‘Today’ Show Halloween Costumes Through the Years

Every October, the Today show does something rare for morning television: it briefly turns Rockefeller Plaza into a costume runway, a live concert, a movie set, a Broadway stage, a football stadium, and occasionally, a place where respected journalists willingly wear wigs that deserve their own agent. The annual Today Show Halloween costumes tradition has become more than a holiday segment. It is a full-blown pop culture event, complete with themes, choreography, surprise celebrity cameos, and the kind of commitment that makes viewers wonder, “How early did Al Roker have to get into that makeup chair?”

From early pop culture impersonations to recent high-concept productions like “VHS Rewind,” “Kellyoke,” and “Today’s Road Trip,” the Today Halloween celebration has grown into one of NBC’s most recognizable seasonal rituals. It blends nostalgia, celebrity culture, live TV unpredictability, and just enough theatrical chaos to keep the internet awake before lunch.

This look back at ‘Today’ Show Halloween costumes through the years explores the biggest themes, unforgettable transformations, and why these annual reveals continue to charm viewers. Consider it a pumpkin-spiced stroll through morning show history, minus the fake cobwebs stuck to your sweater.

Why the ‘Today’ Show Halloween Tradition Became a Pop Culture Event

The genius of the Today Halloween special is that it feels both polished and wonderfully ridiculous. The hosts are familiar faces associated with news, weather, interviews, and lifestyle segments. Then, once a year, they appear as music legends, movie characters, cartoon icons, or Broadway stars. That contrast is the fun. It is like seeing your principal show up at school dressed as Elvis: unexpected, slightly confusing, and impossible not to watch.

The annual costume reveal also works because it is built around group themes. Instead of random outfits, the cast usually commits to one big concept. That allows the segment to feel like a mini variety show. There is suspense before each reveal, a performance afterward, and a social media afterlife once fans begin ranking their favorites.

Another reason the tradition lasts is its flexibility. Some years lean into nostalgia. Others celebrate current pop culture. Some themes are cozy and family-friendly, while others are surprisingly elaborate. Whether the hosts are dressed as Peanuts characters, country stars, Broadway icons, or classic movie heroes, the show understands one thing very clearly: Halloween on TV should feel like a party, not a staff meeting with face paint.

Early Years: Pop Culture Icons, Movie Magic, and Bigger Ambitions

2004–2006: When the Costumes Started Getting Serious

In the mid-2000s, the Today Halloween costumes began showing the kind of boldness that would later define the tradition. In 2004, the hosts dressed as pop culture figures, with Katie Couric as Donald Trump, Al Roker as Oprah Winfrey, Matt Lauer as Paris Hilton, and Ann Curry as Tina Turner. It was a lineup that screamed early-2000s celebrity culture so loudly you could practically hear a flip phone snapping shut.

In 2005, the show leaned into movie magic. Katie Couric appeared as Marilyn Monroe, while Matt Lauer and Al Roker teamed up as Batman and Robin. By 2006, the costumes grew more theatrical, mixing pirates and pop stars. Lauer became Captain Jack Sparrow, Roker transformed into Davy Jones, Ann Curry channeled Cher, Meredith Vieira went as Bette Midler, and Natalie Morales appeared as Madonna.

These early years mattered because they set the formula: recognizable references, major visual transformations, and a willingness to let morning show dignity take a short vacation.

2007–2009: Group Themes Take Over

By 2007, the Today team had fully embraced the group-costume concept with a tribute to The Munsters. The cast dressed as characters from the classic sitcom, giving viewers a clear theme and a visual payoff. Hoda Kotb also made a memorable Halloween appearance as Marilyn Munster, marking the beginning of her long run as one of the show’s most dependable Halloween performers.

In 2008, the anchors turned to fairy tales and children’s storybook characters, including Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Pinocchio, and the Gingerbread Man. Then came 2009, one of the most memorable early themes: Star Wars. The hosts dressed as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Darth Vader, Yoda, C-3PO, and Queen Amidala. Rockefeller Plaza became a galaxy far, far away, although probably with better coffee.

The Star Wars year proved that the show could pull off large-scale fandom costumes while keeping the tone playful and accessible. It was not just a costume parade; it was a shared pop culture language.

The 2010s: Nostalgia, Television, Royalty, and Music Legends

2010–2014: From Pop Icons to SNL Legends

In 2010, the show returned to broad pop culture references. The hosts dressed as figures such as Superman, Justin Bieber, Amelia Earhart, and Lady Gaga, while Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford continued their duo magic as Lucy and Ethel from I Love Lucy. That kind of pairing became a recurring highlight because it played to the chemistry of the hosts, not just the costumes themselves.

