Discovery has recruited “Today” co-anchor Matt Lauer to join the search for the “Greatest American.” Lauer will host the seven-hour primetime special event which will air as part of Discovery’s 20th anniversary celebration this summer.
Nominations are open on AOL through Wednesday, Feb. 16 for users to nominate five candidates for the show’s self-explanatory, but highly subjective titled. The special will open this summer with the 100 top nominees. As Discovery profiles the leading contestants, viewers will get to vote, “American Idol”-style, until only one person is left standing (or, in the case of deceased great Americans, not-so-standing).
“Having had the chance to interview a number of America’s top newsmakers, celebrities and extraordinary citizens, I am looking forward to seeing who America thinks are the greatest Americans,” Lauer says. “Ask your friends and family who they think are the greatest Americans and you can be sure that it will get them talking — that’s exactly what the series will do.”
Lauer joined “Today” in 1994 and has served as co-anchor since 1997.
“As ‘Greatest American’ seeks to acknowledge the accomplishments of the country’s most outstanding men and women, Matt is a prime fit for the proceedings, providing his signature wit, warmth and knowledge,” says Jane Root, executive vice president and general manager of Discovery Channel. “Having him involved adds to the power of this project and we are certain that it will draw in that much more participation from the Nation.”
Lauer’s presence in the “Greatest American” series will also open the door for extensive cross-promotion (or, as Discovery calls it “complimentary programming”) on “Today.”
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