For over half a decade, the 'Today' show cast has embraced Halloween with spirited, themed costumes that bring nostalgia, humor, and cultural homage to the morning screen. Whether celebrating a century of NBC or paying tribute to music legends, their outfits add festive fun for viewers and co-hosts alike.
- 2026’s NBC anniversary highlighted classic personalities and events.
- Past themes included music icons, nostalgic movies, and notable locations.
- Hosts creatively embody famous figures with humor and heart.
What happened
The 'Today' show hosts have made Halloween a yearly highlight by dressing up in elaborate and themed costumes that reflect popular culture, history, and festive creativity. In 2026, to mark 100 years of NBC, the cast embarked on a nostalgic journey representing legendary NBC moments and iconic personalities. From Willie Geist’s Johnny Carson to Dylan Dreyer as Barbara Eden’s genie, the costumes honored different facets of the network’s rich legacy. Other years saw themes like a U.S. road trip in 2025 featuring Rocky and Prince, or a VHS rewind in 2024 paying homage to classic films and characters such as Beetlejuice and Titanic.
Each Halloween, the hosts also captured various eras and genres beyond television alone—like in 2023, where musical legends were spotlighted with performances and costumes inspired by artists such as Neil Diamond, MC Hammer, and Taylor Swift. In 2022, a vibrant Las Vegas theme brought to life entertainers from Cirque du Soleil to Elvis Presley, while 2021 celebrated the spirit of American football with co-hosts channeling well-known sports figures and personalities. These costumes and performances have become eagerly anticipated moments, combining entertainment with a shared cultural celebration.
Why it feels good
Seeing the 'Today' show hosts step into costume each Halloween offers viewers a delightful break from routine mornings and a chance to connect through familiar characters and themes. Their creativity and enthusiasm make pop culture accessible and fun, sparking nostalgia while embracing current and classic media icons. This yearly tradition fosters a sense of community and celebration, reminding people of shared stories and joyful moments.
The lively spirit of the cast dressing up also highlights the power of playful creativity and teamwork. It’s not just about the costumes themselves, but the thoughtfulness and camaraderie poured into each choice, whether it’s a subtle homage or a bold, theatrical transformation. For fans and casual viewers alike, this blend of fun and homage brings smiles and light-hearted joy, brightening the morning news experience.
What to enjoy or watch next
Fans of the 'Today' show’s Halloween celebrations can look forward to the next creative themes and costumes when the holiday rolls around again. Revisiting these moments via clips or photo galleries offers an inspiring glimpse into how pop culture evolves and how beloved figures from television, music, and film remain evergreen. Watching how the cast brings different themes to life each year adds an element of surprise and anticipation worth following.
For those who enjoy themed celebrations, tuning into other seasonal specials or exploring classic TV and movie milestones featured by the cast could provide similar enjoyment. Whether it’s a tribute to iconic music eras, memorable sports moments, or landmark television anniversaries, these themes offer enriching entertainment filled with warmth and cheer.