- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 31 Oct, 2024
A Spooky Tradition Continues
Halloween has always been a special occasion on the TODAY show, and the 2024 celebration was no exception. This year, the theme 'VHS Rewind' brought with it a wave of nostalgia as the team embraced the charm of classic films from the late 20th century. At the heart of this throwback celebration was co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who perfectly embodied Elle Woods, the iconic character from the beloved film 'Legally Blonde.' Guthrie’s transformation was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing her dedication and attention to detail as she donned a curly blonde wig and a vibrant pink outfit that mirrored Elle's famous fashion sense. To top it all off, she carried a plush chihuahua, a delightful nod to Elle's loyal companion, Bruiser, bringing this screen heroine to life in a fun and vivid manner.
The 'VHS Rewind' Theme
The 'VHS Rewind' theme was a delightful nod to the era of blockbuster videos, a time when movie lovers would huddle around their TV sets to watch beloved films again and again. The TODAY show's choice tapped into the collective memory of viewers who cherish those classics, bringing the magic of those VHS days back to life. Each anchor's costume was carefully chosen to reflect iconic characters, with Al Roker as the mischievous and unforgettable Beetlejuice, Craig Melvin as the comedic Ron Burgundy from 'Anchorman,' and Sheinelle Jones embracing the sass and style of Foxxy Cleopatra from 'Austin Powers in Goldmember.' The creativity and spirit in each costume delivered a sense of joy and community, which has become a signature aspect of the show's Halloween tradition.
A Cinematic Reunion
The highlight of the celebration was undoubtedly a re-enactment of a memorable scene from 'Legally Blonde,' which included a special appearance by Luke Wilson, who played Elle's love interest, Emmett, in the original film. The participation of an actor directly linked to the film added an element of authenticity to the recreation, delighting fans who cherished this cult classic. Today's Halloween segment has always been about more than just costumes; it's about storytelling, camaraderie, and engaging the audience in a unique way. By incorporating beloved characters and films, the TODAY show managed to create an environment that was both playfully entertaining and reminiscent of cherished cinematic moments.
Building on a Legacy
This year’s 'VHS Rewind' theme follows in the footsteps of prior years when the TODAY team showcased an impressive array of costumes, each crafted to fit a creative theme. Previous years have seen the co-anchors dive into decades or embrace mythical creatures, always ensuring to wow their audience with every reveal. The annual anticipation around the Halloween segment is proof of its cemented place in viewers' hearts, highlighting the lighthearted and dynamic spirit of the anchors and the crew behind the scenes. It is this tradition that reinforces the show's place not only as a news program but also as a cherished part of families' morning routines, particularly during festive seasons.
The Power of Costumes
A costume is more than just fabric and color; it's a chance to step into another's shoes, if only for a moment, and embrace the creativity and freedom that come with transformation. Savannah Guthrie's portrayal of Elle Woods was not merely an homage to a character but a celebration of the spirit of Halloween and the joy of embodying a persona that is both familiar and beloved. Guthrie and her co-anchors showcased that, despite the professionalism required in their roles, there's always room for a bit of fun and levity, particularly during a festive time. Such moments remind us of the simple joys in life and connect us through shared memories and experiences.
TODAY's Halloween Magic
The 2024 Halloween event on the TODAY show was an example of light-hearted entertainment at its best, merging nostalgia with creativity. Events like these bring viewers together, offering a shared experience that transcends the screen. As the 'VHS Rewind' theme paid homage to the films that shaped generations, it was a gentle reminder of the power of media and its lasting impact on culture and community. This Halloween, Savannah Guthrie and her co-anchors not only reminisced about the past but created new memories that will be cherished, continuing to build on the longstanding legacy of Halloween on the TODAY show, a tradition that proves that while times change, the love for storytelling never fades.
Susan Mark
October 31, 2024 AT 17:52I think Savannah really nailed the Elle Woods vibe – the pink outfit and the wig were spot on. The plush chihuahua was a cute nod that gave the segment a playful edge. It’s cool how TODAY blends nostalgia with fresh energy for Halloween. The whole VHS Rewind theme felt like a love letter to the ‘90s. Overall, it was a fun, light‑hearted piece that kept viewers smiling.
Jason Jennings
November 6, 2024 AT 12:45Honestly, the whole thing was just a cheap stunt to get clicks – nobody cares about a pink dress.
Diego Vargas
November 12, 2024 AT 07:38While the segment was entertaining, it also highlighted how TV can use pop culture to engage audiences. The choice of Elle Woods works because she represnts confidence and humor. Also, the VHS theme taps into a shared memory of rewinding tapes, which many of us still love. It’s defnitely a smart move for ratings.
Alex Lee
November 18, 2024 AT 02:32The costumes were over‑the‑top and pointless. It just looks like a cheap gimmick.
Vida Yamini
November 23, 2024 AT 21:25What a wonderful reminder that even in a fast‑paced news environment we can all take a moment to celebrate creativity. The decision to go with a VHS theme taps into a collective nostalgia that many of us share from growing up watching tapes on rainy weekends it brings a warmth that digital streaming often lacks. Savannah's transformation into Elle Woods was more than just a costume it was a showcase of dedication to detail from the perfectly styled wig to the plush chihuahua that added a charming personal touch. The attention to these nuances reflects a deeper respect for the original film and its cultural impact which is something we don't see often enough on daytime television. Moreover each anchor's choice-from Al Roker's Beetlejuice to Craig Melvin's Ron Burgundy-showcases a playful confidence that invites viewers to join in on the fun. This kind of light‑hearted camaraderie strengthens the bond between the show and its audience reminding us that news presenters are also people who love pop culture. By including a cameo from Luke Wilson the segment gained an authentic connection to the source material further enhancing its appeal. The overall execution was seamless a perfect blend of professionalism and festive spirit that makes Halloween on TODAY a must‑watch tradition. In sum the segment succeeded in delivering joy, nostalgia, and a sense of community to viewers across the country.
James Lawyer
November 29, 2024 AT 16:18The Halloween segment demonstrates how integrating cultural references can enrich a broadcast. By selecting iconic characters, TODAY engages a broad demographic while maintaining journalistic integrity. The inclusion of a genuine actor from the original film further validates the effort. This approach not only entertains but also reinforces the program’s relevance in contemporary media discourse.
Abby Culbertson
December 5, 2024 AT 11:12Love the pink vibe!
Awolumate Muhammed Abayomi
December 11, 2024 AT 06:05Yo fam! That vid was lit fam! Savannah looked slayyy as Elle Woods and the chihuahua was adorable. The whole vibe took me back to my childhood hangin on vinyl tapes lol. Keep the good energy coming, TODAY crew!