The staff at TODAY experienced a pretty scary situation last week, when an intruder entered the studio where the NBC morning show is filmed after bypassing security. Thankfully, no one was physically harmed in the incident, but network executives reportedly began looking into their protocols immediately in hopes of preventing further incidents. Now, word has gone out to publicity firms regarding big changes for future guests.

A man was arrested July 16 after allegedly entering an unauthorized area of 30 Rockefeller Plaza’s Studio 1A in search of Al Roker. There, he encountered Craig Melvin and reportedly lunged at the news anchor and used a slur. The Today Show team has since made some adjustments, Variety reports, sending an email to publicists to alert them to “stricter security protocols effective immediately.” The message read:

A security guard was let go after it was reported that the intruder was able to enter TODAY’s studio by closely following behind an employee who used an access card to get inside. It seems that by only allowing two additional people per guest of the show to be in the studio, NBC is hoping to decrease the opportunity for people to piggyback on those with access.

The Today Show’s guests are still allowed to bring others with them; however, anyone beyond the two authorized by the guest will have to wait elsewhere during the interview. The email acknowledged this may be inconvenient, writing:

Craig Melvin, Al Roker and the rest of the team reportedly continued on with Thursday’s edition of The Today Show without mention of the incident. However, Melvin later assured fans via social media that he was “just fine,” and also addressed the situation on the air the following morning.

Savannah Guthrie, who has been through a lot this year after her mother was abducted from her home in February, was not at work when the man entered the studio. She will be taking some time off for the next few weeks for reasons unrelated to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance or the scary Today Show intrusion.

The alleged trespasser, identified as Andrew Truelove, was charged with burglary as a hate crime, menacing as a hate crime, criminal trespass as a hate crime and harassment.

You can continue to catch The Today Show on the 2026 TV schedule each weekday morning on NBC.

Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson’s hilarious bond might be getting a run for its money. Hart is starring in the upcoming Netflix film 72 Hours with Saturday Night Live star Marcello Hernández, and the duo have been giving fans a sneak peek at what to expect when it comes to their comedy. This includes Hernández doing a spot-on impression of his co-star that made Al Roker laugh so hard he had to apologize.

While promoting 72 Hours, which releases on Friday with a Netflix subscription, Hernández and Hart appeared on The Today Show. Not surprisingly, putting two comedians together means endless laughs, and that was true for both the film and their Today appearance. Since this is their first time working together, Hernández gave people a taste of what it’s truly like working with Hart, and his impression got everyone, on and off-camera, cackling. That includes Roker, check out below:

As a comedian, you can expect someone like Hart to have a great sense of humor, and I love that he can laugh at himself. Considering all the times that The Rock has trolled him, it makes sense. Secondly, the fact that you can hear Roker laughing hysterically off-screen really makes the entire bit. Laughter fuels comedians, so hearing all that laughter and how much Roker enjoyed it probably pushed Hernández to go even further with his impression. The fact that Roker felt the need to apologize for laughing is just icing on the cake.

Whenever you get SNL stars in a movie, you know it’s going to be a good one, and when they’re paired with other SNL stars or comedians, that is going to really heighten the entire project. Already it seems like Hernández and Hart are getting along swimmingly. And it makes me excited to see their new movie because if it’s anything like this interview, I just know I’m going to be laughing the entire time.

It does blow my mind that 72 Hours is the first time that Hernández and Hart have worked together, especially since it seems like they’ve been friends for years. The last time Hart hosted Saturday Night Live was in 2017, and Hernández didn’t join the show until 2022. As of now, he doesn’t seem to have any desire to follow in Chloe Fineman’s footsteps and leave SNL, and Hart is severely overdue for a return to Studio 8H, so hopefully we’ll get even more of them when Season 52 premieres this fall.

At the very least, we can look forward to seeing Kevin Hart and Marcello Hernández together in 72 Hours. The new film, also starring fellow SNL stars Ben Marshall and Kam Patterson as well as Mason Gooding, Teyana Taylor, Michael Mando, Zach Cherry, Mike Epps, Andy Garcia, and Kevin Dunn, drops on Netflix on Friday.

Today Show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie has been contending with the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of her mother, Nancy. Savannah took a months-long sabbatical from the show and eventually returned in early April. Aside from that familial crisis, Savannah has also missed time due to other obligations and, in some cases, good friend and former co-anchor, Hoda Kotb has filled in for her. Now, if a report is to be believed, Guthrie has a request for NBC execs, and Kotb is allegedly involved.

Guthrie was away from Today earlier this month, though it wasn’t because of her mother. Instead, the veteran journalist simply wanted to take some time off and spend it with her family. During that time, the powers that be at NBC had fellow Today Show stars Sheinelle Jones and Laura Jarrett fill in as co-anchor to Craig Melvin. Per an insider who was cited on Rob Shuter’s substack, that was the result of a request from Guthrie. The individual dropped claims about Guthrie’s strong feelings on the matter:

These comments should be taken with a grain of salt though, considering neither Guthrie nor NBC top brass have confirmed that such a conversation was had. However, such rationale would make sense, considering the talent present at the show. Jones co-hosts the fourth hour of Today alongside Jenna Bush Hager and was named to that post this past January. As for Jarrett, has been the co-anchor of the Saturday edition of Today since 2023. So there’s definitely in-house talent to utilize instead of having Kotb come in.

Kotb announced her Today Show departure in September 2024, at which point she’d co-anchored the main show since 2018 and the fourth hour since 2007. At the time, Kotb attributed her decision to a desire to spend time with her two young daughters and venture into new enterprises. For a time, it was even rumored that she’d replace Kelly Clarkson before she formally announced her decision to leave her eponymous talk show. While Kotb’s willingness to fill in for Guthrie has seemingly been helpful, another source says this:

Regardless of what’s supposedly been said about Kotb returning to the studio to lend a hand, she’s previously said she was “happy” to be back at the show in order to assist her TV family. Upon Guthrie’s return to Today back in April, she and Kotb also shared a tender moment together on air.

As for what’s coming up, Savannah Guthrie is actually set to be away from the show a bit longer, as she recently revealed on air that she’d be taking some time to film her new game show, Wordle. So NBC may be in a position in which it has to rely on talent like Laura Jarrett and Sheinelle Jones again. Whoever ends up filling in, I’m confident they’ll be capable of doing the job like either Guthrie or Hoda Kotb.

If you watched The Today Show on July 16, you probably didn’t realize that the cast and crew — particularly Craig Melvin — had just experienced a pretty frightening incident. NBC’s morning show went on as planned Thursday, but reports began to circulate quickly about an intruder getting past security. Melvin confirmed on the air Friday that a man had indeed managed to get past security into an unauthorized area of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, with NYPD responding.

Andrew Truelove, 41, was arrested Thursday, TMZ reports, after getting into TODAY’s Studio 1A and asking where he could find Al Roker. Craig Melvin was in the area at the time, and Truelove allegedly confronted him, reportedly lunging at the co-host and yelling a slur at him. Page Six reports the incident lasted 8 to 10 seconds before the intruder was detained, and NYPD arrested him shortly after. Melvin spoke about the situation about 30 minutes into Friday’s show on the 2026 TV schedule, saying:

Craig Melvin was surrounded by Carson Daly, Al Roker and Laura Jarrett, who was filling in as Savannah Guthrie got “an early start to the weekend,” according to Melvin. The anchor, who allegedly came face-to-face with the intruder, assured his colleagues he was “safe and sound,” adding:

He had also posted about the incident on Instagram on Thursday, after many people reportedly reached out to check on him after such a scary interaction. Craig Melvin wrote:

The incident raises safety questions, to be sure, especially since security was allegedly increased after Savannah Guthrie returned from her leave of absence earlier this year. TMZ reports that a security guard at 30 Rockefeller Plaza was terminated Thursday after the intruder slipped by him into Studio 1A.

Andrew Truelove was charged with hate crime burglary, hate crime menacing, hate crime criminal trespass and harassment in Thursday’s incident. The New York Post reports that he has eight previous arrests, mostly for criminal mischief. His record also allegedly includes a charge of second-degree assault after he reportedly attacked a staffer at his residence in January, grabbing the worker’s arm and slamming a door into it.

The Today Show incident is especially disturbing given what Savannah Guthrie has been through this year with the disappearance of her mother Nancy. The longtime NBC anchor had allegedly left the building shortly before the incident occurred. It’s unknown if her absence Friday was previously scheduled, but Guthrie missed several days earlier this month to spend some time with her family. Last month she also had production meetings for the upcoming game show Wordle, which caused her to be absent from Today for several days.

While this latest incident was presumably unrelated to what Savannah Guthrie’s been through, everyone on The Today Show has reportedly been a little more on edge, and this incident isn’t likely to help matters. We’re glad no one was physically harmed in Thursday’s security breach, and we hope Craig Melvin, Al Roker and the rest truly are “just fine.”

Savannah Guthrie’s mother has been missing for the majority of 2026, and after taking extended time off right when it happened, the anchor returned to work at Today in April. However, since then, she’s taken some time off here and there. This includes a few days this week. Her reason for being off-air, though, has reportedly nothing to do with her mother’s disappearance.

