Fill-in hosts Samantha Armytage and Michael Willesee Jr. experienced an awkward moment during a Thursday broadcast of the Today show, which has been met with viewer complaints about the program being "drab and boring" as it continues to grapple with a ratings slump following the departures of former hosts.
During a segment about researchers raising funds for a study on marmots via an OnlyFans page, Armytage attempted a joke referencing a lewd term for female genitalia. She turned to Willesee Jr. and said, "Look, there is a joke there about beavers, but I'm not going to make it, okay? You were thinking it! You were thinking it!" However, Willesee Jr. appeared not to grasp the intended humor, responding, "Maybe now is the time, you know? Early in the day, if you're a researcher, you got to do whatever it takes, right?"
Armytage continued to try and make the joke land, stating, "But on OnlyFans? I mean, come on," before transitioning to sports news.
The program's fill-in hosts have drawn significant criticism online this week. Viewers have expressed dissatisfaction with Armytage and Willesee Jr., with some stating they have switched to other programs. "I turned back to TODAY but no, new hosts [are] shockers. Love Jayne and Danika [Mason], Tim [Davies], and Dickie [Richard Wilkins]. Back to ABC," one viewer commented.
Another viewer wrote, "What in the world am I watching. I usually watch Sunrise, but due to the Comm Games have switched to Today. Well what a shocking breakfast program. I have never watched anything so drab and boring in my life. None of your presenters have any connection with each other, They are like a bunch of strangers sitting at a table trying to make conversation. DULL DULL DULL."
On Armytage's first morning hosting on Monday, the Today show recorded 707,000 viewers, compared to 1.17 million for Sunrise. On Tuesday, Today had 654,000 viewers, while Sunrise had 1.125 million.
Despite the online criticism, some viewers expressed positive feedback, with comments such as "Great pairing. Professional presentation and credible journalists" and "Love Sam great to see her back on TV."