Calls for permanent replacement surface as Today show host takes summer break

In a move that’s set to shake up the television landscape this summer, a familiar face on Australian television is set to take a break from his hosting duties on the Today show over the summer holidays.

The host’s temporary departure has sparked a conversation among viewers, with some calling for a more permanent change in the lineup.



It was recently announced that Karl Stefanovic will be temporarily replaced by Dr Nick Coatsworth, Australia's former Deputy Chief Medical Officer, starting December 26.

This announcement has been met with a mix of surprise and approval.


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Dr Coatsworth will temporarily replace Karl Stefanovic from December 26. Image source: Facebook/TODAY.


Dr Coatsworth, known for his regular contributions to Channel Nine on medical topics, will bring a fresh perspective to the show as it continues to compete in the fierce breakfast ratings war.

While many viewers are looking forward to seeing Dr Coatsworth's approach to hosting, others have taken this opportunity to voice their opinions on Stefanovic's role in the show.



Social media has been abuzz with comments, with one user expressing: 'Please make it a permanent break.'

While another added: 'Complete overhaul needed.'

'Hopefully, it is permanent, the only one who thinks he is funny is him. Poor co-hosts with their fake laughs,' a third commented.

As Stefanovic steps away for the holiday season, his co-host Sarah Abo will also be taking a break.

In her place, viewers will see regular Today show reporter Mia Glover.



This shake-up comes at a time when the Today show is looking to regain its footing in the ratings race.

Its rival, Sunrise, is preparing to celebrate its 20th year leading the breakfast timeslot, after taking the top spot in last year’s overall ratings survey.

The show boasted an average national daily audience of 397,000 viewers in the 2022 OzTam survey year.

This figure was reported to be '31 per cent bigger than its nearest competitor'.

The changing of the guard, even if temporary, may offer the Today show a chance to experiment with new dynamics and potentially attract viewers looking for something different. It's an opportunity for the program to reassess its approach and perhaps make strategic adjustments as it aims to close the gap with Sunrise.



This news comes after Stefanovic shocked viewers and the whole studio with a light-hearted prank that left even his own co-host, Sarah Abo, utterly stunned.

In a video posted on social media, Karl can be seen looking sombre while informing viewers of the 'breaking news' he just received 'out of the United States'.

Stefanovic then surprised fans by pulling a prank, claiming that former U.S. President Barack Obama had been arrested.

The stunt video went viral on social media, with many viewers believing the fake news segment until Stefanovic started laughing.

You can read more about this here.
Key Takeaways
  • Critics have called for Karl Stefanovic to be replaced permanently as host of the Today show, with some expressing satisfaction that he will be on a break.
  • Dr Nick Coatsworth has been announced as the fill-in host for Stefanovic over the summer holidays, starting from December 26, co-hosting with Mia Glover.
  • Today show has been losing the breakfast ratings war to its rival Sunrise, which is set to win its 20th year in the top spot according to audience numbers.
  • The Today show has faced challenges with its changing roster of presenters, contributing to its difficulties in competing with Sunrise in recent years.
Members, what are your thoughts on Karl Stefanovic’s temporary departure from the Today show? Let us know in the comments below!
 
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