As the Today show continues to air daily on the 2026 TV schedule, Savannah has taken the last two days off. Laura Jarrett filled in for her today while Sheinelle Jones took her chair on Wednesday. According to TMZ, there’s been speculation that her absence had something to do with her mother Nancy’s disappearance. However, according to sources who spoke to the outlet, the investigation has nothing to do with why she’s not working at the moment. Savannah has reportedly simply taken some time for herself to spend time with her family.

Meanwhile, the investigation into her mom’s kidnapping remains active, and the FBI has “received several ransom notes,” with some seemingly being “extortion attempts without legitimacy” while others could “potentially be legitimate.”

Now, this most recent absence comes almost a month after Savannah Guthrie missed a few days of work in mid-June. That time off was also not related to her mother’s disappearance. It was actually connected to her career, as she was beginning work on her Wordle show that will air on NBC later this year.

So, she’s been gone for a variety of reasons throughout 2026. However, it’s not shocking that many initially assume that her absence could be related to her mom and the ongoing investigation. In fact, earlier this summer, alleged plans for what Today will do if Savannah steps away again were shared, and they revealed that Hoda Kotb is allegedly on standby if her former co-host needs to take some extended time off again.

Notably, Kotb did fill in during Savannah’s absence earlier this year. So, it’s not shocking that this is the alleged plan if she has to leave again.

However, the last few episodes Savannah missed were reportedly just some personal time off, which is a very regular thing for these anchors to do throughout the year.

At the moment, it’s unclear when the longtime anchor will return. Meanwhile, the investigation into her mom’s kidnapping is ongoing. Over the last few months, this case has been reported on by the Today team. Also, back in June, Savannah spoke about what’s happened to her mother during a telecast, saying that “somebody knows something” and reiterating that she and her family are “in agony” and “cannot be at peace.”

Now, as we learn more about why Savannah Guthrie missed a few days of work, and as the investigation involving her mother continues, we’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, you can watch Today every morning on NBC.

The abduction of Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother Nancy has captured the attention of so many people, and as five months have passed with very few answers, fans continue to keep an eye on the Today Show anchor. Some reports suggest that NBC even has a contingency plan in place for if Guthrie has to leave the show again for any reason. However, there was talk behind the scenes even before the kidnapping that Guthrie might be on her way out.

Savannah Guthrie took a couple of months away from The Today Show earlier this year to focus on the investigation of her kidnapped mother. She has since returned, of course, but during that time, there was much speculation about whether or not she would come back. Even before that, though, it was allegedly Guthrie’s salary and the changing landscape of network television that executives thought could lead to her exit. According to one former high-level executive (per Vulture):

What many may have forgotten was that conversations about Savannah Guthrie’s possible exit had already been underway for over a year when her family emergency occurred.

Back in fall of 2024, when Hoda Kotb announced she was leaving TODAY, there were reports that Savannah Guthrie had also been planning to exit, and that Kotb’s decision upended her potential departure. At one point Guthrie herself even reportedly said:

All of that seems like a lifetime ago, as we’ve seen Savannah Guthrie leave and then return to her Today Show family as she continues to deal with her mother’s abduction. However, the conversation about her potential exit hasn’t gone away. When she first left to be in Arizona with her family, a junior staffer said:

That seemed to be the consensus amongst employees, and while Savannah Guthrie was allegedly “surprised and dismayed” to hear it, a senior-level staffer said:

A source close to Savannah Guthrie said that even the anchor was allegedly worried about her ability to hold it together on air, as well as the possibility that becoming part of such a terrible news story would put a dark cloud over the show as a whole. Regardless, Guthrie did return, and she remains there today.

Only time will tell if Savannah Guthrie is back for the long run, or if an exit may still be on her mind. Even as she takes on new opportunities at the network — namely becoming the host of the new Wordle game show — there are reportedly concerns that it all may be too much to handle, and there’s always the possibility that a big break in her mother’s case could necessitate another leave of absence.

We’ll have to wait to see what happens, but for now you can continue to see Savannah Guthrie and the whole Today Show crew weekday mornings on NBC.

It’s been five months since Savannah Guthrie’s mother Nancy went missing from her home in Arizona, and while The Today Show anchor returned to work in April after a two-month leave of absence, the efforts to find the 84-year-old are very much ongoing. In fact, as new ransom note details are reported and Guthrie pleads on air for someone to step forward, NBC is allegedly preparing for if she has to step away again.

Despite all the national attention Nancy Guthrie’s case has received, a large reward being offered and allegedly hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on private investigators, there have been no arrests made or suspects named. According to Naughty But Nice podcaster Rob Shuter, network executives reportedly are ready, should there be a break in the case that would require Savannah Guthrie to leave again — or if the whole ordeal just becomes too much for her. A source said:

I can’t imagine what Savannah Guthrie and her family are going through, and she even admitted on The Today Show they are “in agony.” Experts predicted in April that she might be “more visibly shaken” when she returned to the morning show, and insiders have reported that Guthrie has gotten emotional during commercial breaks.

If the longtime anchor does eventually need to step away for any reason, NBC is reportedly prepared, as Rob Shuter reports that Hoda Kotb has allegedly been put on standby. According to a source:

Hoda Kotb filled in for her friend and former colleague earlier this year, when Savannah Guthrie went to Arizona to assist in the official investigation, and she apparently is ready to do it again if and when she’s needed.

Savannah Guthrie, however, seems determined to stay the course, regardless of co-workers' alleged concerns. A third source said:

On May 6, Savannah Guthrie abruptly left The Today Show about 90 minutes into taping with no explanation, but Craig Melvin did explain why she wasn’t there for a handful of more recent episodes — apparently she started work on the new NBC game show Wordle.

I think everybody’s hoping that this nightmare will end for Savannah Guthrie, but it’s good to know she’s got people looking out for her and friends like Hoda Kotb, who will allegedly continue to be there if needed.

Tune into The Today Show weekdays on NBC to see what Savannah Guthrie and the rest will be talking about next.

Billy Bush and Al Roker worked together at The Today Show for less than a year in 2016, and to say it didn’t go well would be an understatement. There was a much-publicized on-air argument. There were rumors of behind the scenes issues, and a decade later, it seems those negative vibes are still there. During a recent podcast appearance, Bush was asked about his time working with Roker, and he did not hold back on the 71-year-old affectionately dubbed America’s Weatherman.

In a blistering rant that lasted almost ten minutes, only interrupted by host Maureen Callahan’s follow-up questions, Bush went off on Roker. He said he had great relationships with all of his female co-workers, but both Roker and anchor Matt Lauer hated him immediately. He said Roker especially was “territorial, vindictive and chronically unprepared.” He also accused him of being the sort of person who gets jealous if other people have good moments on the show.

Here's a portion of the quote from his appearance on The Nerve...

According to Bush, the problems with Roker began almost immediately. He was originally brought in to The Today Show to help liven up the third hour, the one Roker hosted, but because the weatherman didn’t have any say in the decision, it allegedly didn’t sit well with him. Bush claims his old Access Hollywood producer told him before he even arrived on set that he heard the talent didn’t want him there, and that’s the impression he got immediately. He said there was a general unfriendliness and not long after, he was told that Roker had liked a tweet from a random Twitter user that accused Bush of racism.

Some tension over how many questions Bush was asking during interviews and other small matters allegedly became a regular part of their working relationship, but the partnership wasn’t destined to last very long. First, the two got into a much-publicized argument on-air over Ryan Lochte’s debunked story about being robbed during the Olympics. Then a few months later, behind the scenes footage from an old Access Hollywood interview went viral in which Bush appeared to laugh while President Trump talked about groping women. He was quickly suspended and later let go. He eventually took a job with Extra.

It’s been a long time since the two worked together, but it’s obvious all of Bush’s negative feelings are still fresh. With time to reflect, he’s of the opinion that Roker has always wanted to be more than a weatherman. According to him, that’s why he pushed to be involved in segments outside the weather. It’s allegedly why he pushed to host the third hour of Today, and it’s why he was so touchy about who was doing what. You can watch the full interview segment below…

Of course, that’s just Bush’s side of the story. Obviously things didn’t work out as well for him as hoped at The Today Show. Roker, however, is still there and is celebrating his 30 year anniversary on the show this year. It’s been an all-time run, and notably, one that has included an almost twenty year co-working relationship with Bush’s cousin Jenna Bush Hager, who hosts the fourth hour of Today and also hilariously once accused him of making out with her grandmother.

I would be surprised if Roker addresses his relationship with Billy Bush directly. He’s normally pretty professional during his media appearances, but maybe at some point, we’ll get the weatherman’s side of the story. I’m sure he has thoughts, whether he ever shares them or not.

While Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day offers up plenty of action and sci-fi thrills it also features an excellent cast. Spielberg has once again crafted a film with care imbued it with his keen sensibilities as a filmmaker. There’s a lot to take in from this 2026 movie schedule entry, from its spectacle to the wonderful performances. Something I didn’t notice, however, was the cameo from a member of NBC’s Today Show family. And, now, that person is opening up about how they landed their role in this Universal flick.

