Viewers of the "Today" show have expressed a strong preference for fill-in presenter Tom Steinfort to permanently replace Karl Stefanovic, with many also suggesting that co-host Samantha Armytage should depart the program. Steinfort, 41, has been co-hosting this week alongside Armytage, 49, as Channel Nine searches for a permanent replacement for Stefanovic.
Commenters on social media have lauded Steinfort for his polished on-screen presence, apparent chemistry with the "Today" team, and the fresh energy he brings to the breakfast program. "Keep Tom but please change the other host," one viewer wrote, while another added, "I absolutely love love love Tom!! He has so much charisma, I'd love for him to take over from Karl!" Some viewers noted positive chemistry between Armytage and Steinfort, with one person writing, "I have to say I watched this on the telly yesterday and thought Sam & Tom have great chemistry!"
Armytage's own on-air presence has also drawn commentary. She recently divided viewers with an "awkward" outfit choice, a white blouse paired with grey pleated shorts and black pumps, shared on Channel Nine's style Instagram account. While some praised the ensemble, others criticized it as a "fail" and "boring look for morning TV."
This week's lineup changes also saw veteran reporter Mike Willesee Jr. removed from the breakfast show, as the network experiments with new on-air pairings. Armytage, formerly of "Farmer Wants A Wife," is now joined by "60 Minutes" journalist Tom Steinfort. Regular co-host Sarah Abo is currently on maternity leave.
Steinfort is no stranger to breakfast television, having served as "Today's" newsreader during the Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner era in 2019. Industry insiders reportedly hold Steinfort in high regard, and network executives are optimistic about the potential chemistry between him and Armytage. The pairing is expected to be closely monitored by network bosses, particularly given the competitive landscape of breakfast television and the ongoing efforts to improve the program's ratings performance. While the current arrangement is understood to be temporary, the on-air dynamic between Armytage and Steinfort will likely be under scrutiny as the search for a permanent host continues.