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Willie Geist just celebrated a massive milestone. His iconic Sunday TODAY show hit 10 years on the air, and he marked the occasion with a special sit-down featuring Ryan Reynolds. The NBC host reflected on interviewing over 400 guests in a decade of memorable conversations.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Launch Date: April 17, 2016 with Leslie Odom Jr. from Hamilton
- Anniversary Celebration: April 7, 2026 live event with Ryan Reynolds at City Winery
- Total Interviews: Over 400 notable guests across stage, screen, music, sports
- Evolution: Expanded to podcast (2018) and live events (2025)
A Decade of Sunday Sitdowns Begins with Broadway Magic
Willie Geist launched Sunday TODAY on April 17, 2016, envisioning something fresh. His first guest was Leslie Odom Jr., riding the wave of Hamilton hysteria on Broadway. From that moment, the Sunday Sitdown segment became the show’s beating heart, eventually spawning a podcast and now live events. Geist recalls being thrilled and uncertain in equal measure about the blank canvas he’d been given.
The early days involved strategic planning and careful evaluation. After each show ended, Geist hugged his young children in the studio and prepared for the next episode. Little did he know he was beginning a decade of broadcasting excellence that would defy typical network television trends.
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From Television Interviews to Multi-Platform Legacy
What started as an eight-minute edited segment for broadcast transformed into something monumental. Geist and his team realized viewers wanted uncut interviews, so they posted full Sunday Sitdown conversations online as a podcast. When Bill Murray appeared on the show, it became a watershed moment that opened unprecedented doors for celebrity access.
The show now includes A Life Well Lived, a thoughtful obituary spotlight, and playful Mug Shots featuring viewers with their yellow Sunday TODAY cups. This multi-layered approach proved quality storytelling trumps chase-the-trending topics. By January 2025, Sunday Sitdown LIVE brought this magic to live audiences nationwide.
The Guest List Reads Like Hollywood Royalty
| Milestone | Details |
| Total Guests | Over 400 across stage, screen, music, sports, politics |
| Notable Guests | Al Pacino, David Letterman, Billy Joel, Tom Hanks, Dolly Parton, Shaq O’Neal |
| Political Names | Hillary Clinton, Presidents, CEOs, Academy Award winners |
| Dream List | Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Timothée Chalamet |
“It’s people who, when I was growing up, were heroes, but lived on a different planet somewhere because they were so iconic and famous. Then to visit their planet and have them know me a little and spend some time with them, it’s still hard for me to understand how I’ve gotten to this spot.”
— Willie Geist, NBC Sunday TODAY Host
The Al Pacino Story That Changed Everything
Among hundreds of unforgettable moments, one stands out permanently. Geist interviewed Al Pacino in a red leather booth at the actor’s favorite Beverly Hills Italian restaurant. What followed became pure magic, though chaos nearly ensued. They rented a car resembling the iconic Scarface convertible for quick shots.
Instead, Pacino spent 45 minutes as Geist’s GPS around Beverly Hills, pointing out landmarks and telling stories of legends like Brando and De Niro. When passersby recognized them at a stoplight, Pacino yelled back, “We’re filming a new movie. It’s called ‘Willie and Al.'” Geist felt simultaneously starstruck and terrified he’d damage the vintage car carrying Hollywood royalty.
What’s Next for Willie Geist After This Incredible Decade?
With nearly 400 interviews completed, one might think Geist has exhausted his bucket list. Instead, he gazes ahead with hunger. Taylor Swift, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Timothée Chalamet remain on his radar. The success of Sunday Sitdown LIVE events suggests fresh formats lie ahead.
Geist believes quality and patience beat viral trends every time. After 10 years of building relationships with guests and respecting his Sunday-morning audience, he’s proven that premium content still wins. The journey continues, one conversation at a time.
Sources
- TODAY.com – Willie Geist reflects on memorable Sunday Sitdown guests and interviews
- USA TODAY – Interview with Willie Geist on 10-year Sunday TODAY anniversary milestone
- NBCUniversal Newsroom – Official announcement of Sunday TODAY 10th anniversary celebration
