“I love nepotism!” declared Kathie Lee Gifford, as she introduced her son Cody, who will be the Today Show 4th Hour’s official on-air movie reviewer while on summer vacation from his film studies’ classes the University of Southern California.
While it’s reportedly not unusual for TV stars to get their kids summer internships, the jobs are almost always behind-the-scenes, answering phones, filing paperwork or getting coffee.
Today Show executive producer Jim Bell is quick to point out that “[Cody] is not being paid, he’s an intern,” adding, “I think we’ll let what he does well speak for itself.” Let’s be honest, Jim. It’s not like Cody is likely hard up for cash.
Still, while landing the job has been presumably easy for Cody (Mommy’s got his back!) he does have his work cut out for him. He’ll need to continuously air near-flawless spots to silence his critics and earn any real credibility in the business.
Of course, Cody says he “couldn’t have asked for a better internship” and believes his youthful perspective brings with it a little more awareness to his summer gig. “As you get older you get a little out of touch with contemporary films – maybe not out of touch, you can be knowledgeable, but it’s not your generation anymore.”
Cody ultimately would like to land a job behind the camera, as a movie a director.
