Television hosts across major networks embraced the Halloween spirit in style, channeling iconic characters from film and television. On NBC’s Today show, Al Roker transformed into Beetlejuice, while Dylan Dreyer donned the look of Lydia Deetz, the character made famous by Winona Ryder in Tim Burton’s classic. Meanwhile, on Live With Kelly and Mark, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos switched roles as Lydia and Beetlejuice, respectively, bringing festive fun to their morning audience.
The spirited Halloween celebrations extended to The Kelly Clarkson Show, where Clarkson rocked her own Beetlejuice outfit and entertained viewers with a spooky rendition of “Banana Boat (Day-O).” This yearly tradition found hosts shifting between various costumes, a highlight being Consuelos and Ripa’s elaborate costume changes during their “Only Halloween in the Building” segment, inspired by the series Only Murders in the Building.
In addition to Beetlejuice, Today showcased a range of beloved movie characters. Savannah Guthrie became Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, partnering with Luke Wilson, who surprised fans as her love interest, Emmett. Other playful transformations included Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager as Titanic’s Jack and Rose, Craig Melvin as Axel Foley from Beverly Hills Cop, and a multitude of other nostalgic figures from classic films.
Simultaneously, Live with Kelly and Mark continued the Halloween fun with a parody reminiscent of their favorite show, kicking off with a scene featuring Ripa and Consuelos as characters from Only Murders in the Building, alongside producer Michael Gelman. The segment culminated in a lively dance to the opening theme from Netflix’s The Perfect Couple.
The playful dynamic of the special included a variety of spoof trailers that showcased their comedic talents, offering light-hearted takes on different concepts, even featuring a tribute to longtime producer Art Moore.
In contrast, ABC’s Good Morning America decided to forgo costume festivities this year, maintaining its recent trend, while The View opted for a more subdued celebration, addressing significant political themes without traditional Halloween revelry.
The celebration of Halloween across these talk shows illustrates the power of engaging with nostalgia and pop culture in bridging connections with audiences. These creative expressions not only entertain viewers but also reflect a community spirit during the festive season, bringing laughter and joy into homes.
Overall, this Halloween showcased a blend of humor, creativity, and cherished cultural references, reminding everyone that even in a fast-paced media landscape, there’s always room for a little fun.