Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager debut updated show with live studio audience
Coming to you live! Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager debuted the latest version of their show Thursday.
The pair's "Today with Hoda & Jenna" added a live studio audience to the show, updating the title to "Hoda & Jenna & Friends."
Ahead of the debut, the third hour of "Today" featured clips of Hager ushering in the live studio audience.
Once the show began, the co-hosts wandered down to the stage, stopping to greet and hug the crowd, who were waving red and pink pom-poms.
“So much fun,” Bush Hager said to Kotb as they approached the stage and hugged each other.
Hoda’s fiancé Joel Schiffman was also in the crowd, who she shared a kiss with onscreen. Bush Hager's husband, Henry, was also there.
"This may seem weird at home, we're weeping, but this is kind of a big day for us," Kotb said, as she and Hager wiped away tears.
"Thank you all – all our friends – for being here," Hager added.
They also shouted out their DJ, Mad Marj, a mother who had a change of careers to become the DJ she is today, the co-hosts mentioned.
Part of getting the audience involved in the first episode? Having them perform "The Git Up" challenge dance while Facetiming with the song's artist Blanco Brown.
Later in the show, they threw T-shirts to the crowd, which prompted clips of Andy Cohen and Kelly Clarkson "catching" the shirts with messages congratulating the co-hosts.
“This may seem weird at home – we’re weeping.”
Aw, Joel and Henry surprised @hodakotb and @jennabushhager in the audience today! It’s actually Joel’s first time on our show! pic.twitter.com/Q765rtdcHn— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) February 6, 2020
"They gave Hoda and Jenna a studio with a live audience plus alcohol? Y'all are in for a crazy wild ride, enjoy it," Clarkson said.
The last shirt was caught by Meghan Trainor, who then emerged from backstage as their first guest.
This isn't the first time the show received an update.
Bush Hager replaced Kathie Lee Gifford as co-host in April 2019. The "Kathie Lee & Hoda" co-hosts worked together for nearly 11 years.
'I didn't know I could love him more': Hoda Kotb gushes about Joel Schiffman's proposal
More: Jenna Bush Hager's latest book club pick: 'The Girl with the Louding Voice'
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager debut show with live studio audience