Users Criticize ‘Today’ Host Savannah Guthrie’s Silver Jacket and Leather Pants at the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Savannah Guthrie, anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, faced widespread online criticism for her outfit choices during the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Known for her live coverage of the event since 2012, Guthrie’s fashion stood out — but not in a way that resonated with all viewers.
A fan comment on Savannah Guthrie, dated November 28, 2024 | Source: X/TinaCipollari11
During rehearsals, the 52-year-old was dressed in an all-black ensemble, including a padded jacket, leather pants, gloves, and a Burberry bucket hat to shield her from the rain.
While Guthrie appeared to enjoy the parade — photos showed her smiling through the confetti show — social media erupted with reactions, many of them critical, about her bold fashion choices.
“What is Savannah Guthrie wearing? Leather, silver and sparkles? Not together…..” another user questioned. A more blunt comment stated, “Savannah Guthrie is and always has been so cringe.”
Another critique read, “It’s probably one of the ugliest coats I have ever seen…” One user joked, “Savannah Guthrie looks like she’s dressed as a witch for the parade. So that’s a good start.”
“[Someone] needs to tell @SavannahGuthrie not to wear leather pants. They look horrible on her. @hodakotb love Hoda!!!” another netizen declared.
“Sorry, I thought Savannah was wearing one of those shiny foil blankets they wrap around marathon runners [post-race],” wrote another.
A fan comment on Savannah Guthrie, dated November 29, 2024 | Source: Facebook/NYPost
A disgruntled user went as far as saying, “That’s a hideous jacket!!” Another comment criticized, “Her clothing is usually undesirable. She needs a stylist or a new one.”
On Instagram, reactions were slightly less harsh but still pointed. One user simply asked, “Who dresses SG? 🤦♀️ come on.”
Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb pictured on November 28, 2024, in New York | Source: Getty Images
Another comment diverted attention to her co-anchor, saying, “Hoda’s last parade 😢.” One viewer thought the senior anchorperson looked much better in her black attire as opposed to her silver jacket. “Savannah should have worn this outfit not the one she had on.”
Amid the criticism, there were some who praised Guthrie’s bold choice, saying, “Savannah Guthrie’s silver and mint jacket is pure perfection.” Meanwhile, another commenter admitted, “I couldn’t take my eyes off of that silver jacket!”
Cynthia Erivo, Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb pictured on November 28, 2024, in New York | Source: Getty Images
Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb pictured on November 28, 2024, in New York | Source: Getty Images
This year’s parade was a spectacle, with more than 5,000 volunteers bringing 17 featured character balloons, 22 creative floats, 15 heritage and novelty balloons, more than 700 clowns, 11 marching bands, and 10 performance groups to life.
Jimmy Fallon pictured on November 28, 2024, in New York | Source: Getty Images
One float that captured attention was the innovative “Go Bowling” float, featuring a 16-foot-tall animatronic robot. Matthew Hoffer, a special effects technician at Macy’s, shared insight into its creation.
“We started with sketches and 3D printed models, testing every movement on a small scale before we brought it to life in full size. I want people to see this float and think, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this in the parade before.'”
This year, Al Roker, the “Today” show’s weather anchor, enjoyed the honor of traveling on the float, receiving cheers from the crowd.
Kotb, co-hosting the parade for the last time following her September 26 announcement that she was leaving the “Today” show, provided a stark fashion contrast to Guthrie’s metallic ensemble. The 60-year-old looked sophisticated in an all-white outfit, including a long coat, beanie, and gloves.
Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb pictured on November 28, 2024, in New York | Source: Getty Images
Her history with the event is also notable. Last year, Kotb rode on the Tom Turkey float for the first time and described the experience as awe-inspiring. “It was a perspective I’d never seen. I’m totally into it, you can feel it. And I’ve never sort of seen this city from that perspective, so it was pretty amazing.”
