TODAY viewers adopt foster child they saw on the show

Joe French was watching a TODAY segment in 2020 featuring teenagers in need of adoption and called over his husband, Matt Bungo, as soon as he saw young Samuel on the show. It was that moment the future-dads knew they wanted to be Samuel’s forever home.
» Subscribe to Today with Hoda and Jenna: / @hodaandjenna
» Watch TODAY All Day: / today
About: Friendship, fun, and laughs! America’s feel-good morning show with big stars and sweet surprises. Hoda and Jenna inspire and empower with their impactful stories and heartfelt connection.
Connect with TODAY with Hoda and Jenna Online!
Visit the TODAY with Hoda and Jenna Website: www.today.com/...
Find TODAY on Facebook: / hodaandjenna
Follow TODAY on Twitter: / hodaandjenna
Follow TODAY on Instagram: / hodaandjenna
#adoption #fathersday #heartwarming

[@susanmark2000]

As a retired child welfare social worker, this makes my heart so happy. Happy Pride month sweet family!

[@dianemackey]

Teens who are in foster care really need someone to believe in them and guide them. It is horrible to feel so lost, misguided, and alone as a teen. I wish more people would consider older kids for adoption because they really appreciate the blessing of being chosen.

[@diane5593]

Was one of those kids.very sad and alone.stayed in a state children's home for a long time.then went to a girl's foster home. No support,and some neglect. No other of my family would take me in. And I was such a good girl! It's affected my whole life.never really came out of it, 60. And still cry. If you can help a kid!! Even older.just realize we will be a little sensitive. Tell us we're good people,you have somebody who will be there for you 😊

[@dianemackey]

@@diane5593 I'm so sorry Diane for all you have endured in your life. I follow two youtube families who started to foster and then adopt kids of all ages, trying to specifically keep siblings together and the teens have really blossomed in these two homes, as have all the children they have adopted. God bless you!

[@Hotmomma2]

@@dianemackeydo you watch crazy middles and crazy pieces? They are beautiful families that has adopted many children.

[@dianemackey]

@@Hotmomma2 Yes, they are the families that I follow.

[@janadunkerson3796]

@@dianemackey Are the 2 families on KZbin called the Crazy Pieces and Crazy Middles? If so, I watch them every day. Love both families❤

[@Lommy9999]

You can tell they made a huge difference in this kid, he looks and sounds so much more confident and connected to himself. Well done.

[@MisterWhatWhat]

There are so many "older" kids out there that need a home. This is so beautiful!

[@Mammaj1963]

Hoda and Jenna, I would love to see your show feature more kids who need a home. Your show could change the world

[@auntlizard262]

yes, yes, yes!

[@nicolad8822]

Ooh yes just like they do with dogs. Super fun.

[@jojo2007ish]

​@nicolad8822 not nessesarily. A different angle might be to highlight the achievements of foster children. Normally you would have a family rooting for you. Wouldn't it be nice for all of us to root for them. We live in a terribly monetized world. It can be super cold and make us bitter. I'm glad this happened for that family. Even if not everyone involved had the best intentions. Somebody did.

[@gata_salvaje69]

This made me cry! Thank you, Joe and Matt for accepting Sam into your life as your son!

[@tatsf]

Not sure if y'all censor your comments but it is so nice to see a story like this and then see the comments section be filled with love and appreciation!! So tired of any public forum story about anything LGBTQ related in any way have the comments section filled with vitriol and hatred. Such a touching and beautiful story! Hope that they continue to grow and flourish as a family and that Samuel loves college and does great!! Love wins!

[@herlandercarvalho]

I think it's just because even the most horrible and homophobic person, would not dare to defile this with their hate. Channels will not usually go through comments, and if things are getting bad, many times they will just disable comments for a specific video.

[@thecorndogwalker1]

Love this

[@elizabethbonner9520]

Marriage is only between a Man and a Woman- not vitriol and hate- just the Truth.

[@jamesduncan2984]

@@elizabethbonner9520and who says that the bible written by people who are homophobic who never once heard god say marriage is between a man and woman.

