It’s a new day at “Today” and Matt Lauer looked a little too happy to be rid of former co-host Ann Curry.
A beaming Lauer formally introduced Savannah Guthrie as Curry’s replacement at the stroke of 7 a.m. today.
“And good morning, welcome to ‘Today’ on a Monday morning and it truly is a new day around here,” the veteran morning anchor said.
“I’m Matt Lauer and I’m pleased to be sharing this new day with Savannah Guthrie who after several years of playing a great role on this program takes a step forward this morning and joins us as co-anchor of `Today.’ How’s it feel? “
The pretty new co-host Guthrie chirped: “Great good morning it’s an honor to be here.”
The smiling faces belied the backstage drama that’s plagued 30 Rock this summer.
NBC suits brutally dumped Curry, making her the scapegoat for declining ratings.
On its website, NBC photoshopped Curry out of a group picture and replaced her with Guthrie.
Curry and Lauer’s lack of on-screen chemistry fell on her shoulders and she was let go 54 weeks after taking over for Meredith Vieira.
Lauer, who reportedly wanted Curry out, was practically spiking the football this morning in welcoming his new anchor-desk partner.
“Well it’s nice to be here because I get to be the first to officially say welcome to `Today’. We are thrilled to have you,” Lauer said.
Poking fun at Guthrie’s rookie status, Lauer had “Today” directors replay the show’s booming intro of “Savannah Guthrie, live from Studio 1A in Rockefeller Plaza.”
Guthrie got a kick out of the bit and said: “I was so nervous I didn’t hear it the first time.”
She had been “Today’s” third-hour anchor and chief legal correspondent before taking Curry’s place in the big chair.
“Today” later played a montage of Guthrie clips, to show her rapid ascent at NBC.