As Kotb bids farewell to the “Today” show after years of memorable moments — including her final Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance—netizens are now weighing in with their opinions on the beloved talk show host’s replacement.
Fan comment about Hoda Kotb’s co-anchor replacement, posted on November 14, 2024 | Source: Facebook/Today Show
On November 14, the “Today” show announced the broadcaster who is taking over beloved talk show host Kotb’s position as co-anchor. While many social media users are thrilled with the replacement, some are displeased and have voiced concerns and criticism.
Via a post shared on Instagram, the show revealed that NBC broadcast journalist Craig Melvin will be joining Guthrie as the new “Today” co-anchor. He will start this position next year (2025).
Although Melvin will be stepping into new territory, this is not his first rodeo with “Today,” as he has an extensive history with NBC News. The announcement comes nearly two months after Kotb first revealed she would be leaving the morning show.
Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin sharing a sweet moment amid the “Today” team celebrating his new role, posted on November 14, 2024 | Source: Instagram/savannahguthrie
In addition to their Instagram post, the “Today” crew, including Guthrie, Kotb, Melvin, Carson Daly, Jenna Bush Hager, and Sheinelle Jones, discussed the news during a segment on the show, which was posted on YouTube. Fellow anchor Al Roker joined the ensemble a little later via a video call.
The “Today” co-hosts during a segment discussing Craig Melvin replacing Hoda Kotb as co-anchor, posted on November 14, 2024 | Source: YouTube/TODAY
As she announced the news, Guthrie showered Melvin with compliments, dubbing him “talented, wonderful, hard-working, most worthy of this.”
Following a hearty applause from the other anchors and a hug exchanged between Melvin and Guthrie, she mentioned, “And let me just say that the larger staff found out this morning, and people broke into applause. This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made. Congratulations.”
Craig Melvin celebrating with the “Today” team. | Source: Instagram/savannahguthrie
“I am beyond excited and grateful, and I just, you know — I had a lot of conversations yesterday with a lot of people who mean a lot to me, and I just want to obviously thank NBC and the folks here who deemed me worthy. But, you know I got to start by thanking the man upstairs,” responded Melvin.
The recently promoted broadcaster then divulged some details about his familial background and marveled at how far he and his family have come.
Craig Melvin speaking about his family. | Source: YouTube/TODAY
He also mentioned that his mom had to work two jobs to provide for their family and shone a spotlight on his wife of 13 years, Lindsay Czarniak, for her devotion to him and their relationship. Additionally, Melvin expressed his love and pride for his kids, who he said were tuned in to the show that morning.
Kotb chimed in, “Craig, you are made for this job […] You are that kind of good. You have all the things this job needs.”
Upon hearing the news, many netizens took to social media platforms to express their delight. “Great choice!” exclaimed a fan. Agreeing with the sentiment, another praised, “Really like his honesty! Good choice. Congratulations Craig Melvin! All the best to you.”
Although there was a lot of praise, some people sat on the fence. “I like Craig, but his voice drives me crazy,” wrote a Facebooker. Another penned, “Seems very nice and very knowledgeable, but his gravely voice is strained? [sic]”
Craig Melvin on a season 73 episode of “Today” on November 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
On the other hand, some netizens were not pleased by the news at all, with one user opining, “He always seems so arrogant.”
“I was hoping that he wouldn’t be the replacement selection. His voice is annoying and his mumbling is hard to understand. Most others seem pleased about this. I’m sorry to see Hoda go😰,” noted an observer.
Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb on a season 73 episode of “Today” on October 16, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Criticism continued with comments such as, “His voice is irritating. Sorry!” and “Terrible choice. Will be trying out GMA cause Craig has a nasty attitude.”
Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb pictured on November 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
As Guthrie and Melvin prepare to step into a new chapter together on “Today,” viewers are already weighing in on their potential dynamic. Only time will reveal how this pairing resonates with the audience and shapes the show’s future.