Savannah Guthrie has announced a major new hosting gig at NBC: a primetime game show based on the New York Times’ viral word‑guessing game Wordle. The news broke on air during the Today show on Monday, May 11, 2026, when Jimmy Fallon joined her as executive producer of the project and confirmed the show’s official greenlight.
The announcement marks one of the most high‑profile television expansions of Guthrie’s nearly two‑decade NBC career, positioning her as the face of a franchise built around a global puzzle phenomenon.
What Savannah Guthrie’s New Gig Is
Savannah Guthrie will host a new NBC game show titled Wordle Game Show, adapted from the New York Times’ daily five‑letter word puzzle. The program is being developed by NBC’s alternative division in partnership with Jimmy Fallon’s production company, Electric Hot Dog, and The New York Times as a production partner.
On the Today broadcast, Fallon called the project “a Wordle game show” and said the team had been developing the TV version for about two and a half years. Guthrie described the upcoming show as fast‑paced and family‑friendly, emphasizing that it encourages intergenerational play and learning.
Wordle Game Show: Format, Release, and Details
While a full rule‑book is not yet public, early descriptions indicate that the Wordle Game Show will keep the core mechanic of guessing a five‑letter word in six tries, with real‑time audience and home participation. The show will likely feature contestant pairs or teams racing against the clock, with Guthrie guiding rounds, offering banter, and explaining clues.
Production is slated to begin later in 2026, with filming expected to take place in Manchester, England, for a version that will air in both the U.S. and the U.K. NBC has told outlets that the show is scheduled to premiere in 2027, slotting into a primetime entertainment block.
Emotional Announcement on Today Show
Savannah Guthrie made the reveal live on the Today show’s 8:00‑a.m. hour, flanked by Jimmy Fallon, who appeared as a guest and executive producer. She opened the segment by saying she had been “holding this secret for a long time,” prompting cheers and applause from the studio audience.
Fallon jokingly warned viewers, “You’re not ready for this Savannah Guthrie news,” before formally announcing the show’s greenlight. Guthrie, visibly emotional and excited, said she was “beyond thrilled” and praised the chance to bring a beloved daily puzzle into a live, communal TV experience.
Why This Gig Matters After a Tough Year
For Guthrie, the Wordle game show represents a creative pivot after a turbulent stretch on the Today roster. In early May 2026, she abruptly left the show mid‑broadcast, later returning to reassure viewers and colleagues without disclosing details, a move that fueled speculation about her future at NBC.
The new hosting gig signals that the network not only wants to keep her in the spotlight but is also investing in her as a primetime personality beyond the morning desk. By tying her to a proven, pandemic‑era hit like Wordle, NBC is banking on name‑recognition and millennial‑plus fan loyalty to help open the show in 2027.
Reactions From Insiders and the Public
Insiders have framed the pairing of Savannah Guthrie and Jimmy Fallon as a natural fit, given the late‑night host’s frequent on‑air plugs for Wordle and his own development push into game‑show formats. Variety‑style outlets have noted that bringing a digital puzzle into primetime reflects a broader industry trend of translating online obsessions into linear TV.
On social media, Today fans and Wordle enthusiasts have largely welcomed the news, with many calling it a “perfect cross‑over” and praising Guthrie’s warmth and quick thinking. Some critics have questioned whether a guessing‑style puzzle can sustain a full hour of TV, but industry analysts point to recent audience‑driven quiz formats that have performed well in similar slots.
What Happens Next
NBC is expected to release an official trailer, exact premiere date, and sample gameplay video ahead of the 2027 rollout. The network will likely use the Today platform and Fallon’s late‑night slot to seed promos and short‑form segments teasing the show’s visual style and contestant casting.
Guthrie’s schedule will now need to balance Today duties with the time‑intensive production of a weekly primetime series, including taping blocks and promotional tours.
FAQ: Savannah Guthrie Announces New Hosting Gig at NBC
What is Savannah Guthrie’s new gig at NBC?
She will host a primetime game show called Wordle Game Show, based on the New York Times’ daily word‑guessing puzzle, produced in partnership with Jimmy Fallon and NBC’s alternative division.
When did Savannah Guthrie announce this new hosting gig?
She announced it live during the Today show on Monday, May 11, 2026, alongside Jimmy Fallon as executive producer.
Will the Wordle show be on NBC only?
The show will air in both the U.S. and the U.K., with production based in Manchester, England; NBC will handle the American broadcast.
What format will the Wordle game show have?
The show will preserve Wordle’s core five‑letter guessing mechanic, likely adapted for pairs or teams competing against the clock, with Guthrie guiding gameplay and audience interaction.
When is the Wordle game show expected to premiere?
NBC has indicated a 2027 launch, with production beginning later in 2026.
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