This particular cameo doesn’t belong to an on-air personality like Al Roker or Craig Melvin, but someone who plays an integral role behind the scenes of the nationally syndicated morning show. David Auerbach, a stage manager at Today, appears in Disclosure Day, playing the role of a control room member. Known affectionately as “Davey” by his co-workers, Auerbach recently spoke about his experience working with Spielberg, and it sounds like he’s going to treasure that opportunity for quite some time:

Auerbach appears near the end of the film and plays a member of an NBC control room. Those who’ve seen Disclosure Day surely know the ending is chilling and, even if I’d been familiar with Auerbach or not, I admittedly may not have spotted him. Believe it or not, though, this isn’t Auerbach’s first rodeo, as he’s been acting for decades and notably landed roles in the ‘90s film Gravesend as well as sitcom Man of the Family along with stage productions and TV commercials. Auerbach’s acting career eventually went on hold as he rose within the ranks with NBC, a company he’s been with since 1984.

However, in 2025, Auerbach decided to get back in the saddle, so to speak, after receiving a boost from Today host Sheinelle Jones. And, as fate would have it, his very first audition since returning to the craft was to play a news producer in a Spielberg film, and the rest is movie history. (This also makes for a sweet brand synergy for NBCUniversal.) Auerbach recalled the moment he learned he’d booked his role, and it sounds so sweet:

Despite any “terror” he might’ve felt at the time, Auerbach said the two-day shoot proved to be fruitful and memorable. He called the experience “intense” but said that Spielberg would keep the vibe chill in between takes. While recalling his experience with the iconic director, Auerbach referred to him as a “nice, really warm guy” and he also recalled the famed director joking with everyone in between takes. I’d expect nothing less from the man who even has a sense of humor about not landing James Bond.

When it comes to Auerbach, though, he’s now immortalized within the history of film, and his colleagues seem excited for him. Craig Melvin recently talked him up during an event for the Spielberg-helmed movie, and you can check it out below:

The well-reviewed Disclosure Day is a chase movie that sees a young man (Josh O’Connor) seek to reveal information to the world that could change life as humanity knows it. It marks Spielberg’s fourth UFO-related movie, and it hits some truly sweet notes. Now, after hearing about David Auerbach’s experience, though, I think I have yet another reason to appreciate the movie. So head out to your local theater to check out this latest Spielberg movie and see Auerbach’s contribution to it.

Over the past month or so, Savannah Guthrie has been settling back into her anchor role at The Today Show after taking a hiatus due to the disappearance of her mother, Nancy. In the meantime, though, authorities are still making efforts to locate the 84-year-old matriarch. Savannah, for her part, has still been sharing messages in which she’s expressed hope that she’ll be located. Now, over four months since the search for Nancy began, Savannah is sharing yet another emotional appeal.

Savannah Guthrie took to her Instagram story to share a photo featuring a religious painting. Said artwork depicts the ascension of Jesus Christ, and Guthrie superimposed the photo with text, reading, “Oh my, my soul, it cries out, soul, it cries out.” She also added the three-word message “bring her home” accompanied by a heart emoji. Take a look at the post:

That’s a truly striking image, and it clearly resonates with Guthrie during this period of her life. Over the years, Guthrie has been very open about her religious faith and how it’s played a significant factor in her life. While the message is brief, the post as a whole seems to indicate that even during this unfortunate time, the beloved host is still choosing to lean on her faith. Quite frankly, I admire Guthrie’s desire to remain optimistic and the fact that she’s also expressed emotional vulnerability in recent months.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona during the evening hours of January 31, 2026. Authorities soon discovered evidence that seemed to suggest that Guthrie was taken against her will, and a criminal investigation was initiated. No arrests have been made in the case as of right now, and no suspects have been named right now. More recently, it was alleged that Savannah was spending over $500,000 on private investigators due to not feeling confident in the FBI and local authorities’ search efforts.

All the while, Savannah Guthrie has also been sharing videos on social media in which she’s candidly discussed her and her family’s circumstances. During Valentine’s Day weekend, dropped a video in which she directly addressed those holding her mother, at which point a $100,000 reward was being offered for any potential information on Nancy’s whereabouts. Savannah shared an emotional Mother’s Day post months later in Nancy’s honor, with Hoda Kotb, Carson Daly and more later reaching out with messages of support.

Before Guthrie got back to Today, there was considerable speculation regarding when she might rejoin her colleagues. Some media pundits also speculated that Guthrie might seem “visibly shaken” when she was back at the anchor desk. The NBC veteran eventually made her return to the program on April 6 and, ahead of that, colleague Al Roker noted the “almost symbolic” nature of her coming back on the heels of Easter. Since then, Guthrie has opened up about choosing to hold onto joy at work even with her mother still missing.

Reports have suggested, however, that changes have been made at Today in light of Guthrie’s situation. Per the alleged marching orders, fellow hosts were even discouraged from formally welcoming Guthrie back in order to maintain a vibe of normalcy. It’s also been claimed that during commercial breaks, the anchor has gotten “emotional” at some points and that such feelings can be sparked by a comment made by a sweet remark made by a guest or fan.

Guthrie discussed her readjustment herself, though, during an episode of Jenna & Sheinelle this week. While speaking with colleague and good friend Jenna Bush Hager, Guthrie said it’d been “really hard to come back” and that she’d been “trying so hard to hold it together.” In spite of her familial situation, though, it sounds like Guthrie has found it comforting to be at work and be amongst people who care about her even as thoughts of her mother persist:

The Guthrie family is reportedly still keeping in communication with authorities as the search for Nancy continues. All the while, in addition to resuming her Today Show responsibilities, Savannah has also been tapped to host NBC’s upcoming Wordle game show. Still, if her recent post is any indication, Savannah’s mother isn’t leaving her consciousness as she keeps busy.

Savannah Guthrie may be back on The Today Show — and even taking on new gigs — but that doesn’t mean she’s stopped making every effort possible to find her mother. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on the night of January 31, and even four months later very little information has come to light from the official investigation. Now, the morning show host has allegedly taken matters into her own hands and is spending a massive amount of money on private investigators.

It is believed that Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home in the early morning hours of February 1, but no major leads have come even after doorcam footage was found of a masked man outside her door that night. A source for The Sun says Savannah Guthrie has lost faith in the work being done by local officials and the FBI, and she’s allegedly paid around $500,000 on private investigators to find her mother, telling everyone that “the search will continue as long as necessary.” The insider said:

Savannah Guthrie has reportedly hired an “entire independent team” that includes former law enforcement agents, security experts and investigators, the source said, who continue to work leads every day.

The insider said the Today Show co-host allegedly sensed a lack of urgency in the official investigation as time went on and felt the need to hire people who would keep the search for Nancy Guthrie a priority. The insider continued:

There were a lot of questions in the aftermath of Nancy Guthrie’s abduction about whether or not Savannah would quit The Today Show, and even after she chose to return, things weren't easy. Reports say she sometimes gets emotional during commercial breaks and has even left suddenly from a broadcast without explanation.

However, it sounds like she needed to get back to work, not only to resume a more regular routine and to be around her supportive Today Show family, but to keep earning money to fund the private investigation. A second source weighed in:

That hope was apparent in Savannah Guthrie’s emotional Mother’s Day post, where she vowed to never stop looking for her mom. Hopefully, these additional efforts and resources will lead to answers for the Guthrie family.

Savannah Guthrie has had to deal with unfathomable heartbreak this year with the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother Nancy and, even though she’s returned to The Today Show, things reportedly aren't the same. How could they be? So many questions remain unanswered since the last time Nancy Guthrie was seen. For that reason it came as a surprise that Savannah has signed on to host the upcoming Wordle game show. And, apparently, the news has sparked concern amongst some of her NBC colleagues.

There is allegedly some fear from Savannah Guthrie’s friends and Today Show family that she’s pushing herself too hard, Naughty But Nice substack owner Rob Shuter says, especially after all she’s been through and the continued stress of both her personal and professional life. The gossip columnist reports:

It’s unfortunate that Savannah Guthrie would have to worry about ratings right now, as she and her family still don’t know what happened on the night of January 31, when Nancy Guthrie was reportedly taken from her home against her will. Nancy’s whereabouts and condition are still unknown.

Yet NBC didn’t get the ratings bump it expected from Savannah Guthrie’s return in April, and The Today Show remains in tight competition with Good Morning America for that daytime audience. One source said now’s not the time for other projects to start pulling Guthrie’s attention. They said:

Wordle aside, it sounds like the longtime NBC anchor has — quite understandably — had some rough moments on set since her first episode back on April 6, even sometimes getting emotional during commercial breaks. She also left suddenly from the May 6th edition of the morning show, returning the next day without explanation. Her emotional state allegedly has colleagues worried, as another insider reportedly told Shuter:

Remaining busy to keep from thinking about your grief is definitely something that many people do, and it’s hard to see this news about Wordle and not suspect that’s part of her reasoning for taking on more work. However, Rob Shuter says nobody at The Today Show doubts her abilities or blames her for taking a new opportunity, with yet another insider apparently saying:

Wordle will be produced by Jimmy Fallon, reportedly to air on NBC in 2027. Savannah Guthrie is apparently a dedicated Wordle player, so the decision to cast her as the new game show’s host makes sense in that regard. It just sounds like those around her want to also make sure she’s not taking on more than she can handle during these difficult times.

Stay tuned for more updates on Savannah Guthrie and Wordle.

