Katie Couric is no stranger to the world of television. As the former co-host of the Today show and anchor of the CBS Evening News, she’s been a staple on the small screen for decades. But in 2009, Couric did something a bit out of the ordinary—she traded places with another TV host for one day.
Katie Couric’s TV Trade-Off
In 2009, Couric took part in a special segment for the Today show called “Trade Off.” The idea was for Couric to trade jobs with another host for a day. Couric chose to switch places with Meredith Vieira, the co-host of the ABC show The View.
Couric and Vieira spent the day shadowing each other in their respective roles. Couric hosted The View, while Vieira took over the anchor chair at the Today show. Both women were given the opportunity to experience a different job in the world of television.
A Day in the Life of a Different Host
For Couric, the day began with a visit to the set of The View. She was welcomed warmly by the show’s panelists, and they soon got to work. Couric was able to take part in a variety of discussions, ranging from current events to celebrity gossip. She even got to interview a few special guests, including actor Will Smith.
Meanwhile, Vieira was getting a crash course in anchoring the Today show. She got to experience the hustle and bustle of a morning show, and even tried her hand at delivering the news. Vieira also got to chat with some of the show’s regular guests, including weatherman Al Roker.
At the end of the day, Couric and Vieira both agreed that the experience had been a positive one. They both enjoyed the opportunity to experience a different job in the world of television, and both agreed that it was an enlightening experience.
Katie Couric and Meredith Vieira’s one-day trade-off was a unique experience that gave each of them a glimpse into a different world of television. It was a wonderful opportunity for two experienced TV hosts to try something new and gain a better understanding of the industry they love.
On April 6th, 2020, news anchor Katie Couric switched roles with television host Jimmy Fallon for one day.
The once in a lifetime switch was announced by the NBC Broadcasting Company, and the event was live-streamed on Facebook. Couric and Fallon swapped roles on their respective shows in an effort to bring a lighthearted yet meaningful experience to viewers.
Couric stepped in as the host of The Tonight Show, while Fallon acted as a news anchor on Couric’s show, @KatieCouric. On The Tonight Show, Couric invited special guest Whoopi Goldberg to speak and discussed her experiences with the current state of the world. Couric offered words of encouragement to viewers, telling them to focus on the helpers in their lives during this difficult time. Following a segment centered around enlightening conversation, Couric concluded the show with her famous sign off phrase, “Stay safe and be well.”
Meanwhile, Fallon took on the role of news anchor on Couric’s show, @KatieCouric. Fallon discussed the positive aspects of social distancing with Couric and shared with viewers some of his own unique experiences during quarantine, including growing a mustache. He also addressed the many technological obstacles he faced during the switch, such as learning how to use a teleprompter and speaking in a serious voice – two skills that were not required from his usual job as a late-night show host.
The unexpected event was both entertaining and informative, as viewers were able to see two icons in their respective industries come together and exchange places in a meaningful, heartwarming way.