Savannah Guthrie's Today Show Debut Loses To Good Morning America

Coming as a disappointment to the NBC executive brass, Savannah Guthrie's official debut as MattLauer's sidekick on the "Today Show" came up short in the ratings war on Monday against television network powerhouse ABC and its "Good Morning America" broadcast.

With 4.425 million viewers, GMA beat out Today's 4.069 million. The Morning show also took down Today in the very relevant 25 to 52 year-old demographic category as well. Guthrie, a former Whitehouse Correspondent, was called upon to add new flavor to the show after Ann Curry's removal.

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Rumors continue to swirl that Lauer reportedly threw former co-anchor Curry under the bus which ultimately led to her dismissal. Allegedly, the noteworthy talking head stipulated Ann Curry's termination as part of an agreement for him to leave the "Today Show." However, no one has yet tocome forward to verify those far-fetched claims.

Contrary to the belief of the NBC big wigs, Curry still has more than her share of fans. As there has been speculation that many of them have jumped ship to "Good Morning America" in response to the heave-ho she was given out the studio door. NBC News president Steve Capus and "Today" executive producer Jim Bell, recently released statement backing up their decision to bring on Guthrie.

"As soon as Savannah joined NBC News she was a standout, reporting for every franchise in the news division and rising through the ranks. She has a one-of-a-kind combination of sharp wit and approachability, and our viewers value her journalistic skills and legal background just as much as herhumor and charm. She can effortlessly go from interviewing the Secretary of State to jumping Olympic-sized hurdles on the Plaza. I'm thrilled to welcome Savannah as our newest co-anchor, and along with Matt, Al and Natalie, we've got the best morning team in the business."

If you ask me, the statement screams smear campaign against Ann Curry!

With Curry's loyalists joining forces with GMA's already avid followers, it appears that Savannah Guthrieand the "Today Show" absolutely have their work cut out for them.