In 2011, the Today team took inspiration from the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The cast dressed as members of the royal family, complete with royal hats, formalwear, and just enough British pageantry to make the Plaza feel like it needed tea service.

The 2012 celebration was notably different. After Hurricane Sandy hit the New York and New Jersey area, the show chose not to hold its usual costume event. That decision showed that the tradition, while fun, still exists within the reality of live news and public events.

In 2013, the hosts went retro with classic TV characters. Fans saw references to CHiPs, The Flintstones, Baywatch, The A-Team, and Laverne & Shirley. The next year, 2014, the show honored Saturday Night Live characters, celebrating the sketch comedy institution with costumes inspired by the Blues Brothers, Wayne and Garth, the Spartan Cheerleaders, Mary Katherine Gallagher, and more.

2015–2019: Peanuts, the ’90s, Country, the ’80s, and Dance

The 2015 Peanuts theme brought a family-friendly sweetness to the Plaza. The hosts dressed as Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Sally, Linus, Woodstock, and other beloved characters. It was charming because it relied less on shock value and more on instant recognition. Sometimes, a yellow shirt with a zigzag stripe does more work than a thousand sequins.

In 2016, the show went back to the 1990s. The lineup included tributes to Pulp Fiction, The Terminator, Steve Urkel, Demi Moore’s famous magazine cover, and more. The decade theme allowed the show to hit multiple nostalgia buttons at once, from sitcoms to movies to celebrity moments.

The 2017 country music theme brought cowboy hats, wigs, guitars, and celebrity energy. Hoda Kotb dressed as Blake Shelton, Al Roker became Willie Nelson, Savannah Guthrie transformed into Kenny Rogers, Matt Lauer appeared as Dolly Parton, and Carson Daly embraced Billy Ray Cyrus. Blake Shelton himself appeared, making Hoda’s costume even funnier because nothing tests a celebrity impersonation like standing next to the actual celebrity.

In 2018, the anchors celebrated the 1980s with costumes inspired by Elton John, Cyndi Lauper, Tina Turner, Top Gun, Back to the Future, Coming to America, Madonna, Ferris Bueller, and Bruce Springsteen. This was one of the show’s strongest nostalgia years because every costume felt instantly recognizable, colorful, and performance-ready.

Then came 2019’s dance-themed celebration. The hosts recreated famous dance moments from pop culture, including Footloose, Dirty Dancing, Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation,” Elaine’s unforgettable dance from Seinfeld, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Saturday Night Fever, and Grease. It was a reminder that Halloween costumes on Today are not just about looking the part. Sometimes, you have to move like the part, too. Brave? Yes. Risky? Also yes. Great TV? Absolutely.

The 2020s: Bigger Themes, Bigger Performances, Bigger Wigs

2020: Best of Broadway

The 2020 Today Halloween costumes arrived during a difficult period for live entertainment, when Broadway theaters were closed due to the pandemic. The show responded with a “Best of Broadway” theme. The hosts dressed as characters from Wicked, Hamilton, Cats, and Chicago. Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb appeared as Elphaba and Glinda, Craig Melvin became Alexander Hamilton, Al Roker dressed as King George III, Jenna Bush Hager transformed into Grizabella, and Dylan Dreyer and Sheinelle Jones stepped into Chicago style.

It was both festive and meaningful. The theme celebrated theater at a time when stages were quiet, giving viewers a reminder of the joy of live performance. Also, any morning show segment that includes Wicked energy before noon deserves at least a standing ovation from the couch.

2021: Football Fright in America

In 2021, the Plaza became a stadium with the “Football Fright in America” theme. The hosts dressed as NFL stars, cheerleaders, and Super Bowl performers. Craig Melvin appeared as Patrick Mahomes, Willie Geist as Tom Brady, Carson Daly as Rob Gronkowski, Hoda Kotb as Carrie Underwood, Al Roker as The Weeknd, and Sheinelle Jones as Bruno Mars. Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager leaned into Dallas Cowboys cheerleader style.

This theme worked because it connected sports, music, and television spectacle. It was not just about football uniforms. It was about the full Super Bowl ecosystem: athletes, anthem energy, halftime show glamour, and the kind of stage entrances that make a normal Monday outfit feel deeply inadequate.

2022: Viva Las Vegas

The 2022 “Viva Las Vegas” theme brought Sin City to Rockefeller Plaza. Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb dressed as Cirque du Soleil performers, Jenna Bush Hager paid tribute to Céline Dion, Craig Melvin became Muhammad Ali, Al Roker transformed into Sammy Davis Jr., Willie Geist became Elvis Presley, Sheinelle Jones appeared as a Las Vegas showgirl, Dylan Dreyer dressed as magician Adelaide Herrmann, and Carson Daly channeled David Copperfield.

