Do we really need a fourth hour of the Today show?

Your mornings are about to get a little more personality. Next month, the Today show will expand to four hours each day, instead of the three it currently airs.

My first question is, why? Do we really need a fourth hour of the Today show? What could possibly be left to talk about after three hours? Even Al Roker isn’t that chatty.

Matt, Meredith and Al won’t be hosting the final hour. That honor goes to co-hosts Ann Curry, Natalie Morales and Hoda Kotb, with a guest cast that includes David Gregory, Giada De Laurentiis and Tiki Barber, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

OK, now we’re talking. Tiki Barber could actually get me to tune in. He’s full of personality and would be a fun, nice fit.

Back in 2000, the Today show changed from its two-hour format to a three-hour format, with the final hour focusing on less news-related topics, such as cooking, health and fitness, fashion and finances. The fourth hour will look somewhat like the third hour, executive producer Jim Bell said.

As you know, a talk show is only as good as its hosts. The Today show has always had a strong co-hosting cast, and I think they’ll certainly be able to have a successful fourth hour. The reason is simple: the Today show is already a proven commodity and the timeslot competition isn’t that tough. In the 10 a.m. hour in my local area, viewers have the option of The 700 Club, The People’s Court, Montel Williams, and Martha on the networks. It’s not exactly riveting programing.

So, yes, I guess we really could use a fourth hour of the Today show. One can never have too many recipes and health tips, especially if Tiki Barber delivers them.

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