Willie Geist experienced an unforgettable moment while stepping in as a guest host on Today With Jenna & Friends on Tuesday, March 4.
The beloved television personality found himself at the center of an internet sensation, thanks to a playful and unexpected title bestowed upon him.
The buzz began the previous week when comedian and actress Heather McMahan appeared on the show as a guest host.
During her time on air, McMahan enthusiastically declared Geist her “work crush,” sparking an online conversation about the morning show veteran.
The lighthearted revelation quickly gained traction, leading Jenna Bush Hager to bring up the topic during Tuesday’s broadcast.
“You really lit the internet on fire last week,” Bush Hager told Geist with a smile.
She then proceeded to make a surprising comparison that left Geist both honored and slightly uncomfortable.
“You may not know this, but Pedro Pascal is known as the internet’s boyfriend,” she explained. “He’s cool, he’s handsome, everybody knows him… Well, our team has now pegged you as morning TV’s boyfriend.”
Geist’s reaction was immediate. “Oh no,” he responded, clearly taken aback by the new title. “Ugh, makes me very uncomfortable.”
Bush Hager recounted the moment when she realized that McMahan, whom she described as “one of the wildest, most outgoing humans” she knows, had suddenly become uncharacteristically shy around Geist. This unexpected reaction added to the internet’s newfound fascination with him.
“She was quiet,” Geist acknowledged, recalling the moment. He then humorously admitted that he had jokingly asked McMahan if their connection meant they were now “an item.”
Still trying to wrap his head around the unexpected title, Geist responded to Bush Hager’s inquiry about how it felt to take on the role of “morning TV’s boyfriend.”
“I don’t even quite know what it means to be morning TV’s boyfriend,” Geist confessed. “I am on morning TV a lot, very early in the morning, later in the morning in this case, Sundays. I’m on six to noon most days, so I guess I do occupy the morning. I guess it’s an honor to be in the company of Pedro Pascal.”
Bush Hager, always one to keep the fun going, joked that they should commemorate the moment by presenting Geist with an official award or a sash. “Or some sort of hat, but your head is too large and we really couldn’t fit anything to it,” she quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
Geist is currently filling in as a guest host on Today With Jenna & Friends before actress Regina Hall takes over later in the week as Bush Hager’s co-host. The show, which has gained popularity for its engaging celebrity interviews, candid conversations, and fun moments, continues to be a fan favorite.
As the internet continues to celebrate Geist’s new title, it remains to be seen how long the nickname will stick. However, one thing is certain—his easygoing charm and undeniable on-screen presence have only further cemented his place as a morning TV favorite.
Today With Jenna & Friends airs on weekdays at 10/9c on NBC, bringing viewers a mix of heartfelt stories, lighthearted banter, and must-see moments. Whether or not Geist fully embraces his new title, there’s no denying that he has made a lasting impression on audiences everywhere.
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