Matt Lauer was reportedly "100 percent behind Ann leaving", according to Us Weekly. Today he was 100 percent supporting Savannah Guthrie, his new co-anchor, as he gave her very warm welcome during the 'Today' show.
The welcome went like this:
"Good morning, and welcome to 'Today' on a Monday morning. It truly is a new day around here. I'm Matt Lauer and I'm pleased to be sharing this new day with Savannah Guthrie who after several years of playing a great role on this program takes a step forward this morning to joins us as co-anchor of 'Today.' How does it feel?"
"It's an honor to be here," Guthrie said in addition to mentioning she was a bit nervous. Lauer then replied, "We're happiest because you bring a great attitude and what we like to call a weird sense of humor."
Lauer also said, "Well it's nice to be here because I get to be the first to say welcome to 'Today'. We are thrilled to have you."
Guthrie made her official debut on the 'Today' show and with that, NBC begins a new attempt to improve its viewership.
Guthrie assumes the role in a crucial time since the show's ratings have suffered recent slumps.
After being the ratings king for 852 consecutive weeks, ABC's 'Good Morning America' surpassed the 'Today' show in several occasions during the first two quarters of 2012 according to Nielsen.
NBC is hoping Guthrie will help 'Today' not only regain its ratings, but also "click" with co-anchor Matt Lauer.
What did you think on Guthrie's debut?