It has officially been 100 days since Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy, went missing. And, for the past month, the Today host has been back at her post and attempting to resume normal life amid the nerve-racking uncertainty she’s been dealing with as an investigation remains ongoing. If you’ve been wondering how Savannah Guthrie has been holding up as she hosts the morning show, a new report has just provided us with an update about what happens during commercial breaks on Today.

Savannah Guthrie’s grace on TV isn’t always the full picture, according to one source who spoke to Page Six. In their words:

Guthrie’s mom was believed to have been abducted from her home in Arizona on February 1. Over the weekend, the anchor took to social media to share an emotional Mother’s Day post where she said, “We will never stop looking for you,” and she pleaded for anyone with information to contact the FBI, who is offering a $100,000 reward for any information relating to Nancy’s case. Guthrie and her family are also willing to pay $1 million for any tips as well.

As the Today host hopes for some answers, the same insider also said this about her emotional state as of late:

Following Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, Savannah Guthrie took all of February and March off of the morning show before officially returning on April 6. Another source told the same outlet that “everyone” on the NBC talk show has reportedly been amazed by her “strength and bravery” as she publicly deals with a situation that’s so tragic and disheartening. The source also said this:

The Today crew is reportedly a tight-knit group who have each other’s backs, including Hoda Kotb, who has talked about being grateful to hold Savannah's hand since her return. But, apparently, one co-host has especially been instrumental:

It’s certainly great to hear that Savannah has some support on set, and it’s expected that she’d have some emotions as she transitions back to working amidst the ongoing investigation. On Monday, she got to announce some exciting news for her career on Today by sharing that she’ll be hosting a game show for Wordle with Jimmy Fallon. The popular New York Times game is yet another reminder of her mom, though, since they would connect over the game together.

Meanwhile, the investigation into her mother's disappearance remains ongoing.

You can see Savannah Guthrie on new episodes of Today, which airs on the 2026 TV schedule on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on NBC.

Mother’s Day can be a wonderful time to honor the moms and other maternal figures in your life; however, for many people the holiday isn’t so easy. For the past few months we’ve been invested Savannah Guthrie’s tragic story, with still no resolution on what happened to her 84-year-old mother Nancy, who has been missing since February 1. Guthrie shared an emotional post Sunday, and her Today Show family and others reached out in support.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen the night of January 31, and despite evidence including blood that was not Nancy’s and camera footage showing a masked man around her house on the night of the disappearance, there has not been a break in the case to explain what happened to the 84-year-old. Savannah shared a slideshow of videos and photos of her mother, again pleading for someone to come forward with information. You can see her Instagram post below:

It’s wonderful that Savannah Guthrie has so many videos of Nancy to hear her mother’s voice, and her post also includes lots of photos of her mom over the years. In any other context, this would be such a happy tribute, but with so much uncertainty still surrounding the situation, it’s absolutely heartbreaking.

Savannah Guthrie isn’t going through it alone, though. In addition to her family, she’s got her colleagues — and the Today co-hosts are very much like family. Just like they did right after her mom disappeared, they reached out on Mother’s Day to offer kind words and prayers in the comment section of her post:

• Carson Daly: I will never stop praying. ❤️
• Katie Couric: 💔💔💔💔💔
• Andrea Canning: You have painted a picture for the world of the most wonderful and caring mother, Savannah… our hearts go out to you on this Mother’s Day and every day. ❤️🙏
• Dylan Dreyer: Thinking of you and I continue to pray every day
• Hoda Kotb: 🙏🙏 i love you sg …..Bring her home❤️

Savannah Guthrie returned to The Today Show in April after spending two months in Arizona amidst the investigation, and while some things have changed — increased security, for one — The Today Show crew is just trying to be there for Guthrie however they can be.

Unlike other Mother’s Day tributes that we saw on so many celebrities’ social media accounts Sunday, Savannah Guthrie’s message that accompanied the above slideshow was filled with heartache, as she said her family will not rest until they have answers. She also included the number to the FBI tip line, writing:

We all continue to hope for a conclusion to this case so that Savannah Guthrie and her family can finally learn what happened to Nancy Guthrie. There’s nothing else that could have made Mother’s Day easier for them, but I’m glad Savannah has so much support from her co-workers in the meantime.

It was emotional for viewers when Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie reunited on Today, months after the harrowing date when Nancy Guthrie vanished in Arizona. NBC had high expectations about how the moment would play in the ratings that didn’t pan out exactly as the network (allegedly) hoped. Yet, I enjoyed that things felt like business as usual, and there’s another way Guthrie has reportedly manifested this attitude in the halls at work.

One thing NBC was (also allegedly) very concerned about was Savannah Guthrie’s return itself. I don’t think there was a question that people were excited to have her back in the fold. (Well, at least outside of some perceived drama about having both Hoda Kotb and her replacement Craig Melvin around.) While there's still healing to be undergone, Guthrie getting back to work means she’s ready to move forward, even with the mystery of what happened to her mother still unfolding.

Regardless, given the high-profile nature of the case, and what is now likely to be a negative outcome, NBC was apparently a little cautious around their star anchor’s return. According to a Rob Shuter spoiler report, changes were made to security to tighten things up before their anchorwoman returned to the set.

In fact, measures in the building that may have been a bit on the lax side before are now very strict, and it’s allegedly a “rules are rules” environment.

There’s been no indication that Savannah Guthrie is potentially in danger of being targeted after what happened with her mother. (In fact, local law enforcement previously said they didn't think there was "an active threat.") However, given the case has no resolution yet, and there was some question about whether the star would even return initially, I’m not surprised the network may be feeling like it’s better to be safe than sorry.

To that point, though, Guthrie herself reportedly doesn’t want to feel as if she is in lockdown whilst at work. An insider also told the scooper:

Which brings us to this week.

To That Point, Al Roker Also Weighed In

Al Roker seemingly confirmed the latter point this week when he told TV Insider Savannah wants to just get back into the swing of things and be as normal as possible.

Guthrie will likely have a few months to get back into the swing of things. Daytime TV nearly always takes a break from the TV schedule during the summer, and last year The Today Show paused for several weeks in August. Last year, she and her husband Michael Feldman took their two kids to Maine. It’s unclear what’s on the docket this year with what’s still ongoing in the Nancy Guthrie case, but with summer break looming, April is not a bad time to get back to work.

Savannah Guthrie made her much-awaited return to The Today Show this past week, and the occasion was met with much fanfare. Of course, Guthrie was returning from a leave of absence taken due to the disappearance of her mother, Nancy. In Savannah’s absence, former co-anchor Hoda Kotb filled in for her and was “happy” to do it. Kotb, however, wasn’t working at the studio when Guthrie made her return to the airwaves. Yet Kotb will be back this coming week, and that’s due to another colleague, Craig Melvin.

It was announced during the April 9th edition of Today that co-anchor Craig Melvin would be heading on vacation. From there, Guthrie quipped that the show would try out another host in the form of Kotb. That was followed by a joke from Melvin, who said he'd heard of Kotb before. In all seriousness, though, both Melvin and Guthrie seemed to be ecstatic about the prospect of Kotb returning to the show once more. And, quite frankly, I also love the fact that Kotb will be back on our screens soon.

At this point, it’s become something of a novelty to see Hoda Kotb on Today, given that she stepped down from her post back in 2025. Kotb attributed her decision to step down to a desire to spend more time with her two daughters. Aside from that, the media personality also wanted to dip her toes into different kinds of ventures. It’d be an understatement to say, however, that Kotb’s recent return to the aforementioned NBC morning show has been bittersweet due to her filling in for Guthrie during a family tragedy.

While Hoda Kotb’s return has seemingly been welcomed by viewers and more, there have been rumors regarding supposed ramifications it could have on Craig Melvin’s position at the show. Melvin replaced Kotb as co-anchor, and she wished him well on his first day last year. However, as of late, it’s been alleged that Melvin’s job security could be on shaky footing with Kotb’s recent return.

That mass speculation apparently went up after Kotb’s tearful interview with Guthrie, during which the latter talked about the experience of navigating her mother’s disappearance. It was alleged that Melvin was unhappy with not being chosen to give that interview and that he felt “he earned that spot.” Of course, all of this should be taken with a massive grain of salt, as a representative for NBC even claimed Melvin knew Kotb would be talking to Guthrie and that he was supportive of that decision.

Regardless, it’s fair to say that this has been an eventful few months for the Peacock network’s flagship morning show. According to reports, Savannah Guthrie’s return, alone, prompted a lot of behind-the-scenes preparations. It was even said that Craig Melvin and co. were ordered not to mention Nancy Guthrie during Savannah’s first day back as to create a sense of normalcy. Still, as media experts have asserted, it’s going to take some time for Guthrie to readjust to the flow of her work, which could include updates on her mom.

More immediately, though, it’s just great to know that when Hoda Kotb returns to The Today Show this time around, it won’t be for tragic reasons. Fans can watch Kotb back on the air starting on Monday, April 13 as part of the ongoing 2026 TV schedule.

Savannah Guthrie returned to The Today Show this week months after stepping away from the program to contend with the disappearance of her mother, Nancy. Ahead of Guthrie’s return, various reports surfaced in regard to how NBC was handling her comeback. Many signs pointed to the co-anchor’s reintegration process being relatively delicate. Now, comments from an insider now seem to add to the notion of the network taking great care. This unnamed individual claimed Guthrie’s co-hosts received some specific instructions.

