NBC’s “A Toast to 2025”: A Warm Reflection on the Year That Was
As the final days of 2025 approach, NBC prepares to deliver its beloved year-in-review celebration with “A Toast to 2025!” – a thoughtful alternative to the typical New Year’s Eve countdown shows that has become a cherished tradition for many households. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, whose warm chemistry and genuine camaraderie have endeared them to millions of “Today” show viewers, this two-hour special offers a moment to pause and reflect on the collective experiences that shaped our year. Airing from 10:30 PM to 12:30 AM ET on December 31st, the program invites viewers to curl up with loved ones and reminisce about the moments – both significant and lighthearted – that connected us all throughout 2025. Unlike the frenetic energy of live countdown shows from Times Square, “A Toast” provides a more intimate setting for contemplation and celebration as we prepare to welcome a new beginning.
The beauty of “A Toast to 2025!” lies in its thoughtful curation of the year’s defining cultural touchpoints – from breakthrough entertainment moments to inspiring human interest stories that captured our hearts. The special weaves together the tapestry of 2025’s most memorable events: the films that moved us to tears or laughter, the songs that became the soundtrack to our lives, the sporting triumphs that had us cheering from our living rooms, the news stories that changed our perspectives, and those delightful viral moments that somehow united us in shared joy or astonishment. Kotb and Bush Hager, with their gift for authentic conversation and emotional connection, guide viewers through this journey with the perfect blend of nostalgia, humor, and earnest reflection. Their approach transforms what could be a simple highlight reel into a meaningful commemoration of our shared human experience over the past twelve months.
What truly distinguishes this special is the remarkable assembly of voices and perspectives from across NBC’s vast network of talent and beyond. Trusted news anchor Lester Holt might offer insights on the year’s most impactful headlines, while Savannah Guthrie brings her thoughtful analysis to cultural shifts that defined 2025. Sports commentators like Maria Taylor and Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn relive the athletic achievements that inspired us, while entertainment figures including Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth and actor Ethan Slater share personal reflections on the year in performance arts. The special’s strength comes from this diverse chorus of voices – celebrities, journalists, athletes, and comedians – each bringing their unique perspective to the conversation. These varied viewpoints create a richer, more nuanced portrait of the year than any single narrative could provide.
The format of “A Toast to 2025!” allows for something increasingly rare in our fragmented media landscape: a shared national moment of reflection. While much of our content consumption has become personalized and isolated, this special creates a communal experience where millions simultaneously revisit the same cultural touchpoints that shaped our collective year. There’s something powerfully unifying about laughing together at the year’s most unexpected viral moments, collectively celebrating breakthrough achievements in science or sports, or sharing in the bittersweet remembrance of notable figures we lost. The special doesn’t shy away from acknowledging challenges or difficulties the nation faced, but it frames these moments within a larger narrative of resilience, progress, and hope. This balanced approach honors the complexity of human experience while ultimately leaving viewers feeling uplifted as they prepare to cross the threshold into a new year.
What makes “A Toast to 2025!” particularly special is how it transforms the sometimes arbitrary marker of a calendar year into a meaningful chapter in our ongoing story. Through thoughtfully curated segments and genuine conversation, the program helps viewers process their own personal journeys within the context of our shared cultural experience. For some viewers, certain moments highlighted will spark powerful memories – where they were when a historic event unfolded, how they felt when a particular song first captured their imagination, or who they called first when an unexpected piece of news broke. This interweaving of personal and collective memory creates a powerful sense of connection and belonging as we collectively close one chapter and open another. The special’s timing – in that reflective space between Christmas and the New Year – perfectly captures our human need for both closure and renewal.
As the final minutes of 2025 tick away, “A Toast to 2025!” doesn’t simply list off achievements or memorable moments – it reminds us of our shared humanity and the invisible threads that connect us across geographic, political, and cultural divides. Available both on NBC and streaming via Peacock, the program meets viewers where they are, acknowledging the changing ways we consume media while preserving the tradition of communal year-end reflection. When the clock strikes midnight, viewers will enter 2026 not just entertained, but genuinely moved – carrying with them a deeper appreciation for the year they’ve experienced and a renewed sense of optimism for the one ahead. In a world that often feels divided, “A Toast to 2025!” offers something precious: a moment to recognize our common experiences, celebrate our collective resilience, and face the future together with hope and good humor. It’s not just appointment television – it’s a meaningful ritual that helps us process the past and embrace the possibilities of tomorrow.
