Watch NBC TODAY Show

On January 14, 1952, NBC TODAY Show premiered on MSNBC with a remarkable lineup of distinguished hosts: Dave Garroway, Jack Lescoulie, and J. Fred Muggs—a chimpanzee who became the iconic mascot of the show. Over time, the show evolved, and in 1997, Matt Lauer became one of the hosts of the show, turning it into a modern-day cultural phenomenon. However, this description will focus on the original era of NBC TODAY Show that went on from 1952 to 1961. The early version of the show had two female co-hosts, and one of them was fashion model and actress Anita Colby, who co-hosted the show from 1952 to 1953. Colby brought her insights into fashion and her charismatic personality to the show, making it a more well-rounded program. She talked about the latest fashion trends, interviewed celebrities, and demonstrated that her modeling career wasn't just about beauty and glamour but also grace and intelligence. When Colby left the show, she was replaced by Barbara Walters and later, by Ann Curry in the early 2000s. However, it was Ann Curry, who was the real stand-out because she is one of the most experienced journalists on the show. At first, she was a correspondent for the show, but later moved up the ranks to become a co-anchor along with Matt Lauer. Curry's appointment was historic in many ways. In the past, the show had received criticism over the lack of diversity on the show, and Curry's hiring was a positive move towards addressing that concern. Furthermore, she had a reputation as an accomplished journalist who had covered stories across the globe, including wars and natural disasters. On the show, Curry was often responsible for interviews that discussed hard-hitting topics, such as poverty, domestic violence, and climate change. Her reportage on issues that were not always mainstream often shone a light on injustices and the marginalization of certain groups of people. In contrast to other TV news shows that focused on sensationalism and fear-mongering, the NBC TODAY Show took a more introspective and thoughtful approach, and Curry's presence was a considerable contributor to that. Moreover, Curry's skills as a journalist were matched by her impeccable sense of style, and she was the go-to person for fashion advice on the show. During the 2008 Presidential election, she gained attention for her sleek, tailored blazers that were seen as a signal of professionalism, competence, and style. Her sartorial choices influenced a generation of women who wanted to combine style with substance and professionalism. Overall, NBC TODAY Show was an institution on TV for over six decades, and in its early years, the inclusion of women like Anita Colby and later, Ann Curry, transformed it into something more than your average morning talk show. It was a unique platform that brought together interviews with celebrities, coverage of current events, weather reports, music performances, and much more—all under one roof. In conclusion, NBC TODAY Show from MSNBC staring Anita Colby and later Ann Curry was a classic example of a morning news show that was ahead of its time in many ways. It broke many barriers and stereotypes by featuring women in prominent roles and discussing issues that other news outlets ignored. The show's mix of entertainment and information made it an enjoyable experience for viewers of all ages, and its legacy has continued even today. The show remains a landmark achievement in the history of television, and its star presenters, Anita Colby and Ann Curry, will be remembered for their contributions.