Getty
Ann Curry
Fans are already lobbying online for the return of Ann Curry, who left « Today » in 2012. Since she’s a veteran, she’d no doubt easily slide back in to the role, but since there was reportedly conflicts with NBC higher-ups, we’re not sure how likely her return might be (or if she’d want the job). Getty Images
Carson Daly
The host of « The Voice » is already a familiar face on « Today, » has plenty of experience with interviews and lots of charisma. Why not give him room to expand his journalistic chops with a higher profile role on the morning show?
Sam Champion
The « Good Morning America » weatherman has 25 years under his belt anchoring a major broadcast, so he has the experience needed for the role. He tweeted Wednesday morning after the Lauer news broke that « Network TV needs a good scrubbing! » Getty Images
Katie Couric
Couric is a beloved figure in American journalism and would certainly be a welcome face for viewers. She worked with Lauer for nine years on the « Today » show before she moved on. Getty Images
Meredith Vieira
Another « Today » alum, Vieira definitely has the experience needed to succeed in the role. The « Who Wants to Be A Millionaire » host is deft in balancing small talk with the million-dollar questions. meredith vieira show
Bryant Gumbel
The former « Today » anchor comes across as a class act, which is something the NBC News morning show could sure use a touch of right now. With no « Real Sports » going on right now, the guy who recently appeared on « Finding Your Roots » should return back to his roots. Should Gumbel come back to « Today, » we’d insist on Jerry Seinfeld granting him an interview while donning a puffy shirt. Getty Images
Willie Geist
The « Morning Joe » co-anchor also anchor’s « Sunday Today, » and has filled in for Lauer in the past. He’s got the experience and seems like a logical pick. NBC
Al Roker
Roker’s lovable personality already delights viewers of « Today. » If Roker wanted to forgo his weatherman duties, we could see him moving into Lauer’s role. Getty Images
Hoda Kotb
Kotb co-hosts « Today » show’s fourth hour with Kathie Lee Gifford, but she’s also done other segments for the NBC morning show, and we could definitely see her taking on longer interviews and expanding her hosting chops. Getty Images
Natalie Morales
Morales has defined her anchor abilities on « Today, » « Dateline » and « NBC Nightly News. » Her interviewing and hosting skills make her a great candidate to fill Lauer’s shoes. Getty Images
Josh Elliott
By many accounts, Elliott was actually brought in to NBC a few years back to eventually replace Matt Lauer on « Today. » That obviously didn’t work out, nor did his recent year at CBS News.