This was one of the most visually ambitious recent years. It gave the cast room to play with glamour, comedy, performance, and classic Vegas showmanship. Plus, the Elvis wedding gag was exactly the kind of live-TV silliness that makes the Today Halloween tradition so rewatchable.

2023: Kellyoke Sing-Along

In 2023, the theme was “Kellyoke,” inspired by Kelly Clarkson’s popular musical segment. The hosts dressed as music icons and performed songs tied to their characters. Savannah Guthrie became Taylor Swift, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager paired up as Sonny and Cher, Al Roker dressed as Lionel Richie, Craig Melvin became MC Hammer, Sheinelle Jones honored Diana Ross, Dylan Dreyer appeared as P!nk, Carson Daly became Neil Diamond, Willie Geist went as Harry Styles, and Laura Jarrett and Peter Alexander dressed as Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton.

The reason this year stood out is simple: it turned costumes into performances. A costume is fun. A costume plus singing, dancing, and live reactions from a crowd is morning television doing jazz hands. The theme also tapped into music fandom across generations, making it easy for viewers of different ages to find a favorite.

2024: VHS Rewind

The 2024 Today Show Halloween theme was “VHS Rewind,” a nostalgic tribute to classic movie characters from the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager dressed as Jack and Rose from Titanic, Savannah Guthrie appeared as Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, and Luke Wilson made a surprise appearance as Emmett Richmond. Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer teamed up as Beetlejuice and Lydia Deetz, Craig Melvin became Axel Foley from Beverly Hills Cop, Carson Daly and Sheinelle Jones dressed as Austin Powers and Foxxy Cleopatra, Willie Geist became Ron Burgundy from Anchorman, Laura Jarrett represented Bring It On, and Peter Alexander transformed into Mrs. Doubtfire.

The theme was smart because it hit the sweet spot between nostalgia and visual comedy. It reminded viewers of Blockbuster nights, movie posters, quotable scenes, and characters that still live rent-free in pop culture’s guest room. The Luke Wilson cameo also gave the segment a delightful surprise factor. Nothing says “Happy Halloween” like Elle Woods getting backup from the real Emmett.

2025: Today’s Road Trip

In 2025, the show took viewers on “Today’s Road Trip,” a cross-country celebration of American pop culture. The stops included New Jersey, Philadelphia, California, Las Vegas, Minnesota, and New York City. Dylan Dreyer appeared as Frankie Valli, Carson Daly took on Rocky Balboa, Al Roker dressed as a Rocky-inspired boxing figure, Laura Jarrett became Lisa Turtle from Saved by the Bell, Willie Geist performed as Wayne Newton, Craig Melvin appeared as Prince, Sheinelle Jones recreated a Beyoncé-inspired moment, Peter Alexander leaned into Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” world, Savannah Guthrie became Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada, and Jenna Bush Hager embodied Anna Wintour.

This theme showed how the Today Halloween tradition continues to evolve. Instead of staying in one genre, the show built a travel narrative around regional icons, movies, music, fashion, and entertainment history. It was a road trip without gas prices, traffic, or someone arguing about who controls the playlist. In other words, the ideal American road trip.

What Makes the Best ‘Today’ Show Halloween Costumes Work?

Instant Recognition

The strongest costumes are recognizable in three seconds or less. That is why characters like Elle Woods, Charlie Brown, Dolly Parton, Beetlejuice, Prince, and Taylor Swift work so well. Viewers do not need a long explanation. The wig, outfit, pose, or prop does the storytelling immediately.

Commitment From the Hosts

A great costume is not just clothing. It is performance. The hosts who fully commit usually become the fan favorites. Sheinelle Jones dancing as Janet Jackson, Hoda Kotb leaning into Blake Shelton, Al Roker embracing musical and movie characters, and Savannah Guthrie going full Broadway or pop star all show why attitude matters as much as wardrobe.

Smart Use of Nostalgia

The Today Halloween team understands that nostalgia is powerful when it is specific. The best themes do not simply say “old stuff.” They choose a clear emotional lane: 1980s movies, 1990s icons, Broadway, Vegas, football, classic TV, or VHS-era favorites. That makes the costumes feel connected instead of random.

Surprise Cameos

Celebrity appearances add an extra spark. Whether it is Blake Shelton reacting to Hoda’s impersonation, Luke Wilson reprising Emmett from Legally Blonde, or other stars popping into the segment, cameos create viral moments. They also prove that the show is not just dressing up for fun; it is producing a live entertainment event.

