TODAY Show Halloween 2024: The Full 'VHS Rewind' Lineup And 10+ Iconic Costumes Revealed
The TODAY Show's annual Halloween extravaganza for 2024 was an unforgettable trip down memory lane, officially titled "VHS Rewind." This highly anticipated special, which aired on October 31, 2024, transformed the Rockefeller Plaza into a nostalgic tribute to the golden age of video rental, celebrating the most iconic blockbuster films and cult classics from the 1980s and 1990s. The entire cast—including Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and more—went all-in on the theme, delivering a spectacular reveal that delighted millions of viewers and solidified the show's reputation for having the best morning show Halloween costumes.
The "VHS Rewind" theme perfectly captured the era when a trip to Blockbuster was the exciting start to a movie night, allowing the anchors to embody beloved characters from a wide range of genres. From romantic epics to hilarious comedies, the 2024 costumes were a masterclass in detail and execution, featuring over a dozen distinct and instantly recognizable movie icons.
The Complete TODAY Show 'VHS Rewind' Halloween 2024 Cast and Costumes
The 2024 theme, "VHS Rewind," saw the TODAY Show cast select characters from the most memorable movies that graced the shelves of video stores during the '80s and '90s. The full list of anchors and their incredible costume transformations is below, showcasing the depth of the show’s nostalgic commitment.
- Hoda Kotb as Rose DeWitt Bukater: The TODAY co-host channeled Kate Winslet's iconic heroine from the 1997 epic, *Titanic*.
- Jenna Bush Hager as Jack Dawson: Hoda's co-host perfectly complemented the look by dressing as Leonardo DiCaprio's character, Jack, complete with the suspenders and newsboy cap. The pair even recreated the famous "I'm the king of the world!" scene.
- Savannah Guthrie as Elle Woods: The main anchor was "Omigod, you guys!" in a flawless recreation of Reese Witherspoon's Harvard Law student from the 2001 comedy, *Legally Blonde*.
- Al Roker as Beetlejuice: The beloved weather anchor embraced the spooky side of the '80s by transforming into Michael Keaton's titular "ghost with the most" from the 1988 Tim Burton classic, *Beetlejuice*.
- Dylan Dreyer as Lydia Deetz: Al Roker’s weather co-host joined the gothic fun as Winona Ryder's character, Lydia Deetz, in her iconic black wedding dress and veil from *Beetlejuice*.
- Willie Geist as Ron Burgundy: The *Sunday TODAY* host was "kind of a big deal" as the pompous-yet-lovable San Diego news anchor from the 2004 comedy *Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy*, complete with the signature suit and mustache.
- Craig Melvin as Axel Foley: Craig Melvin nailed the look of Eddie Murphy's fast-talking, street-smart detective from the 1984 action-comedy *Beverly Hills Cop*, sporting the character's signature Detroit Lions jacket.
- Sheinelle Jones as Foxxy Cleopatra: Sheinelle brought the funk and the fashion as Beyoncé's character, Foxxy Cleopatra, from the 2002 spy parody, *Austin Powers in Goldmember*.
- Carson Daly as Austin Powers: The *TODAY* contributor was Groovy, Baby! as the international man of mystery, Austin Powers, completing the spy movie duo alongside Sheinelle.
- Peter Alexander as Mrs. Doubtfire: The NBC News Chief White House Correspondent donned the floral dress and prosthetic mask to become Robin Williams' beloved nanny character from the 1993 hit, *Mrs. Doubtfire*.
- Laura Jarrett as Isis: The NBC News Senior Legal Correspondent showed her spirit as Gabrielle Union's cheer captain character, Isis, from the 2000 cheerleading movie *Bring It On*.
The Most Iconic Pairings of the 2024 Halloween Special
While every costume was a standout, the true magic of the "VHS Rewind" theme came from the iconic pairings and group ensemble moments. The show's producers expertly matched the anchors to create memorable movie duos that defined the video store era.
The Titanic pairing of Hoda Kotb (Rose) and Jenna Bush Hager (Jack) was arguably the centerpiece of the reveal. The duo’s chemistry shone as they stood on a mock-up of the ship’s bow, recreating one of cinema's most famous romantic poses. This choice, representing one of the biggest box-office hits of the '90s, set a high bar for the rest of the morning.
Another major highlight was the Beetlejuice duo, featuring weather icons Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer. Their transformation into the zany ghost and the morose teenager was a surprising and detailed choice, perfectly capturing the dark comedy of the 1988 film. The contrast between Al Roker’s usual cheerful demeanor and his ghoulish makeup as Beetlejuice provided a hilarious moment for viewers.
The action and spy genres were also well-represented. Craig Melvin’s portrayal of Axel Foley from *Beverly Hills Cop* brought a high-energy, comedic element to the plaza, while the Austin Powers duo of Sheinelle Jones (Foxxy Cleopatra) and Carson Daly (Austin Powers) delivered a swinging, shagadelic performance that was pure early 2000s gold.
A Look Back at TODAY's Halloween Costume History and Topical Authority
The TODAY Show’s annual Halloween spectacular is more than just a costume party; it is a long-standing tradition dating back to 1994, though the elaborate, all-out themed extravaganzas that viewers anticipate today officially began around 2005. The show's ability to consistently deliver fresh, relevant, and highly detailed costumes has cemented its topical authority in the world of pop culture and morning television.
The success of the "VHS Rewind" theme in 2024 lies in its clever use of nostalgia, tapping into a shared cultural memory of the '80s and '90s. Unlike previous years that focused on music legends or broad themes, this year’s focus on specific movie characters allowed for incredible attention to detail in the costumes and set design.
Previous Iconic TODAY Show Halloween Themes
The 2024 "VHS Rewind" theme joins a distinguished list of memorable Halloween specials. The show’s history of transforming the anchors into various cultural icons demonstrates their commitment to high-quality entertainment. Past themes have ranged from musical tributes to historical moments, always aiming for maximum impact and relevance.
- 2023: "Kelly-oke" Sing-Along: A tribute to Kelly Clarkson's talk show, featuring the cast as famous musical acts.
- 2022: Viva Las Vegas: A celebration of the entertainment capital, with the anchors dressed as legendary Vegas performers.
- 2019: The '80s: A general celebration of the decade, featuring characters from pop culture and music.
- 2018: A Royal Wedding: A timely and elaborate recreation of the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The "VHS Rewind" theme stands out for its cohesive, movie-centric focus, providing a rich source of recognizable characters and generating significant buzz across social media. The show’s commitment to this annual tradition ensures that the TODAY Show remains a must-watch for millions every Halloween morning. The combination of classic movie nostalgia and the anchors' infectious enthusiasm made the 2024 special one for the cinematic history books.
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