An early morning news and entertainment program, NBC's Today set the standard that other shows, like Good Morning America, would later adopt as well. Since its 1952 debut, Today has run through many different hosts, has gone up and down in the ratings race, but has retained the basic format developed by creator Sylvester "Pat" Weaver (1908–2002). It remains an important part of the morning ritual for millions of American viewers in the twenty-first century.

A pioneer of TV's golden age, Weaver structured Today around news, interviews, and lifestyle segments. Viewers could watch bits and pieces of the program on their way out the door to work or school. The first host of Today was newsman Dave Garroway (1913–1982). One of his "cohosts" during those early telecasts was J. Fred Muggs, a chimpanzee whose antics helped attract younger viewers. The mischievous ape became something of a cult hero and generated a...