Savannah Guthrie experienced a traumatic 2026 as a beloved mother, Nancy Guthriedisappeared at the beginning of February. Now, as the notorious FBI investigation continues, the longtime NBC host has a new show on the horizon, a TV version of The New York Times’ Wordle Game.
The announcement came a day after Gutherie shared a Mother’s Day message as the search for her mother continues.
Savannah Guthrie to Host ‘Wordle’ for NBC
According to a press release, NBC has greenlit a television version of the iconic game “Wordle,” with Guthrie, an avid gamer, as host. The series, produced by Jimmy Fallonis expected to be released in 2027.
In the show, players will be challenged to solve five-letter word puzzles in what is described as “an oversized battle of wits, speed and fun.”
The show’s official tagline continues: “It builds on how the puzzle community engages with Wordle every day: solving together, sharing victories, debating strategies, and encouraging each other.” Contestants on the show will compete to win cash prizes and casting is currently underway.
Jimmy Fallon released a statement
Fallon released a statement following the news that NBC had ordered “Wordle” with Guthrie as host. He said: “I feel very honored to work with Savannah Guthrie on this show.”
He continued: “Savannah has that rare combination of intelligence, charm, and warmth that makes everyone instantly feel welcome. And she obviously knows how to host a show. I’m SUPER PROUD and HAPPY, and I think we’ve developed a SOLID GAMER for PRIME-time.”
Fallon, who also hosts “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on NBC, has produced several other shows for the network. One of the most recent is the now-canceled “On Brand with Jimmy Fallon.” However, he was also behind “That’s My Jam” and the cover of “Password”.
Fans are mixed on the idea of a ‘Wordle’ game show
Game shows remain very popular on network television. However, social media users have mixed opinions about the introduction of ‘Wordle’ to television screens. One person said on
Another person said: “Imagine explaining to someone in 2019 that guessing a 5 letter word online would become an entire game show on NBC. »
After that, another social media user said: “So we’re all going to sit around in 2027 and watch people sweat over five letter words like it’s the spelling Super Bowl? Somewhere, a parent is already screaming ‘IT’S EITHER CRANE OR SLATE!’ on TV.
Finally, another X user said: “Word becoming a game show in 2027 is the pinnacle of the ‘turn everything into content’ era. Somehow it still makes sense.”
Savannah Guthrie returned to ‘Today’ in April
Guthrie’s mother went missing on February 1 after being last seen the night before. Naturally, the beloved presenter took some time away from her hosting duties as the investigation into her mother’s disappearance got underway.
According to NBC, she then returned to the show on April 6 after not being featured since the last Friday in January. Guthrie was greeted not only by her co-hosts, but also by welcoming fans holding signs with messages of hope.
She addressed the crowd, saying: “These signs are so beautiful. You have been so beautiful. I have received so many letters, so much kindness to me and my whole family. We feel it. We feel your prayers, so thank you very much.”
“Today” remains the number 1 show on morning television
Guthrie has been a staple on “Today” since 2012 and currently hosts the show alongside Craig Melvin, Carson Daly, Al RokerAnd Jenna Bush Hager. According to TV Insider, the latest ratings show it remains the highest-rated of the network’s three morning shows, which include ABC’s “Good Morning America” and “CBS Mornings.”
For the week of April 20, “Today” averaged 2.996 million viewers. The show attracted 639,000 viewers in the all-important 25-54 demographic. These figures represent increases of 1% and 5%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2025.
“Good Morning America” wasn’t far behind, with 2.924 million total viewers. “CBS Mornings” came in third, with an average of 1.756 million.
