The TODAY Show took its Third Hour segment on the road during the March 30 instalment. Craig Melvin, Dylan Dreyer, and Al Roker headed to Springfield, Missouri, for a special Destination: Route 66 episode.
The news was announced ahead of the show via a social media post, which featured a clip of the hosts explaining the change away from Studio 1A in New York City. "The 3rd Hour of TODAY anchors are motoring west and heading to Springfield, Missouri, for what we're calling Destination: Route 66!" read the Instagram caption.
"On Thursday, April 30, Al Roker and Dylan Dryer will be broadcasting LIVE from downtown Springfield — and we're inviting you to get your kicks on Route 66 and experience the city's one-of-a-kind culture at Birthplace Plaza.
We'll take you along for an incredible tour of everything the city has to offer — from local food and music to the stories that made Route 66 famous. We'll even catch up with legendary actor and proud Missouri State alum, John Goodman! Join Al and Dylan as they experience all that Springfield has to offer and get a firsthand look at America’s most famous highway."
This isn’t the first time the NBC stars have ventured beyond the plaza for a special assignment. The trio share a great dynamic, something that Al has previously spoken to us about. "The great thing about the Today Show" is that "the sum is greater than its equal parts," he exclusively shared.
"They've all subbed, they've all stepped in, and we don't miss a beat. So no matter what happens, we're going to be in great shape," Al ensured, noting that the show, which has been on the air since 1952, is "built to evolve."
© Getty ImagesDylan Dreyer's new project
Aside from her commitments to the Third Hour of TODAY, Dylan has also launched her own podcast, The Parent Chat with Dylan Dreyer. It will be part of a podcast series from TODAY, launching with its first episode on April 2.
© Helen Healey/NBC via Getty ImageThe description for Dylan's podcast reads: "Hey Glass Half Full fans! As a bonus for you, we’re sharing the trailer for The Parent Chat with Dylan Dreyer – an all-new podcast series from TODAY.
"You know her as TODAY's candid third hour host. But Dylan Dreyer is also a mom of 3 boys in New York City, trying to figure out the big stuff: how to raise kind, confident, resilient kids and keep her sanity along the way. And like every parent, sometimes she needs…HELP! On The Parent Chat, Dylan calls in reinforcements – from parenting experts with big advice to fellow working moms that can help all parents feel less alone. Because parenting doesn't come with a manual, but it can come with a group chat."
