Instagram
After the turmoil of Karl Stefanovic’s much-publicised departure from Channel Nine in June, there was a glimmer of hope for the Today Show last week – a hosting switch-up resulted in a ratings boost that caught the attention of those in the know.
Respected journo Tom Steinfort emerged as a possible frontrunner to replace Karl permanently on Today, after a stint co-hosting opposite Sam Armytage on August 5 and 6 received positive feedback from bosses and viewers.
Sunrise still comprehensively dominated morning TV. Sunrise was number 1 every single day of the week, with 75 per cent more viewers than Today Monday to Friday.
Additionally, Sunrise has won every single day this year, with both Sunrise and The Morning Show increasing their margins over the competition in 2026.
But ratings showed the number of viewers tuning into Today were up 60,000 on Wednesday, August 5 and 36,000 on Thursday, August 6, with Sam and Tom in the hotseats, compared to the week prior when Michael Willesee Jr joined Sam behind the desk.
An industry insider praised Tom for his work, telling the Daily Telegraph, this week was “much more of a comfortable watch”.
“Tom is a great pick, he has a strong work ethic. He is good… His wife is from Sydney, they could easily pack their bags,” the insider added.
Insiders tell Woman’s Day that the Tom and Sam combo got Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington talking over at Channel Seven’s Eveleigh headquarters.
“They were apparently texting when the ratings came through. There was definitely a bit of a ‘Well… this is interesting’ moment!’” an insider tells Woman’s Day.
“They know breakfast TV is brutal — and suddenly there’s a new dream team in town! They have nothing against Sam but of course there’s a secret rivalry there. The last thing Nat wants is to be beaten by her former colleague.”
“There was probably a bit of nervous laughter when those numbers landed,” the source goes on.
“Nobody in breakfast TV can afford to completely ignore a ratings jump like that. You can say you’re not watching the competition, but of course everyone is watching the competition!”
The insider explains that Nat and Shirvo are all too aware that they need to keep their focus and their “feet on the pedals”.
“They’ve worked hard to build their chemistry and their audience, and they’re not about to let anyone take that momentum away without a fight,” the insider explains, adding that, naturally, former Sunrise star Sam’s ability to move the dial makes the situation “particularly interesting”.
“When someone you know suddenly walks onto the other side and starts making an impact, you’re naturally going to pay attention,” the source explains.
“It doesn’t mean there’s bad blood — but you’d better believe there’s a little competitive fire burning!”
The source goes on to call Nat and Shirvo total “professionals” over the matter.
“They’ll smile, get on with the show and try to beat the numbers next time,” the source says. “But privately? I’d say they’re very, very interested in what happens next.”