[@elizabethbonner9520]

@@jamesduncan2984 The Bible was written by people who are homophobic?! Absolutely false. God Bless and Keep you.

[@austingrrr5191]

Matt could be easily be mistaken as his bio dad. Good match. Much love to everyone.

[@b.k8051]

Those two dudes are heroes

[@AliceP.]

Oh boy, that story melted my heart entirely. So wholesome.

[@ML-xh6rd]

What a lovely family they make. Their story of instantly recognizing that he could be their son is beautiful and powerful. Their hearts were open, they were ready, and when he was revealed to them they were able to see him immediately. They are truly blessed to have found each other.

[@Mizerableklaha]

who wouldn't want to be adopted by that magnificent bearded man

[@mariomelendez]

This comment 😊😊

[@anthonywyattStylist]

Why do you got a sexualize it like that this is about adopting a child what you said sounds gross sounds chomo

[@ongseungwu4311]

real

[@teresalegler2777]

What a beautiful story of love! A belated Happy Father’s Day. Congratulations on graduating and moving towards the next chapter of your lives.

[@carlgrimes2512]

The first time the comment section has made me feel better.

[@itsjuanderful]

This young man manifested his future and hit the jackpot, LOVE is LOVE!

[@cheshirescarf2065]

What fabulous dads ❤❤ he truly found a wonderful home xx

[@DavidLS1]

"So shines a good deed in a weary world." ❤

[@RobertNelson-hp4sk]

Outstanding Story!!! BRAVO ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - The power of The Today Show on full display.

[@user-pt1cz4ot1e]

We all need more stories like this. What a wonderful way to start their family. They’re obviously doing a great job with such a wonderful kid. I hope they feel the empty nest and decide to do it again. 🥰 Samuel would be an awesome big brother, I bet.

[@daizeofgrace]

What a lovely story. I hope more of these beautiful kids find a family full of love.

[@natashap7929]

I have three kids myself and two of them are grown. The last one is 14 and she only has 4 years left in school and honestly I would love to give one more child a home. That has always been a dream of mine! I would only want someone that’s 13 or older..

[@moa5351]

Go for it! I pray God matches you with the child you need and who needs you and that you recognize each other when you meet!

[@jojo2007ish]

Do it! Do it! Do it!!!!

[@Bludongle]

The stability he will have going forward. The strength he can fall back on as he moves out into the world.... not alone.

[@oceanlover1108]

That was so awesome. So very happy for them all. Great family. Happy Father's Day ❤💙🩵💙

[@pamelashade3958]

This is beautiful had me in happy tears!

[@JimmiAlli]

He is a carbon copy of Matt!

[@loripringle1018]

Exactly !

[@MothGirl007]

He is!

[@damariscaballero9396]

This is the most beautiful story that I've seen in such a long time. Beautiful family.

[@yairakatz8688]

THIS IS SO WHOLESOME THANK YOU FOR THE INCREDIBLE NEWS!

[@thanh-nguyen1976]

They should do a foster kid segment every week.

[@Solrac9]

Thank you for saving his life and for stepping up to help someone in need. ❤

[@lauraclaire]

I’m not crying you are.

[@Paul2377]

No it’s definitely you. *wipes tears away*

[@grantburris]

This was truly a great story. I've been in all those positions and know exactly how it feels.

[@davidcontreres9097]

What a beautiful story !!!!!

[@indivisiblesanfrancisco4453]

I was a foster child from age 11 to age 18. Afterwhich I was no longer a "ward of the state". And on my own. Having grown up in a very uncertain, dysfunctional and abusive environment, without love -- I wanted give love to a foster child. Unfortunately, when I made the inquiry 2-3 years ago, they denied me due to insufficient income. Wish there was a way to have been able to do so. I am not giving up hope though. I want to say, though they have given Sam a home and family, I feel Sam is also giving to his new parents as well. It's a mutual exchange. All meant it appears for each other. Love to them and you all!💕

[@frajoladellagato]

Don’t give up. It will happen when it’s supposed to. ❤

[@monicaalvarez5696]

What a miracle for Sam and his dads. I am in joyful tears along with Hoda. That was amazing!!! Sending all the love to Today and this beautiful new family ❤

[@babyshark154]

he looks like them… so cute

[@edrianbobbycalabio1]

This is wholesome. I love this

[@gerardamerongen4209]

What an AMAZING and heartfelt story of these two beautiful men being able to adopt this young boy and give him the love, nurturing and secure/safe space to grow and develop. Sounds like he hit the jackpot!!!