Those purported marching orders reportedly came down before Guthrie officially made her way back to the anchors’ desk at Studio 1A. Page Six’s source alleged that co-hosts (which would include the likes of Craig Melvin and Carson Daly) were explicitly told not to mention the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie upon Savannah’s return. Additionally, the insider claimed Savannah's colleagues were asked not to formally welcome her back to the workplace. As for the reasoning behind these purported stipulations, the source said:

Of course, these comments should be taken with a grain of salt, as NBC has neither confirmed nor denied that such instructions were given out. If true, however, the powers that be apparently wanted to ensure that there was a sense of normalcy for Guthrie upon her return, which directly followed Easter. Despite that, Guthrie’s return wasn’t a cold occasion filled with emotional distance. Page Six captured at least one photo of Guthrie embracing Daly, and a second source said the following:

84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026 at her home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona, and an investigation was eventually launched into the matter. Authorities have since been providing updates on the situation though, as of this writing, there are no specific suspects or persons of interest in the case. Several ransom notes from purported kidnappers were sent out, with Savannah addressing them alongside her siblings in video messages shared to social media. The Guthrie family is currently offering a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy’s return.

In Guthrie’s absence, former Today Show co-anchor Hoda Kotb filled in, and she expressed warm thoughts on being able to sit in for her longtime friend and colleague. Kotb and Guthrie also sat down for a tearful interview, in which the latter detailed what the last few months had been like for her family. Despite the circumstances, Guthrie said she’d keep an upbeat attitude as she prepared to return to work.

Savannah Guthrie did indeed have a smile on her face when she returned to the airwaves this past Monday and expressed just how “good” it felt for her to be back. Even still, there are other variables to consider with Guthrie’s return, such as the network’s continued responsibility of covering updates on Nancy moving forward. Time will tell how Guthrie continues to settle, and she and the public at large can only wait for further news on the investigation into Nancy’s disappearance.

Savannah Guthrie is on the cusp of returning to her post as co-anchor of The Today Show, as she’ll mark her first day back on Monday, April 6 amid the 2026 TV schedule. Back in February, Guthrie took a leave of absence following the disappearance of her mother, Nancy, whose exact whereabouts remain unknown. Insiders have been sharing comments in regard to how NBC has been seeking to handle Guthrie’s return. Now, several experts with media knowledge are weighing in on how the Today host’s return could play out.

As has been reported as of late, there are different variables to consider when it comes to Guthrie’s return to the anchor desk at Studio 1A at NBC Studios. Much of this information was recently laid out in a wide-ranging story published by Variety. As part of that piece, the trade spoke with several experts, including Ben Bogardus. A chair of Quinnipiac University’s journalism department, Bogardus spoke to the “healing process” that Guthrie is undergoing and explained how the audience and more will factor into her first day back:

All in all, the notion of Guthrie’s co-anchors and viewers embracing her amid her return to the air is not unfounded. Since becoming co-anchor of NBC’s flagship morning show in 2012, Guthrie has built up a considerable following and is arguably now a staple of the program. It goes without saying that Guthrie is a professional, though Kate West – an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Journalism and Media explains why Guthrie may seem somewhat different when she’s back on TV:

Of course, that necessary “empathy” is in regard to the Guthrie family’s situation. Matriarch Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in Arizona on January 31, 2026. Authorities subsequently determined that foul play was involved and began investigating. There’s been no proof of life, as of this writing, though Savannah did send messages (via social media) after she and her family received purported ransom notes. With news on Nancy’s disappearance still being reported, Bogardus also shared this thought:

Recently, Savannah Guthrie took part in an emotional interview with longtime colleague and friend Hoda Kotb (who filled in during her absence). During that chat, Guthrie opened up about what the last few months have been like for her and her family. Guthrie stated that she would choose “joy” in spite of her circumstances and would hold onto that feeling as she returned to work. By all accounts, it seems Guthrie is now as prepared as she can be to make her “almost symbolic” return to The Today Show this coming week.

The past few months have been quite eventful for The Today Show, and it was just recently revealed that a key member of the team would be exiting the morning show. Peter Alexander – who anchored the Saturday edition of the series since 2018 – confirmed on air that he would step down from his post. Alexander shared some sentimental reasons for his decision to leave the job. However, a source is now claiming there was a corporate factor that purportedly factored into Alexander’s choice.

Per this insider, a notable reason Alexander allegedly opted to leave Saturday Today was because of a lack of upward mobility. The individual claimed to Page Six that the newsman was frustrated over not being seriously considered for higher positions within NBC News. Also, the source specifically alleges that Alexander was eyeing potential positions at NBC Nightly News as well as the flagship Today program. In further illustrating Alexander’s purported feelings, the person also said this:

Of course, these claims should be taken with a grain of salt. What is known for sure, at this point, is that Alexander has already found “something new,” and it should ensure he remains a fixture amid the 2026 TV schedule. Alexander formally announced that he’d be joining MS Now (the network formerly known as MSNBC) as a chief national reporter and would work on weekdays. From the outside looking in, that new job will apparently provide Alexander with something else he desires.

During the March 28th broadcast of Saturday Today, Peter Alexander formally signed off and explained that he was leaving the show, in great part, to spend more time with his family. Alexander lives in Washington D.C. with his wife, former WJLA-TV anchor Alison Starling, and their two daughters, Ava (12) and Emma (10), and commuted to the Big Apple on Fridays. Alexander even mentioned that his daughters trolled him about that after he told them his plan. On a more serious note, though, Alexander’s mention of wanting more personal time with his loved ones was also further emphasized by Page Six’s source.

Peter Alexander has quite a resume and has established a firm reputation within the world of TV news. After working at TV stations in Kentucky and Washington state, he joined NBC News in 2004 and began covering international affairs. Alexander was eventually named a White House Correspondent in 2012 and eventually became a national correspondent in 2014. He eventually became co-WHC in 2017 and, by 2023, he became Chief WHC.

Alexander’s exit from Today comes on the heels of the situation revolving around his colleague, Savannah Guthrie, who co-anchors the weekday edition of the program. Guthrie took a leave of absence after her mother, Nancy, disappeared in late January 2026, and she’s set to return to work on Monday, April 6. Per reports, NBC has been taking great care in handling Guthrie’s return.

During his on-air address, Peter Alexander stated that he’d been in contact with Guthrie and that he would continue to lend her support as she returned to work. Alexander’s sign-off was also filled with gratitude and, while it can’t be said for sure whether a lack of promotion contributed to his decision to leave, it seems evident that he’s grateful for his 22 years at NBC News.

It’s been nearly two months since Savannah Guthrie took a leave of absence in the wake of her mother’s disappearance. Even now, authorities are still overseeing an investigation into the whereabouts of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. Savannah recently participated in a tearful interview, during which she discussed the familial ordeal, and it’s also since been revealed that she’ll be returning to her post at NBC Studios in early April. Guthrie’s colleagues seem to be looking forward to having her back, and Al Roker had a profound take on it.

Guthrie will officially resume her co-anchor duties on Today on Monday, April 6, and that information was revealed during the final part of her conversation with colleague and friend Hoda Kotb. Following that segment (which was posted to YouTube), Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, Al Roker and more discussed Guthrie’s situation and expressed support for her. During that conversation, Roker also made a note as to why the timing of Guthrie’s return is “almost symbolic,” and it’s something I admittedly hadn’t considered:

This year, Easter is on Sunday, April 5 and, within the Christian faith, that holiday marks the day that Jesus Christ is said to have risen from the grave. Considering that, it’s incredibly fitting that Guthrie would return on the following Monday, and I honestly can’t believe I didn’t think about that, especially considering my history with Easter in my own family. Roker has certainly dropped some insightful gems in his time, but this is one that really resonates. And I’m not the only one who can appreciate that connection.

Co-host Craig Melvin responded to Al Roker’s assertion, admitting that he “had not thought about that.” Kotb warmly responded as well, as she said, “Of course, you did, Mr. Roker.” Hager also surmised that that link may also not have been lost on Guthrie, who reportedly attends the same church that she does. For her part, Hager was also visibly emotional when talking about what the Guthrie family had been through in recent months.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026, at which point she was at her home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona. A criminal investigation was eventually launched and, since then, authorities have been searching for leads. Subsequently, the Guthries received alleged ransom notes but, as of this writing, there’s still no proof of life. Savannah also shared social media messages – some of which involved her siblings – in which she tried to appeal to those who may have taken her mother. At present, the Guthrie family is offering a reward valued up to $1 million.

The past few weeks have seen considerable speculation in regard to whether Savannah Guthrie would permanently leave Today. Eventually, NBC commented on the rumors around the time visited the studio earlier this month, and insiders alleged that during that reunion, she declared her intention to return to work. Subsequent reports claimed execs were looking for the best way to handle Guthrie’s return.

Hoda Kotb has been filling in for Savannah Guthrie while she’s been out and, as part of that, Kotb also bowed out of covering the 2026 Winter Olympics. With Guthrie’s return to the air now less than a week away, viewers won’t have long before they see her back at the Today desk. To piggyback off Al Roker’s sweet point, it seems that during this time, Guthrie is rising to the occasion.

