The Ratings Speak for Themselves: Samantha Armytage’s Today Return Ends With Another Sunrise Defeat
Samantha Armytage’s return to the Today desk was meant to bring fresh energy to Nine’s breakfast line-up.
Instead, her first week alongside Michael Willesee Jr. has sparked sharply divided reactions from viewers, while Sunrise has continued to extend its lead in the breakfast television ratings.
Mixed reactions greet Nine’s latest hosting combination
Armytage joined Michael Willesee Jr. this week as Nine continues reshuffling its hosting roster following Karl Stefanovic’s departure and Sarah Abo’s early maternity leave.
While many viewers welcomed Armytage’s return to breakfast television, others questioned whether the pairing had found the chemistry needed to revive the struggling program.
Social media quickly filled with contrasting opinions.
Some viewers described the show as lacking energy, with criticism aimed at both presenters. Several comments labelled the pairing “awkward,” while others felt the program had become “stilted” without its previous hosts.
One viewer wrote:
“Today is an absolute snooze fest since Karl and Sarah left.”
Another commented:
“Mike is awkward and bland. They need someone who matches Sam better.”
Others went further, saying Armytage’s hosting style wasn’t to their taste and even suggested switching to other morning programs.
Others believe Samantha Armytage is exactly what Today needs
Not every reaction was negative.
Many viewers praised Armytage’s confident on-air presence, saying she brought professionalism and warmth to the program.
Supporters argued she appeared relaxed behind the desk and could eventually help rebuild the show’s audience.
One fan wrote:
“Sam Armytage is brilliant. She is so captivating to watch.”
Another added:
“She feels like a much better fit and brings real energy to the show.”
Several viewers also suggested Nine should keep Armytage in a longer-term role if the opportunity arose.
Ratings continue to favour Sunrise
The audience response was reflected in the preliminary overnight ratings.
On Monday morning, Sunrise remained comfortably ahead, attracting around 54,000 viewers during the early breakfast slot, compared with approximately 45,000 for Today.
By 8am, Seven had widened the gap further, drawing around 78,000 viewers while Nine attracted about 48,000.
The results continue a broader trend that has seen Sunrise dominate the breakfast television battle following Karl Stefanovic’s exit.
Recent national audience figures have also shown Seven maintaining a significant lead over its longtime rival.
An awkward on-air moment became one of the week’s talking points
Armytage’s return also produced one of the week’s lighter moments.
During Monday’s live broadcast, her mobile phone alarm unexpectedly sounded shortly after the program returned from an early news bulletin.
Laughing at herself, she explained:
“My alarm just went off because this is the time I normally get up.”
Willesee Jr. quickly joined in the joke.
“Just to remind Sam that she had to be on the show this morning.”
The light-hearted exchange quickly circulated online and became one of the most talked-about moments from her first day back.
Just hours earlier, Armytage had urged Australians to tune in
The unexpected mishap came only hours after Armytage appealed directly to viewers on Instagram.
Ahead of her return, she encouraged Australians to switch on Today, joking that television makeup was wasted if nobody was watching.
She even promised a prize for the most creative photo sent in by viewers watching the program.
The humorous campaign highlighted Nine’s desire to generate fresh interest as it continues searching for a permanent hosting combination.
Nine’s breakfast future remains under the spotlight
Armytage and Willesee Jr.’s temporary partnership comes during one of the most significant transition periods in Today’s recent history.
With Karl Stefanovic no longer part of the program and Sarah Abo away on maternity leave, Nine is continuing to test different presenting combinations while searching for long-term stability.
Whether this latest pairing becomes part of that future remains unclear, but one thing is already evident: viewers are paying close attention—and they have plenty to say.