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Today to 1A

Today to 1A

By: Jim Scott
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From the control room to the green room, Joe Michaels has seen it all. In Today to 1A, the Emmy-winning director pulls back the curtain on five decades of live television—from the chaos of breaking news to the magic of morning shows. With behind-the-scenes stories, unforgettable moments, prominent personalities, and a few well-timed cues, Joe reflects on a career that shaped how America watched TV—one live shot at a time. Live from Studio 1A... all the way to today.

© 2026 Today to 1A
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Episodes
  • Episode 11: Backstage at The Today Show
    Mar 19 2026

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    From Taylor Swift to Dustin Hoffman, Bill Clinton to Donald Trump... what was it like to hang out on set with famous- and infamous- people? How "real" were they, in-person? What was in that bag Richard Nixon brought to the Today Show? Who was "Hollywood"? Who was "Rope"? And who was that "Too Tall" guy? Get all the answers on this edition of Today to 1A, Conversations with 20-year Today Show Director Joe Michaels.

    Joe Michaels is an acclaimed television director with a distinguished career spanning over five decades. An eight-time Emmy Award winner and two-time Directors Guild of America honoree, Michaels is best known for his 22-year tenure directing NBC’s Today Show, where he helmed more than 5,000 episodes and helped shape the landscape of live morning television. His directing credits also include major global broadcasts such as the Olympics (including eight Opening Ceremonies), Network coverage of the 2016 & 2024 Democratic National Convention, and National Geographic’s groundbreaking Brain Surgery Live.

    Starting his career at NBC Sports, Michaels contributed to Emmy-winning coverage of the Super Bowl, World Series, Wimbledon, and the Olympics. He has directed high-profile network specials, live concerts, stage productions, and segments for celebrated shows like Seinfeld, 30 Rock, and The Michael J. Fox Show. His work has been seen by hundreds of millions around the world and thousands live at venues like Rockefeller Plaza.

    In addition to his directing work, Michaels serves as the Broadcaster-in-Residence at High Point University, where he mentors the next generation of television professionals through courses in multi-camera production, on-camera performance, and senior production experience. A graduate of Seton Hall University and its 2013 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Michaels continues to consult on creative media projects, cor...

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    38 mins
  • The Today Show gets bullet-proof glass and... what did Bryant Gumbel really think about the live audience?
    Mar 11 2026

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    On this episode of Today to 1A, former Today Show director Joe Michaels discusses the transformation of the Today Show set, allowing people to peer in as the morning magic is made. Learn inside secrets about the cast felt about that, how the audience became a vital element of the show, how the set evolved, and how decisions were made that America will always remember.

    Joe Michaels is an acclaimed television director with a distinguished career spanning over five decades. An eight-time Emmy Award winner and two-time Directors Guild of America honoree, Michaels is best known for his 22-year tenure directing NBC’s Today Show, where he helmed more than 5,000 episodes and helped shape the landscape of live morning television. His directing credits also include major global broadcasts such as the Olympics (including eight Opening Ceremonies), Network coverage of the 2016 & 2024 Democratic National Convention, and National Geographic’s groundbreaking Brain Surgery Live.

    Starting his career at NBC Sports, Michaels contributed to Emmy-winning coverage of the Super Bowl, World Series, Wimbledon, and the Olympics. He has directed high-profile network specials, live concerts, stage productions, and segments for celebrated shows like Seinfeld, 30 Rock, and The Michael J. Fox Show. His work has been seen by hundreds of millions around the world and thousands live at venues like Rockefeller Plaza.

    In addition to his directing work, Michaels serves as the Broadcaster-in-Residence at High Point University, where he mentors the next generation of television professionals through courses in multi-camera production, on-camera performance, and senior production experience. A graduate of Seton Hall University and its 2013 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Michaels continues to consult on creative media projects,...

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    35 mins
  • Episode 9: What really goes on behind the scenes of a major political convention, through the eyes of a network news director
    Mar 4 2026

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    In this episode of Today to 1A, former Today Show director Joe Michaels reveals what actually goes on behind the scenes of a major political convention. Fascinating stuff, as we discover how our perception of political leadership is shaped and influenced.

    Joe Michaels is an acclaimed television director with a distinguished career spanning over five decades. An eight-time Emmy Award winner and two-time Directors Guild of America honoree, Michaels is best known for his 22-year tenure directing NBC’s Today Show, where he helmed more than 5,000 episodes and helped shape the landscape of live morning television. His directing credits also include major global broadcasts such as the Olympics (including eight Opening Ceremonies), Network coverage of the 2016 & 2024 Democratic National Convention, and National Geographic’s groundbreaking Brain Surgery Live.

    Starting his career at NBC Sports, Michaels contributed to Emmy-winning coverage of the Super Bowl, World Series, Wimbledon, and the Olympics. He has directed high-profile network specials, live concerts, stage productions, and segments for celebrated shows like Seinfeld, 30 Rock, and The Michael J. Fox Show. His work has been seen by hundreds of millions around the world and thousands live at venues like Rockefeller Plaza.

    In addition to his directing work, Michaels serves as the Broadcaster-in-Residence at High Point University, where he mentors the next generation of television professionals through courses in multi-camera production, on-camera performance, and senior production experience. A graduate of Seton Hall University and its 2013 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Michaels continues to consult on creative media projects,...

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    45 mins
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