Savannah Guthrie recently got candid about the ongoing search for her mother, Nancy, during a multi-part conversation released this past week. The Today co-host was interviewed by longtime colleague and friend Hoda Kotb, during which Guthrie became emotional. Since the interview was released, much has been said about the insight Guthrie provided into her current feelings as well as her plans to return to her post in the near future. All the while, an insider is sharing claims about another colleague, Craig Melvin, allegedly being unhappy.

If this source is to be believed, Craig Melvin takes issue with Savannah Guthrie’s interview for one reason. The unnamed individual sharing that claim with Daily Mail suggests that Melvin is reportedly displeased over not being chosen to speak to Guthrie for that segment. Said source went on to share purported details regarding the reasoning for Melvin’s feelings:

Kotb served as co-anchor of Today alongside Guthrie and was named to that post in 2018. It was in the fall of 2024 that Kotb announced she’d be stepping down from her post to pursue other endeavors and spend more time with her children. Kotb’s last day on the job was January 10, 2025, and Melvin was ultimately selected to take over for her as co-host. More recently, though, Kotb returned to the studio to fill-in for Guthrie during her leave of absence.

Neither officials from the morning show or NBC News have explained how Guthrie’s interviewer was selected. The insider also dropped further claims about Melvin’s supposed mindset:

These claims should all be taken with a massive grain of salt, as no one from Today has verified those comments. On that note, a representative from the program reportedly shared these sentiments:

Savannah Guthrie’s discussion with Hoda Kotb marked the first time she talked about the matter surrounding her mother in depth during a TV interview. During that conversation, Guthrie spoke about the first time she learned of her mother’s disappearance from her home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona on January 31, 2026. Additionally, Guthrie provided insight into the conversations she’s had with her siblings, who’ve appeared alongside her in videos in which they’ve attempted to appeal to their mother’s assumed captors.

The past few weeks has seen the rise of various reports regarding Savannah Guthrie’s comeback, which execs had allegedly been putting a lot of thought into. It’s since been confirmed that Guthrie will rejoin Craig Melvin and co on the air on Monday, April 6 amid the 2026 TV schedule. As for how she’s approaching her return, Guthrie said she would choose to exude “joy” while amongst her colleagues, who she also considers to be her “greater family.”

Employees at The Today Show are preparing for the return of Savannah Guthrie, who took a leave of absence from the program amid the 2026 TV schedule due to the continued search for her mother, Nancy. While one member of that talk show family is preparing to return, it seems one is getting ready to leave – Peter Alexander. The veteran TV journalist announced his decision this weekend and was met with well wishes from his colleagues. What has me smiling, though, are the reactions Alexander’s daughters had to his exit.

Alexander has been with NBC News for over 22 years and, since 2018, he’s co-anchored the Saturday edition of Today. In his time with the Peacock network, Alexander has covered a plethora of stories and held down a variety of roles as well. Those fond memories were shared during the March 28 broadcast of Today, as Alexander expressed gratitude for his time on the show and with NBC as a whole. He also shared insight into his reason for stepping away from his New York-based job:

Alexander is married to former WJLA-TV anchor Alison Starling and shares daughters Ava (12) and Emma (10) with her. During his TV send-off, Alexander went on to explain his kids had some great responses when he told them about what he was planning to do:

I’d argue that very few people can humble a person like kids can, and that definitely seems to be the case here. Still, in all seriousness, there seems to be nothing but love here, and it’s sweet that Alexander is making this change, in part, due to his desire to spend more time with his family. And, on that note, it seems he does indeed have something else lined up, as Deadline reports that he’ll be joining MS Now (formerly MSNBC) as a correspondent. Check out Alexander’s full sign-of down below:

Up to this point, Peter Alexander has worn a lot of hats during his time at NBC News. He covered a vast array of stories related to international affairs and served as a White House correspondent from 2012 20 2014. That latter position eventually grew, with Alexander eventually working his way up to Chief White House correspondent in 2023. More recently, Alexander also filled in for Hoda Kotb at the 2026 Winter Olympics due to her bowing out to cover for Savannah Guthrie at Today.

It’ll be somewhat weird not seeing Alexander on The Today Show, but it’s comforting that he made the decision and is eager for what lies ahead. That seems to include more quality time with his family and, as that plays out, I hope his daughters find more funny ways to troll him.

Tragically, nearly two months have passed since Today anchor Savannah Guthrie stepped away from the morning show after her mother Nancy Guthrie went missing. She and her family have remained steadfast and hopeful as the weeks have passed, despite the general lack of forward progress in the investigation. Now, she’s set for her first solo full-length interview since this awful situation began, with Hoda Kotb as the natural fit to interview her.

Kotb maintained her NBC News status after exiting Today just over a year ago, but was able and willing to return to the role for a temporary stretch in Guthrie’s absence, opposite her own replacement in Craig Melvin, who’s also stepped up to help make the Savannah-sized void feel smaller. So rather than having someone else on staff handle such a sensitive interview, the choice to go with Kotb is both natural and smart.

Savannah Guthrie’s talk with Kotb will be airing across a two-day stretch; the first part will air on Thursday, March 26, and the second part will air on Friday, March 27. The interview was pre-taped, understandably, and was previewed on Wednesday morning’s episode, showcasing what appears to be a very difficult and tearful conversation. At one point, Guthrie tells her former on-screen colleague:

When asked by others at the Today desk how she was feeling about it all, Kotb gave a measured and respectful answer, putting the focus on Guthrie for even being able to get through a TV interview at all during such an emotionally tumultuous time. In her words:

To date, no arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed in the investigation regarding Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, and seemingly few verifiable tips and reports have been shared with authorities, despite the $1 million reward the Guthrie family is offering for information about her whereabouts.

An Update On Savannah Guthrie's Today Return Will Reportedly Happen Soon

There's no mystery behind why Savannah Guthrie's absence from Today has been pretty open-ended thus far, given the uncertainty behind many of the details behind the investigation. Over the weeks, we've seen rumors she may leave the show, reports about plans for a potential return, as well as claims about conversations network execs have reportedly had about how to move forward. But nothing has been addressed by Guthrie herself.

It's unclear if she will directly address her future with the program during the interview with Hoda, which the latter seemed to be alluding to when discussing the clip. However, Variety reports that NBC will likely unveil a return date "in coming days" for the anchor. That vague timeline would certainly line up with either one of the interview segments, but could also mean having to wait until Monday, assuming anything is said at all.

Perhaps the biggest hurdle in planning a return amidst an ongoing investigation is the potential for a breaking update in the case to cause Gurthie to take leave once more. The flip side, of course, is going without her for weeks longer despite a lack of updates.

Today's ratings initially vaulted up in the days after Nancy Guthrie first went missing, and they've continued to stay above the norm. As of March 22, the show's average viewership is around 3.1 million, which is a 14% uptick from the same point in 2025. During the same time period, CBS Mornings has averaged aroudn 1.76 million viewers, while Good Morning America is closer behind with 2.93 million.

One can be sure NBC execs will be keeping an eye on those numbers once Savannah Guthrie does return, whenever that may be. Fans can watch the interview preview below.

Today's first interview with Savannah Guthrie is airing across March 26-27.

It’s been over a month since Today co-host Savannah Guthrie took a leave of absence from the show amid the ongoing search for her mother, Nancy. Various updates on the investigation have been shared by the authorities over the past few weeks. At the same, numerous reports have surfaced regarding how long it could be before Guthrie returns to her position at the NBC morning show. The TV journalist is indeed expected to retake her post, but she allegedly wants to ensure she does one thing before getting back on the air.

A recent update suggests that Guthrie could rejoin the Today team in just a matter of weeks. That report comes from a source for Page Six, who also alleges that Guthrie wants to ensure she spends an ample amount of time with her husband, Michael Feldman, and their two kids – 11-year-old daughter Vale and 9-year-old son Charley. More specifically, it’s said that Guthrie reportedly doesn’t want to make her way back to NBC Studios until after her kids’ spring break ends. That school break will apparently take effect from April 2 to 10.

Despite this claim that the main element standing between Savannah Guthrie and her TV return is family time, it seems the situation may also be fluid. As mentioned, there are different variables to consider as the search for Nancy continues. So, per Page Six, any legal developments – as well as Savannah’s personal mindset – could still impact when she chooses to make her way back to the show she’s worked on since 2011. At the same time, questions still remain in regard to the Guthrie matriarch’s whereabouts.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona on the night of Saturday, January 31, 2026. Evidence recovered at the scene indicated to local authorities that Guthrie had been abducted, prompting the launch of a criminal investigation. While police have made efforts to find the 84-year-old, several ransom notes have also surfaced. Savannah and her siblings also shared video messages in which they tried to appeal to the alleged abductors, yet such appeals have not led to any “proof of life.”

Before Guthrie stepped away amid the investigation, Hoda Kotb returned to fill in during her absence from Today. Kotb – who exited the NBC program in 2025 – saw her schedule change due to the arrangement and ultimately bowed out of covering the 2026 Winter Olympics. Still, Kotb emphasized that she was “happy” to be in the position to be present for her TV family. Per Page Six, “Hoda will remain filling in for” Guthrie, even though the former’s upcoming work schedule is reportedly busy.

