N
Fame Burst

Matt Lauer’s absence speaks volumes in Savannah Guthrie’s career milestones

Author

Ava Arnold

Updated on April 03, 2026

Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie shared a powerful on-screen chemistry during their five-year residency as co-hosts on “Today.”

Their friendship was obvious in conveying news headlines as well as in candid, cordial discussions on camera.

Lauer, in a July 2017 “Today” highlight, commended Guthrie as perhaps one of the most balanced characters on the program.

The duo’s bond reached out past the studio, with Lauer commending the births of Guthrie’s two kids. Their professional relationship appeared to be genial, offering viewers a brief look into a well-disposed partnership.

The scene moved emphatically in November 2017 when NBC unexpectedly disavowed Matt Lauer over claims of “inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.”

Lauer, the most generously compensated talent in TV news at that point, confronted a quick and emotional exit from the small screen.

The insight about his termination, conveyed to Guthrie and co-host Hoda Kotb while on the way to work, left them stunned.

Guthrie, noticeably shaken, told watchers on air, communicating catastrophe for her dear companion and longtime accomplice.

In the fallout of Lauer’s dismissal, Guthrie revealed in September 2018 that she hadn’t seen him since but had attempted to keep in touch through instant messages.

Communicating worry for Lauer’s emphasis on his family in the midst of the wild time frame, Guthrie’s endeavors to keep in contact mirrored a longing for an association past the professional aftermath.

Addressing the Scandal and Supporting Victims

As disclosures about Lauer’s alleged sexual misconduct behavior arose, Guthrie and Kotb tended to the embarrassment on air in 2019.

Guthrie gravely recognized the stunning and horrifying nature of the allegations, communicating support for the people in question, including previous NBC maker Brooke Nevils.

Nevils had blamed Lauer for assault during the network’s coverage of the 2014 Olympics. Guthrie stood solidly with the people in question, stressing the agonizing effect on the NBC community and vowing to keep viewers informed.

In light of the charges and the bombshell book by Ronan Farrow, Lauer tossed conceal at his former colleagues, including Guthrie, for what he saw as hurrying to judgment.

Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie
Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie

He censured the media for its quick decisions and guarded the significance of perceiving the assumption of guiltlessness, even in the court of public opinion.

Lauer’s reaction added a layer of controversy to the unfurling scandal, exhibiting a split in points of view between the shamed anchor and his previous co-workers.

During Guthrie’s celebration of her ten years in charge of “Today,” a recognition bundle precluded any notice or presence of Matt Lauer. The “Savannah-versary” montage included co-stars Kotb and Al Roker but obviously excluded Lauer.

The network’s choice to delete Lauer from this achievement festivity highlighted the significant effect of the scandal on their professional relationship and featured a purposeful effort to separate Guthrie from her former co-host.

The mind-boggling connection between Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie, as described by professional camaraderie, went through a seismic shift with Lauer’s unexpected departure because of charges of sexual misconduct behavior.

From endeavors to remain associated in the midst of unrest to public tending to of the scandal, Guthrie confronted the test of navigating personal and professional intricacies.

The absence of Lauer from milestone celebrations and his basic reaction to his previous colleagues additionally denoted the disentangling of their once-friendly on-screen partnership.

Guthrie, remaining by victims and tending to the excruciating effect on the NBC community, embodies the difficulties faced by people when personal connections meet with the cruel glare of the public spotlight.