The Today Show revealed its 2025 Halloween theme: an epic road trip across America. October 31, 2025 brought legendary costume reveals featuring Prince, Rocky, and Wayne Newton. The annual extravaganza kicked off early in the 8 a.m. hour with cast members traveling coast to coast.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- 2025 Theme: TODAY’s epic road trip adventure across iconic U.S. destinations
- Air Date: October 31, 2025, starting early in the 8 a.m. hour
- Cast Costumes: Prince, Rocky Balboa, Wayne Newton, Beyoncé, and Frankie Valli
- Tradition: This annual Halloween extravaganza dates back to 1994
- Special Guest: Mario Lopez appeared as surprise guest with Laura Jarrett
What Happened: The Road Trip Comes to Life
Craig Melvin channeled the Purple One, performing Prince’s “Purple Rain” in authentic heels. He called this his favorite costume yet, second only to Michael Jackson. Craig rehearsed extensively to nail the guitar performance.
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Carson Daly became Rocky Balboa from the 1976 Oscar-winning film. The costume featured a lived-in, dirty 1970s tracksuit with authentic rips and stains. Al Roker transformed into Clubber Lang, Mr. T’s Rocky III character.
Willie Geist portrayed Wayne Newton, Mr. Las Vegas himself. Accompanied by Vegas showgirls, Willie performed “Danke Schoen” in a dapper tuxedo. Wayne Newton has performed over 30,000 shows in Las Vegas.
“Of all the characters I have been able to portray, I’m probably most excited about this one.”
Why This Matters: A Tradition of Excellence
The Today Show’s Halloween Extravaganza remains one of television’s most anticipated annual events. This tradition dates back to 1994, spanning over 30 years of iconic reveals.
The road trip theme represents cross-country adventure and American nostalgia. It celebrates iconic figures like Prince, Rocky, and Wayne Newton. Viewers across the nation tune in for the groundbreaking performances and costumes.
Sheinelle Jones performed as Beyoncé in her Cowboy Carter era. She sang “Texas Hold ‘Em” from Beyoncé’s historic album. Dylan Dreyer portrayed Frankie Valli from The Four Seasons.
The Details: Iconic Costumes and Performances
| Anchor/Host | Costume Character | Performance/Song |
|---|---|---|
| Craig Melvin | Prince | “Purple Rain” (with authentic heels) |
| Carson Daly | Rocky Balboa | 1976 Oscar-winning character (boxing scenes) |
| Al Roker | Clubber Lang (Mr. T) | Rocky III opponent with mohawk and trash talk |
| Willie Geist | Wayne Newton | “Danke Schoen” with Vegas showgirls |
| Sheinelle Jones | Beyoncé | “Texas Hold ‘Em” (Cowboy Carter era) |
| Dylan Dreyer | Frankie Valli | “Walk Like A Man” (Four Seasons) |
| Laura Jarrett | Lisa Turtle (Saved by the Bell) | 90s nostalgia (neon scrunchie and brick phone) |
Laura Jarrett celebrated her 40th birthday by appearing as Lisa Turtle from Saved by the Bell. She received a surprise visit from Mario Lopez, who played A.C. Slater. Laura wore vibrant neon accessories and carried a brick cell phone.
The makeup and costume teams spent months perfecting every detail. Behind-the-scenes footage showed anchors getting into character early morning. Each costume required extensive rehearsal and preparation for authentic performances.
What To Watch For
- The parade continues through the full broadcast with more costume reveals
- Live performances from all anchors throughout morning show hours
- Special guest appearances and surprise star cameos on the plaza
- Interactive games and giveaways for viewers at home
- Final epic group finale with entire cast performing together
Will the Today Show Halloween Tradition Continue?
The Today Show’s Halloween Extravaganza has become unmissable television. For 31 years, this tradition brought joy to millions. The 2025 road trip theme honors classic American culture.
Viewers nationwide gathered on October 31 to watch Prince, Rocky, and Wayne Newton come alive. The creativity and effort invested in costumes and performances sets the bar incredibly high annually.
Network executives continue prioritizing this beloved tradition. The planning for 2026’s extravaganza already begins. Fans worldwide remain excited about what next year brings. This year’s success guaranteed the tradition’s future on daytime television.
Sources
- Today.com – Official Today Show Halloween Extravaganza 2025 Live Updates
- NBC Entertainment – Press releases and behind-the-scenes coverage
- Parade Magazine – Today Show Halloween Costumes Through the Years documentation
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Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.