[@lizsteventon1194]

Congratulations, Happy Father’s Day. An amazing story filled with love, joy & happiness. ❤️🤗

[@swedemartyrsonswade]

I love you guys! I hope all of you got what you wanted in life and will always be a strong family.

[@shawnvalencia8124]

This was ABSOLUTLEY fantastic. I'm not crying. You're crying!

[@phillipleboa5251]

BEAUTIFUL !! GOD BLESS THEM !! XOXXOO

[@H.so.]

Oh gosh this made me cry!

[@chgmz]

This is amazing to see! So heartwarming and inspiring 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@WentyWonderland]

I was adopted at 16, put in the system at 4. The family who adopted me gave me everything I have today. Giving life to a child who’s already given up is the best thing a human can do.

[@MarioMartinez-iy1og]

Bravo to this family! 🎉 much love and respect 💕

[@SusanHunt-w5p]

AMAZING what an open heart can do❤

[@Did.You.Forget]

Wow I really didn’t think I would cry two minutes in. Wow that’s really heartwarming

[@nikserof2183]

All Samuel needed was a break; so glad that he got it. Bless them all. 5:00 The flowers were a nice touch. Fantastic.

[@julierogers1155]

This is WONDERFUL.

[@olivermatias2349]

[@WonderWhatHappened]

Anyone else notice how perfectly those flowers matched Hoda's dress?

[@markaaron65]

Oh the tears. Makes we want to adopt :-). Not sure my husband will agree.

[@bbsteele671]

Losing both of my parents way too young I always wondered what it would feel like to get that kind of love again. I'm 40 now & I still wonder!

[@lorettanericcio-bohlman567]

Teaching hm to be gracious with the flowers 💪🏽💐

[@mirkovragovic]

So touching, amazing people ❤

[@Robert-xy4gi]

Hoda, please create a show on foster kids “aging out” and how to help them. It is the next step.

[@rsjury]

Honda? LOL 🤪

[@Robert-xy4gi]

@@rsjury thanks for bringing this to my attention! I kept fighting spell check over “Hofa” instead of Hoda. Spell check won with Honda. lol

[@moa5351]

Generational curse broken just like that. Ive got goose pimples

[@mattoneill1272]

normal yet exceptional. love them

[@a-complished4406]

Love is love ❤

[@absatwell8163]

What a beautiful story!! ❤

[@Mirror1973]

Amen to them ❤❤❤

[@bradct007]

Love is a family

[@ericdwhitmorec]

Are we sure that is not Matt's baby from another dimension...cause Hello, they definitely favor

[@manuellaopao8036]

......a good story, thanks Hoda and Jenna....

[@cocoknows]

The trash bag with two shirts is very real. This is the way it is for most foster kids. I grew up in foster care and aged out of the system. I used a trash bag for the few items I had.

[@MsJasperr]

hoda is such a serve

[@vernamendiola1573]

Oh my heart ❤

[@YYC403NOYP]

That boy with the dog, is that the adopted boy or the adoptee dad when he was young? The adopted boy looks like the younger version of the bearded dad😍

[@DiamondBodyHealing]

he show should have gifted the family something for fathers day.

[@SJC49]

They already ‘gifted’ these two Dads with a son through their show.

[@kay-pu7hr]

The music in the video is so loud that it's hard to hear their them. Please lower the music so it doesn't over power the story on the video.

[@ramblinsteven2554]

Get off my lawn!

[@edudumendes]

For more stories like that!