Guthrie also visited the Today studio on March 5 and, at the time she thanked her colleagues for their support and emphasized her intention to return at some point. An insider recently dropped claims about how NBC is handling her return and alleged that “meetings” had already been held on the matter. Supposedly, the higher-ups “want to acknowledge what Savannah has been going through, but they also want to do their job and deliver the news.”

The Today Show has indeed been covering Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance and, per reports, its ratings have surged as result. When Savannah rejoins the program said coverage will, of course, have to continue even with her present. And, per these most recent claims, network executives may have just a few more weeks before they have to cross that proverbial bridge.

A year ago, Hoda Kotb was two months into her newly embraced quasi-retirement from NBC’s TODAY, having delivered her then-final episode in early January, with Craig Melvin sliding into her vacated spot alongside Savannah Guthrie. Unfortunately, the daytime program’s dynamic was upended in February when Guthrie’s mother Nancy went missing, spurring the longtime co-anchor to step back from her daily TV duties as the investigation got underway. Now, nearly six weeks later, rumors have surfaced that suggest Kotb aims to stick around.

That outcome would likely be a boon to show producers and NBC News execs who have been struggling to maintain a sense of status quo despite the personal turmoil at play behind the scenes. But Kotb’s potential push to reclaim her former anchor seat could have dour ramifications, depending largely on whether or not Savannah Guthrie will return to TODAY in the future.

Though Kotb initially bid farewell to her TODAY family in order to spend more quality time with her biological squad, particularly her daughters Haley and Hope, she rather quickly and selflessly stepped up to fill in the void soon after Guthrie had to step away. According to an insider who spoke with RadarOnline, the former anchor is indeed itching to get back into the normal TODAY flow.

Considering Jenna Bush Hager only just welcomed Shenielle Jones as her new co-anchor in December, so that spot is already locked up. Meaning if Hoda Kotb does sincerely wish to get back on the show, another opening would need to happen.

Hoda's Alleged Return Hopes Could Be Troubling For Craig Melvin

According to that same insider, the current lineup for the daytime TV show is such that returns from both Guthrie and Kotb could possibly put Craig Melvin in a precarious position where he's without an hour-long block to call his own. According to Radar's source:

Not that Melvin would necessarily lose his job in any possible future scenarios. But the chances of such an outcome are presumably big enough that Kotb's time on the set could be a stress factor for him. Not that it'd be obvious or anything. (Plus, I gotta think drinking with Shaquille O'Neal is a solid stress-reliever.)

At the moment, however, no permanent changes are being discussed, and the focus is currently on Savannah Guthrie and her family during this trying time. But that may not be the case for the extended future, as the insider put it.

Fellow journos like Katie Couric have applauded TODAY and its anchors for pulling through and coming together during such an unpredictable and harrowing situation. But with a case like this, which may never actually result in cathartic closure, the powers that be can only wait around for so long before bigger moves need to be made.

Here's hoping everything works out for the best for all involved. Meanwhile, TODAY airs mornings on NBC at 7:00 a.m.

For over a month now, the country has been following along with the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, and there’s still no definitive answer as to what happened in the early morning hours of February 1 at her home outside of Tucson, Arizona. However, one question — Will Savannah Guthrie return to The Today Show? — has been answered. Guthrie returned to the morning show’s studio last week, reportedly confirming she will be back, and an insider spoke out about how NBC is handling it.

As speculation swirled about Savannah Guthrie’s future on The Today Show, NBC reportedly was taking the situation day by day and, now that she, herself, has apparently confirmed her eventual return (an exact date hasn’t been given), executives are allegedly discussing how it will unfold — particularly when it comes to the tone of her first broadcast back. According to Naughty But Nice podcaster Rob Shuter, an insider said:

Just like Today alum Katie Couric acknowledged how the co-hosts have had the “excruciating” job of reporting a news story they’re so close to, Savannah Guthrie is going to have to talk about her mother’s abduction and still somehow hold it together to do the rest of the show. It’s good this is something executives are thinking about and, when she does make her comeback to the 2026 TV schedule, she’ll definitely have the whole Today Show crew behind her.

Savannah Guthrie paid a visit to 30 Rock on March 5, reportedly hugging every member of The Today Show’s cast and crew and thanking them for their support and prayers. According to a source, she also reportedly provided reassurance to her team that she would be back. They said:

Friends of the longtime NBC anchor say Nancy Guthrie would want Savannah to go back to work and, as close as The Today Show hosts are, she knows she’s returning to a supportive environment.

One question raised by news of her comeback is, what will happen to Hoda Kotb? Savannah Guthrie’s beloved former co-host retired from the morning show in January 2025 but returned as Guthrie’s replacement while Guthrie was in Arizona — even bowing out of the Olympics to do so. Will Kotb slip back into retirement upon her return? Only time will tell.

Fans have been tuning into The Today Show for updates on the Nancy Guthrie case, and there’s no doubt they’ll want to hear what Savannah has to say when she hits the airwaves again. It’s good that NBC is preparing for what is sure to be a difficult and emotional return. Stay tuned for updates on when that will be.

Catch Today each weekday morning on NBC or with your Peacock subscription.

As the investigation continues into the abduction of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, there are several questions about what the future of The Today Show looks like. It’s not clear at this point how long she will remain off the air, or even if Guthrie might permanently quit the position that she’s held since 2012. Still, according to former Today co-host Katie Couric, there’s one big reason the show has been “fortunate” amidst these “tragically unprecedented” circumstances.

It’s now been four weeks since 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was reported missing, as authorities believe she was taken from her home against her will in the early morning hours of February 1. Savannah has been in Arizona since then to assist in the investigation however she can and has even sent messages to “whoever has” her mother, asking for her safe return. It’s been a time of great uncertainty back in The Today Show studio, Katie Couric said, telling Variety:

It’s always been obvious to NBC viewers how genuinely close The Today Show crew is both on- and off-camera — you “can’t fake the funk,” as Carson Daly put it — and they’ve all been supporting Savannah Guthrie and her family with prayers and messages, and holding down the fort while she’s away. Yellow flowers and ribbons have been incorporated into the morning show’s set as a symbol of hope as well.

But, as Katie Couric pointed out, they also have to find a way to put their personal connections aside, to some degree, in order to cover the news story. Viewers have been tuning in to get updates on the Guthries’ situation, and the longtime journalist said The Today Show is lucky to have Hoda Kotb filling in for Savannah. Couric said:

Hoda Kotb stepped away from The Today Show after 17 years last January in order to prioritize her own family, so she understands Savannah Guthrie’s need to be in Arizona right now as well as anyone. Kotb is someone who Today fans know and trust, and I agree with Katie Couric that she is the perfect person to hold things down in this scary time of transition.

We’re continuing to watch the situation regarding Nancy Guthrie, as well as if or when Savannah will return to the airwaves.

As the fourth week begins since Nancy Guthrie was first reported missing in Arizona, Savannah Guthrie and her family remain steadfast and hopeful that things will be resolved, despite it obviously being as emotionally stressful an experience as can be. Given it’s still unclear how long she’ll be absent from the small screen, her colleagues have made an attempt to show some on-air solidarity, which allegedly had some negative repercussions, though a network insider tells CinemaBlend it's all noise (see lower).

NBC News staffers and on-air talent have expressed condolences and sympathy for the Guthrie family for weeks now while reporting on the ongoing case, and many have taken that support a step further by wearing yellow ribbons on the air. The color was chosen as it matches flowers that locals and others have been placing outside of Nancy Guthrie’s home outside of Tuscon. As well, it matches the yellow ribbons that neighbors in the area have tied to their mailboxes to symbolize the community’s hope.

For example, here’s a shot of temporary Today Show returnee Hoda Kotb from Monday morning’s installment:

The majority of Savannah Guthrie’s colleagues at Today have also been donning the yellow ribbon, from Carson Daly to Al Roker to Sheinelle Jones to Craig Melvin and beyond. As well, the studio has been decorated with yellow flowers at different points. But it doesn't look like the eagerness to be supportive has spread throughout the entirety of the NBC Newsroom.

How The Yellow Ribbon Tribute Has Supposedly Already Soured

Despite all of the yellow popping up early in the morning on NBC's Today, viewers have latched onto the fact that the evenings aren't shaded quite the same. NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas, in particular, has been pegged by some viewers as being less than supportive to the cause for opting not to wear a ribbon, while others have also allegedly been criticized behind the scenes, according to Daily Mail.

One insider says that while the robbon-wearing "started as something beautiful," viewers have started watching specifically to see which anchors and correspondents have one, and which ones are seemingly choosing to go without. Given his prominence as the name on NBC Nightly News, Llamas' lack of a ribbon "didn't go unnoticed," according to the insider, who noted that "the absences become louder than the symbol" in cases like this.

One producer who remained anonymous shared the following:

All that said, the outlet also reports that because the ribbons aren't being enforced by NBC News execs, there's a sense that viewers and others are looking too deeply into the matter, and they stress that not all wardrobe choices automatically reflect one's stance on any given subject.

For what it's worth, Senior White House Correspondent Gabe Gutierrez has sported a yellow ribbon when he's shown up to speak his piece on NBC Nightly News.

UPDATE: NBC News Insider Shoots Down Controversy Claims

After this story was initially published, a network insider reached out to CinemaBlend to raise an opposing view, saying that any rumors or allegations alluding to a controversy are off the mark. According to their statement:

The most important elements here are, of course, the whereabouts of Nancy Guthrie and her safe return. Stay tuned to Today for the latest on that front, and to learn when (or if) Savannah Guthrie will return to daytime TV.

