Waking up to the smell of coffee and the familiar chime of the NBC fanfare is a ritual for millions of us. But honestly, the first thing most people do while the kettle is boiling is check to see exactly who is sitting on that iconic orange couch. If you're looking for the guest on the Today Show today, Friday, January 16, 2026, you've hit the jackpot with a mix of Hollywood royalty, some seriously practical health advice, and a musical performance that actually lives up to the hype.
It's a big day.
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Usually, Fridays are a bit more relaxed, but the producers really packed the 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM blocks this morning. We aren't just talking about the standard "guy promotes a movie" segments. Today felt a bit more intimate.
The Headliners Shaking Up the Plaza
The main draw this morning was undoubtedly Austin Butler. He’s everywhere lately, isn't he? He sat down with Savannah Guthrie to talk about his latest project, and what’s wild is how much he’s finally dropped that lingering Elvis accent everyone was obsessed with a few years back. He’s matured. He talked about the physical toll of his recent filming schedule in a way that didn't sound like a privileged actor complaining, but more like a craftsman who’s just tired but happy.
Then we had Meryl Streep. Look, when Meryl shows up, the energy in the room shifts. She wasn't just there to plug a film; she was talking about her recent work with literacy advocacy. It's kinda refreshing to see someone of her stature use the platform for something that isn't just a box-office play. Hoda Kotb has this way of getting Meryl to laugh—that deep, genuine laugh—that makes you forget you're watching a produced morning show.
Why These Guests Matter Right Now
The guest on the Today Show today isn't just a random selection. The booking agents at NBC are basically scientists. They know exactly who we want to see when we’re feeling that Friday "almost-at-the-weekend" vibe.
- Austin Butler brings in the younger demographic and the film buffs.
- Meryl Streep is the prestige anchor.
- Dr. John Torres popped in for a segment on the latest winter wellness trends, which, let’s be real, we all need because everyone seems to have a cough right now.
Deep Dive into the Third Hour and Hoda & Jenna
Once the "hard news" of the first two hours wraps up, things get significantly weirder and better. Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Sheinelle Jones took the Third Hour to a new level today. They had a fascinating segment with Malala Yousafzai. She’s such a powerhouse. Hearing her discuss the global state of education in 2026 was a stark reminder that while we’re worried about our morning commute, there are much bigger battles being fought.
Then came the Fourth Hour. Hoda and Jenna are essentially the human embodiment of a glass of rosé.
Their guest on the Today Show today for the 10:00 AM slot was the hilarious Bowen Yang. If you haven't seen his latest SNL sketches, you're missing out. He brought a level of chaotic energy that Jenna Bush Hager absolutely leaned into. They did a bit about "unserious New Year's resolutions" that actually felt relatable. Most people set these massive, unreachable goals, but Bowen’s resolution was literally just to "stop buying expensive candles he's afraid to light."
I felt that. We all felt that.
The Science of the Morning Show Guest List
Have you ever wondered how they pick these people? It’s not just about who has a movie out. It’s about the "Q Score"—a measurement of a celebrity's familiarity and appeal.
When you look at the guest on the Today Show today, you see a perfect Venn diagram of interests. You have the "News Junkie" (Malala), the "Film Enthusiast" (Butler and Streep), and the "Lifestyle Seeker" (Bowen Yang). This variety is why the show has managed to stay relevant while traditional TV is supposedly dying. They pivot.
What People Often Get Wrong About Guest Appearances
People think these interviews are totally scripted. They aren't. Not entirely.
While there are "pre-interviews" where producers talk to the guests beforehand to find the best stories, the actual live segment is a tightrope walk. Savannah Guthrie is a trained lawyer; she knows how to ask a follow-up that wasn't on the teleprompter. Today, she nudged Austin Butler about his preparation process in a way that actually caught him off guard, leading to a really honest moment about his anxiety on set.
How to Keep Up with Today Show Guests Daily
If you missed a segment, don’t stress. The digital age is actually good for something. NBC usually uploads the "Best Of" clips to their YouTube channel by noon.
- Check the Today.com website: They have a dedicated "Guests" tab that updates almost in real-time.
- Follow their Instagram Stories: They often show the guests backstage in the "Green Room" before they go on air. It’s a fun way to see the celebrities without the professional lighting and makeup.
- The Podcast: Believe it or not, the "Today" podcast is a great way to listen to these interviews if you were driving while the show was actually on.
What’s Coming Up Next?
The weekend lineup is looking equally stacked, but today’s mix of high-brow advocacy and low-brow humor really set a high bar. It’s rare to see a show balance a Nobel Peace Prize winner with a comedian talking about candles, but that’s the magic of the format.
Actionable Steps for Today Show Fans
- Watch the Austin Butler interview if you’re looking for a masterclass in how to handle fame with a bit of humility.
- Check Dr. Torres’ segment specifically for the advice on Vitamin D—apparently, the "winter blues" are hitting harder this year due to some specific weather patterns we’ve been seeing.
- Download the Today app and set notifications for "Guest Alerts." You can actually filter by interest so you only get pinged when someone you actually care about is appearing.
- Review the "Starting from Scratch" cooking segment from the 9:00 AM hour. They featured a 15-minute lemon pasta that actually looks like it wouldn't ruin your kitchen.
The guest on the Today Show today provided more than just background noise; it was a snapshot of where pop culture stands in the beginning of 2026. Whether you're here for the hard-hitting interviews or just want to see what Hoda is wearing, today's broadcast delivered.
Make sure to bookmark the official NBC schedule if you're planning your week ahead, as the rumors for next Tuesday's guest involve a certain British pop star making a very rare US television appearance. Stay tuned for that.