[@nicolad8822]

Can’t hear over the music.

[@DavidLS1]

What?

[@JaniceTaylor-it3ed]

Wow 😮

[@andreahicks967]

❤

[@HawthorneHillNaturePreserve]

Wow, he looks just like his dad ❤

[@lanapapas]

❤❤❤

[@daynamarie54]

Beautiful family!

[@alexflowers97]

Can the buff bearded daddy adopt me next? 🫦💪🥾🎀

[@viccampos7522]

❤it.

[@josephlenehan4461]

Joseph and today

[@3506Dodge]

Yum, Matthew Bungo can 'adopt' me anytime, baby. I wouldn't even need my own room...or even my own bed!

[@disappointedenglishman98]

This is sick. How can two men adopt a child? A child needs a mother.

[@brycea5340]

this child needed parents! :)

[@carlgrimes2512]

Sounds like your dad didn't love you.

[@apollozero]

Nothing sick about it. Always got to go to bad places. This child got a family. It’s not 1950.

[@puamanaohana]

💖✌️☀️🖖💞✌️☀️🤙💙

[@karlrogers7317]

Mine was 15 and he is 36 today. So proud of him and he is mine. I love him! Samuel, you have the best Dads! 💙💙💙

[@kennethdrake7686]

The world needs more people like you!!!! God bless you

[@stalwartzero7001]

They’re you’re son ❤

[@danaalexander1308]

❤

[@julieb6680]

❤❤❤❤

[@MatthewsFav]

This brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful family this young man has to love and cherish him.

[@MrMisterChristian]

Wow he really hit the jackpot! So happy for all of them 🥰

[@marcusanderson-yeager6740]

Yes, two men who shared their life and love with this young man. Mazel

[@BeingNancy]

This is a miracle for all of them. Their son looks so happy, relaxed, and self confident.

[@SeaTurtle515]

That boys is beaming with sincere joy.

[@Mugiwara2k]

Older kids have a hard time finding homes some times, and it’s sad because it’s not their fault. I’m really happy these guys stepped up and gave this kid a loving home. ❤

[@markjlabella8869]

My husband and I have a lot of love to give, but finances aren’t where they need to be. Someday, I am hopeful that we can make a good home for someone too and be the good parents and good human beings a kid deserves. This story brought me to tears and inspiration beyond words.

[@clarecampbell4481]

Maybe fostering?

[@markjlabella8869]

@@clarecampbell4481 someday 🥹❤️

[@Bob-fk8vd]

These two men are awesome guys and I hope they all have a wonderful life together.

[@Mary-po4ti]

So happy for him. He feels loved And cherished.. Hope they adopt More children in Foster care. ❤

[@ReginaK2]

I have always wanted to adopt a teenager and give them a home but I’ve never been in the financial shape to do for them like they deserve😔

[@bettersecret1499]

They deserve a roof, food and not to live in fear anymore. Anything more is a plus. I have adopted two teenagers. The more expensive thing I bought them is a bicycle. And they were used. As are most of the clothes I buy from apps. My kids have scars all over their bodies. Believe me when I say they didn't want an iphone, they wanted to sleep on the bed instead of under in fear

[@graceg3250]

@@bettersecret1499I think they mean the ability to house, feed a child. Having enough money to have a two bedroom home requires a LOT. Having enough money to not have to work during the hours the kid needs you requires a LOT. I certainly can’t afford any child.

[@travishunterbrown]

I really didn’t want to cry today! Every time I cry I am stuffed up until the next day, but I was so moved by the outpouring of love, kindness and acceptance for this young man I couldn’t help but cry. This adoption is going to change his trajectory in life 500% in the right direction!!

[@patricialynn5852]

Love your dress Hoda

[@macrichardson7904]

See, we are NO different than you. We have the same lives and houses, and foods, and thoughts and beliefs as you. The only people who make us different ARE YOU !!!

[@clarecampbell4481]

🫂❤️❤️

[@JaylenPotts-zs2qw]

I wish I could have been adopted by someone positive and special this is a touching story.