Savannah Guthrie's Emotional Return to 'Today' Faces Competition from Melissa Gilbert Interview on 'GMA'

The morning news shows are set for a showdown as Guthrie makes her comeback and Gilbert opens up about her husband's legal troubles.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:54pm

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up image of shattered glass and glittering sequins, conceptually representing the glamour and intensity of morning television news.The morning news showdown between 'Today' and 'Good Morning America' promises to captivate viewers with personal stories and high-stakes drama.Albuquerque Today

As Savannah Guthrie prepares to make her emotional return to the 'Today' show on April 6th after taking time off due to her mother's disappearance, she will face competition from an exclusive interview with Melissa Gilbert on 'Good Morning America.' Gilbert is expected to discuss the 'hell' her family has endured since her husband, Timothy Busfield, was accused of child sexual abuse. The dueling high-profile interviews on rival morning shows are sure to draw significant viewer interest.

Why it matters

The return of a popular anchor like Guthrie, combined with the Gilbert interview addressing a high-profile criminal case, represents a potential ratings bonanza for the morning news shows. Network executives will be closely watching the viewership numbers, as the 'Today' show and 'Good Morning America' compete for dominance in the lucrative morning news landscape.

The details

Savannah Guthrie's return to 'Today' on April 6th is expected to be one of the most-watched morning news broadcasts in recent memory. NBC has heavily promoted Guthrie's emotional interview with co-host Hoda Kotb, in which she discussed the 'agony' of her mother's disappearance. Meanwhile, ABC's 'Good Morning America' has announced an exclusive interview with Melissa Gilbert, who will open up about the 'traumatizing experience' her family has endured since her husband, Timothy Busfield, was accused of child sexual abuse. The dueling high-profile interviews on rival shows will give viewers a choice of which female celebrity to watch as they navigate a critical moment in their lives.

  • Savannah Guthrie will return to 'Today' on April 6, 2026.
  • Melissa Gilbert's interview with George Stephanopoulos on 'Good Morning America' will also air on April 6, 2026.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

The co-anchor of the 'Today' show who is returning to the program after taking time off due to her mother's disappearance.

Melissa Gilbert

The former 'Little House on the Prairie' star who is being interviewed on 'Good Morning America' about the legal troubles facing her husband, Timothy Busfield, who has been accused of child sexual abuse.

Timothy Busfield

Melissa Gilbert's husband, a TV actor and director who has been accused of child sexual abuse and is facing legal troubles.

George Stephanopoulos

The co-anchor of 'Good Morning America' who will be interviewing Melissa Gilbert.

Hoda Kotb

The former 'Today' co-host who stepped in as Savannah Guthrie's temporary replacement during her leave of absence.

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What they’re saying

“Hell. This has been the most traumatizing experience of our lives.”

— Melissa Gilbert

“Even if he's exonerated, he will always be that guy.”

— Melissa Gilbert

“Anchors aren't supposed to be part of the news cycle. Normally, they just report it. But Guthrie is emerging from a bizarre moment during which she and her family were part of a gripping national story — and, because her mother has yet to be found, the narrative has not come to any conclusion.”

— Brian Steinberg, Variety writer

What’s next

The ratings for Savannah Guthrie's return to 'Today' and Melissa Gilbert's interview on 'Good Morning America' will be closely watched to see which show draws the larger audience.

The takeaway

The dueling high-profile interviews on rival morning news shows highlight the intense competition between NBC's 'Today' and ABC's 'Good Morning America' for viewers and ratings. Both networks are leveraging personal stories of their anchors and celebrity guests to drive viewership, underscoring the balance between hard news reporting and the business realities of the morning show landscape.