The Glorious, Goofy, and Utterly Unforgettable Eighties: How the Today Show Cast Rewound Time for Halloween

Every year, without fail, the Today Show cast delivers on Halloween. It’s not just a segment; it’s an event, really—a glorious, often over-the-top, spectacle that fans genuinely look forward to. And honestly, this past year, they truly outdid themselves. You could say they hit a nostalgic sweet spot, didn't they?

For 2023, the choice was clear, almost predestined: the vibrant, utterly iconic 1980s. Ah, the eighties! A decade of big hair, neon colors, and some of the most enduring films and music ever created. Who among us hasn't, at one point or another, yearned for a trip back to that particular era? It’s a goldmine for costume inspiration, of course.

Leading the charge, as ever, were Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb. Their choice? A brilliant homage to Back to the Future. Savannah, with her perfectly coiffed wig and denim jacket, channeled the ever-resourceful Marty McFly, skateboard and all. And Hoda, well, she was absolutely spot-on as the eccentric Doc Brown, complete with wild white hair and that unforgettable, somewhat bewildered expression. It was, in truth, a truly fantastic pairing, setting the tone for the whole morning.

Then there was Jenna Bush Hager, soaring high as Maverick from Top Gun. The aviator sunglasses, the flight suit—she had it down. Next to her, somewhat unexpectedly but delightfully fitting into the 80s-adjacent vibe, was Carson Daly, transforming into the "ghost with the most," Beetlejuice. It was a quirky choice, yes, but undeniably effective, a testament to the era’s diverse pop culture.

Al Roker, ever the charmer, donned the leather jacket and slicked-back hair to embody The Fonz. While Happy Days technically hails from the '70s, The Fonz became an enduring icon, and let's be real, his cool factor transcends decades, neatly fitting into that nostalgic bubble. Craig Melvin, for his part, brought the royal elegance of Prince Akeem from Coming to America to life, looking quite dapper indeed.

And the parade continued! Sheinelle Jones struck a pose as a flawless Janet Jackson, capturing that undeniable '80s pop energy. Dylan Dreyer, in a surprising turn, became the gooey green ghoul, Slimer, from Ghostbusters—a truly commitment-level costume, I might add. Peter Alexander brought his best "day off" energy as Ferris Bueller, while Willie Geist perfectly complemented him as the perpetually anxious Cameron Frye. The attention to detail, you see, was simply chef's kiss.

What makes these annual displays so special isn't just the costumes themselves, though they are often quite elaborate. No, it’s the sheer joy and camaraderie the cast brings to it all. It’s a moment of collective fun, a shared giggle, really, that reminds us why we tune in. And for 2023, by taking us all on a delightful trip back to the totally awesome '80s, they once again proved why their Halloween spectacular remains an absolute highlight of the television year. A true delight, in every sense of the word.