What To Know
- Saturday Today co-host Joe Fryer debuted a dramatic new look by shaving his beard for the first time in nine years.
- Many viewers admitted they didn’t recognize him at first.
- The change sparked mixed reactions from fans.
Saturday Today co-host Joe Fryer just revealed a major hair transformation that rendered him nearly unrecognizable and divided viewers.
On Saturday, May 16, Fryer unveiled a sudden style switch-up after shaving his beard for the first time in nine years. He also shared via Instagram his new look in a clip from the broadcast.
The Saturday Today feature anchor and “PopStart” host, 48, explained what he was doing in the video before heading into the barber. At the halfway point, Fryer showed what his face looked like with just a mustache. He then revealed his fresh-faced look at the end of the clip.
In the comments, Today followers shared their reactions to Fryer’s lack of facial hair, with many admitting they did a double-take while watching the show. Brooke Martell, a meteorologist for NBC 7 San Diego, confessed, “Not me watching this morning, wondering who the new guy is! 😂.”
Another viewer shared, “So strange watching you on TV, as I know your voice, but doesn’t look like you 🤣.”
Someone else exclaimed, “Didn’t recognize you this morning!!”
A different follower echoed, “I turned the Today show on a few min ago and initially was thinking that I know that guy, but it took a min to figure that out! 😂.”
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Meanwhile, others could help but point out how youthful Fryer looked without his beard. One person wrote, “You look great both ways! I just looked up your age. Cannot believe it…you look at least 15 years younger.
A second shared, “This morning my husband remarked how young you looked.”
Some encouraged him to keep shaving, like one viewer who commented, “Good for you!! You look so much better!! Keep it that way!!”
Another admitted, “LOL!!!!! I just turned it on and was shocked! Oh, and the dark hair, so handsome!”
Still, others were not fans of Fryer’s hair transformation. One wrote, “Just in case you’re taking a poll on which way is better…I vote for the beard.”
A different Instagram user insisted, “Don’t shave 🪒.”
Yet another viewer lamented, “😢🥹😢😭 I like your beard 🧔♂️.”
What do you think of Fryer’s new look?
Saturday Today, Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. ET on NBC