Karl Stefanovic has departed the Nine Network and his role as co-host of the "Today" show, a decision reportedly made to appease advertisers following an interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The interview, which aired on Stefanovic's independent podcast "The Karl Stefanovic Show," was subsequently deleted from the platform. Stefanovic, who was on leave in London, was informed by the network of their decision to part ways, despite having six months remaining on his contract.
The departure comes as Stefanovic's co-host, Sarah Abo, is eight months pregnant and preparing to go on maternity leave. Insiders describe Abo's situation as "very awkward" and a "betrayal," given her history of protecting Stefanovic and their close professional relationship. Abo, a Syrian immigrant, fled war-torn Syria as a child, and the interview with Robinson, who has a history of convictions and anti-immigration rhetoric, has been seen as particularly problematic.
Abo took over as co-host alongside Stefanovic in 2022, a role that insiders suggest was intended to provide a stabilizing influence on the presenter. Over their tenure, Abo reportedly developed a strong rapport with Stefanovic, with social media posts showing them and their families interacting. Despite Stefanovic's history of public disagreements with previous female co-hosts, Abo maintained a public stance of support. In 2025, Stefanovic publicly stated his commitment to working only with Abo.
Sources within the industry suggest that Stefanovic's exit had been anticipated, with his contract set to expire in six months. The "Today" show now faces a period of instability, with Stefanovic's departure and Abo's impending maternity leave creating a leadership vacuum. Industry observers note that rival program "Sunrise" has maintained a more stable on-air pairing, which has contributed to its stronger ratings performance.
"Sunrise" averaged 426,000 national viewers on Wednesday, while "Today" had 302,000. Viewership for "Today" dipped to 282,000 last week during Stefanovic's absence.