During the live broadcast of the 96th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, an awkward moment occurred when a performer dressed as the character “Arthur” from the children’s TV show “Arthur” stumbled and fell. As the performer lay on the ground, there was an uncomfortable silence.

Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, the hosts of NBC’s “Today” show, swiftly and professionally handled the situation. They quickly cut away to a different camera angle, allowing the performer to regain their footing before returning to the live feed.

“He’s okay!” Guthrie exclaimed, reassuring viewers that the performer was unharmed. Kotb added, “He’s got a second chance.”

Despite the fall, the performer, identified as David J. Reynolds, remained in character and continued performing, eliciting cheers from the crowd. Reynolds later tweeted: “What an honor it was to be a part of the Macy’s Parade! Sometimes you just need to get back up and keep going.”

The hosts’ quick thinking and Reynolds’ resilience were praised by viewers on social media. Many commended Guthrie and Kotb for their professionalism and for handling the situation with grace.

The parade continued as planned, with Guthrie and Kotb continuing to provide entertaining and informative commentary throughout the broadcast. The incident served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live events and the importance of adaptability.