Fan Favorites and Most Memorable Costume Years

Choosing the best Today Show Halloween costumes through the years is dangerous business. Fans have opinions, and Halloween opinions are stronger than candy corn debates. Still, several years consistently stand out.

The 2009 Star Wars theme remains beloved because it was big, playful, and instantly recognizable. The 2014 Saturday Night Live tribute worked because it honored another NBC institution while giving the hosts plenty of comic material. The 2018 1980s theme was a visual feast, packed with music, movies, and bold fashion. The 2020 Broadway theme had emotional weight because it celebrated theater during a difficult time. The 2023 “Kellyoke” theme turned the Plaza into a concert stage. And 2024’s “VHS Rewind” delivered one of the cleanest nostalgia concepts in recent memory.

The magic is not that every costume is perfect. In fact, part of the fun is that some are charmingly over-the-top. A costume can be slightly ridiculous and still totally successful. Actually, on morning television, that might be the whole point.

A Viewer’s Experience: Why Watching the ‘Today’ Halloween Costumes Feels Like a Holiday Ritual

Watching the Today show Halloween reveal has a very specific feeling. It is not the same as scrolling through celebrity costumes on Instagram or seeing a polished red-carpet look. It feels more like walking into the kitchen on Halloween morning and realizing someone already put spooky napkins on the counter. It is festive, familiar, and a little silly in the best possible way.

Part of the experience is anticipation. Viewers know the costumes are coming, but the theme is often the real mystery. Is this going to be a music year? A movie year? A decade year? A “we found the biggest wigs in Manhattan and said yes to all of them” year? The reveal format turns the segment into a guessing game. You watch one host appear, then immediately try to predict the rest. If Al Roker comes out as a performer, will Sheinelle dance? If Savannah is dressed as a movie character, will the real actor appear? If Hoda and Jenna are paired together, how much joyful chaos should we expect? The answer is usually: plenty.

Another enjoyable part is seeing professional broadcasters step outside their normal roles. Morning show hosts are usually polished, composed, and ready to pivot from a cooking segment to breaking news without blinking. On Halloween, they get to be theatrical. The costumes reveal personality in a different way. Some hosts go for comedy. Some go for glamour. Some clearly enjoy the performance element. Others look like they are thinking, “I agreed to this in a meeting three months ago, and now I am dressed as a cartoon character in front of America.” Honestly, that is relatable.

For families, the segment can also become background tradition. Parents watch while getting kids ready for school. Office workers catch clips during a coffee break. Fans rewatch the reveals online later in the day. It is not a complicated ritual, but it is dependable. Every year, the world is busy, the news cycle is loud, and then suddenly the Today hosts are dancing in costume on the Plaza. That kind of cheerful interruption has value.

The costumes also inspire real-life Halloween ideas. A viewer may not have the budget for a custom Broadway-quality outfit, but the themes spark creativity. A group of friends can borrow the 1980s idea. A couple can recreate Jack and Rose, Wayne and Garth, or Glinda and Elphaba. A family can go as Peanuts characters. The Today show does the oversized television version, and viewers can shrink it down into something wearable to a school party, office event, or neighborhood trick-or-treat walk.

Most importantly, the tradition works because it does not take itself too seriously. It is polished, yes, but it still feels playful. Some costumes are glamorous. Some are goofy. Some are surprisingly accurate. Some are memorable because they are not. That mix makes the whole thing feel human. Halloween is not about perfection; it is about transformation, laughter, and giving yourself permission to be someone else for a morning. The Today show understands that assignment very well.

Conclusion

The ‘Today’ Show Halloween costumes through the years have become a cheerful piece of American morning television history. What started as a seasonal costume segment has grown into an annual entertainment spectacle packed with themes, music, movie references, celebrity cameos, and enough wigs to keep a Broadway backstage crew busy.

From Star Wars and Peanuts to Broadway, football, Las Vegas, Kellyoke, VHS movies, and a cross-country road trip, the Today team keeps finding new ways to make Halloween feel fresh. The best years succeed because they combine nostalgia, performance, humor, and the warmth of familiar hosts having fun together. And really, that is the secret. Viewers do not tune in only to see costumes. They tune in to see joy, surprise, and a little controlled chaos before breakfast.

So, whether your favorite look is Hoda as Blake Shelton, Savannah as Taylor Swift, Al as The Weeknd, Sheinelle as Janet Jackson, or the entire cast in full VHS Rewind mode, one thing is clear: when Halloween arrives, the Today show does not merely dress up. It shows up.