It’s been a few weeks now since Nancy Guthrie (84) – the mother of Today Show co-host Savannah Guthrie (54) – was reported missing and, at present, authorities are still investigating. During this time, Savannah has been away from her post at the long-running morning show, having originally announced her intention to do so earlier this month. Questions remain in regard to exactly how long the TV journalist will continue to be off the air. Now, insiders are weighing in on the potential length of Savannah’s absence.

Sitting in for Savannah Guthrie has been Hoda Kotb, who retired from NBC’s flagship morning show in 2025 after nearly 18 years. Should a network source be believed, Kotb (or someone else) could be filling in for Guthrie for some time. That unnamed person alleged to Page Six that Guthrie will be away from the show for the "foreseeable future.” Amid Guthrie’s absence, many on staff have been seemingly showing love to her as well as her family and, per the source, that supportive vibe has permeated the whole workplace:

Hoda Kotb has been particularly vocal when it comes to her support of the Guthrie family. When Kotb returned to the program earlier this month, she candidly admitted that the situation was “breaking [her] heart” and later said that “everybody’s hoping and praying for Nancy’s safe return.” On another occasion, Kotb – who bowed out of 2026 Winter Olympics coverage to cover Guthrie on Today – also said she was “happy” to fill in because as a work family, she and her colleagues all show up for each other.

Another source for Page Six claims employees at NBC “all pray constantly” that Nancy Guthrie will be located and returned safely to her family. As for how Savannah’s co-workers (who are allegedly experiencing a movie-like atmosphere at work) are navigating the situation, the insider also said this:

Savannah Guthrie joined Today in 2011 as a substitute host for Ann Curry and Meredith Vieira and, in July 2012, Guthrie became the permanent main co-anchor of the show. In the time that’s passed, Guthrie has arguably become a staple of the program, a fact that makes her recent absence even more notable. It’s been reported that Guthrie’s $7 million contract will soon be up for renewal though, given the circumstances, her colleagues allegedly believe any talk about that topic to be “hurtful” during this time.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen during the night of January 31 at her home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona, and local authorities launched an investigation after evidence reportedly showed she was taken against her will. As of this writing, however, no arrests have been made in the case. Savannah – who appeared in several social media videos in which she addressed the situation – posted another one Sunday, February 15, in which she attempted to appeal to “whoever has” her mom.

Of course, it’s incredibly difficult to say when there may be major updates when it comes to the search for Nancy Guthrie. So, at this point, it feels likely that Savannah won’t be returning to The Today Show for a while.

Savannah Guthrie and her family continue to go through hell, as it’s now been nearly two weeks since her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was allegedly abducted from her home in the middle of the night. Meanwhile, back at NBC, the show must go on — The Today Show, that is — but what’s the mood like amongst Savannah’s colleagues, as they do their best to fill her shoes and still support their friend from afar?

Andy Cohen paid a visit to the Today set ahead of Super Bowl LX, when Nancy Guthrie had been missing for three days, describing the mood as “so somber and sad.” He emphasized that the NBC morning show anchors, including Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones and Jenna Bush Hager “really are” like a family, telling People:

Andy Cohen went on to call Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance “surreal,” and spoke to why this case has captivated America’s attention — causing increased ratings for The Today Show as viewers tune in hoping for updates on Savannah and her mother. Cohen said:

I can only imagine how helpless Savannah Guthrie’s friends and colleagues feel at this time, but at least the longtime journalist knows they’re holding down the fort, giving her one less thing to worry about.

Carson Daly talked about how close all The Today Show anchors are just a few months ago, saying that they vacation together, with Jenna Bush Hager adding that her children thought The Voice host’s kids were their cousins.

Savannah Guthrie has been absent from Today since February 2, but the support she has from her team back home is apparent, both in their support on social media and what’s happening in the studio.

Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie’s former co-anchor who stepped away last January, bowed out of covering the Winter Olympics and instead returned to The Today Show to fill in for Guthrie alongside Craig Melvin. She reflected on how often Guthrie has supported all of them, like being the first to visit when Kotb’s daughter was in the hospital, hopping on a plane when Carson Daly’s parents died, supporting Melvin when his brother passed and more.

It’s touching to see the Today crew stepping up for Savannah Guthrie in her time of need, as much as everyone wishes she were not having to go through this.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen late January 31 at her home outside of Tucson, Arizona. The latest developments in the case include footage from her home’s doorbell camera being released, showing a masked man — reportedly 5-foot-9 or 5-foot-10 — who appears to be armed, tampering with the doorbell. He has been labeled a “suspect.” Anyone with information regarding this man or Guthrie is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI and/or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.

The Today Show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie has been all over the news over the past week in the 2026 TV schedule, but not because of her work on the morning TV show or because she was covering the Winter Olympics in Italy as intended. Her mother has been missing since late January, resulting in Guthrie's absence from the small screen and plenty of people seemingly tuning in to TODAY for potential updates on the situation. The ratings are in for recent broadcasts, and they're definitely on the rise.

Savannah Guthrie's mother was reported missing on February 1, after last being seen at her home on January 31, leading police to speak to her neighbors. She's believed to have been abducted from her home, per the FBI, and there have been many developments in the case as well as messages from the TODAY anchor and her family in the days since. Updates can be frequent, and viewership totals reported by Variety indicate that many people are getting those updates straight from TODAY, whether they're specifically tuning in for the latest on the co-anchor's situation or not.

According to Nielsen data cited by the outlet, viewership over the five days leading up to February 6 surged by an impressive 23% – a.k.a. 624,000 viewers – compared to this time last year. This places it on top of the competition on morning network television, with an average audience of around 3.32 million viewers. ABC's Good Morning America is second with nearly 2.91 million and CBS in third with 1.84 million for CBS Mornings.

That totals out to TODAY earning 41% of the total morning show viewing audience, with 36% going to GMA and 23% going to CBS Mornings. The NBC offering is also beating the competition in the viewership demographic between the ages of 25 and 54.

All of this said, the rise can't be solely attributed to viewers who are curious about the situation with Savannah Guthrie's mother. TODAY has been airing while NBC and Peacock have also been broadcasting the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, which generally lifts ratings in the morning hours of February and undoubtedly accounts for some of the rises. The Olympics will wrap on February 22 with the Closing Ceremony; it remains to be seen how long TODAY will be covering the Guthrie family's crisis.

Hoda Kotb returned to TODAY with a supportive message for her longtime co-anchor, later bowing out of covering the Olympics. New episodes of TODAY have been opening daily with the latest on the search for Nancy Guthrie, with facts and analyses coming from correspondents like Tom Winter and Liz Kreutz, while co-anchors add commentary.

For her part, Savannah Guthrie has been active on her Instagram account, with messages ranging from thanking fans for their prayers in the family's difficult time to emotional videos with her siblings. A recent update direct from the TODAY figure confirmed "law enforcement is working tirelessly around the clock... trying to find her."

As for TODAY, you can find the latest episodes on weekday mornings starting at 7 a.m. ET on NBC and/or stream them with a Peacock subscription.

More than a year after her final episode as a Today anchor, Hoda Kotb once again returned to her former job site at NBC News to help fill in for the still-absent Savannah Guthrie, who’s been MIA for the past week admits the ongoing hunt for her missing mother Nancy Guthrie. Having popped in last week with a supportive message, Kotb officially rejoined the news desk in a temporary capacity alongside Craig Melvin for Today’s post-Super Bowl installment.

The current situation plaguing the Guthrie family is obviously unfortunate and traumatizing, but the longtime NBC News journalist doesn’t need to worry about missing work, as the entire Today squad is on her side and hoping for the most positive outcome possible. To that end, Kotb addressed her returned presence at the desk, saying she was “happy” to be there, albeit for less-than-idea reasons. In her words:

As regular viewers will no doubt remember, Hoda Kotb's highly publicized exit from Today went down in early January 2025, with many of her colleagues singing her praises in tribute at the time. The move was both shocking and non-shocking to Guthrie, with many fans wondering why Kotb left after only seven years in the spot. Clearly there wasn't ever any bad blood or burned bridges involved, and Kotb even celebrated her replacement Sheinelle Jones getting officially announced in December 2025.

Kotb was tapped for Winter Olympics coverage for NBC, but announced days ago that she would no longer be making that trip due to everything happening. So it's highly likely she would happily trade her Today return for the guarantee that Savannah Guthrie's mother is returned to the family safely and soundly.

Latest On Savannah Guthrie's Mother Nancy

As reported by NBC News, authorities spent the weekend conducting another wide-ranging search of Nancy Guthrie's house and property, but still had no suspects to report by Monday morning, and no vehicles of interest to report on. News about other locations being investigated is expected, but nothing has been spoken on publicly yet.

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings shared a video on Friday night in which they more or less addressed one of several alleged ransom notes shared in relation to the case. Guthrie makes it clear that they will pay whatever is necessary to ensure their mother's safe return.

A second video was shared on Saturday that was reportedly in response to a second note sent to Tuscon news station KOLD. At this time, officers are aiming to determine whether or not the second note can definitively be connected back to the first one, and whether either of them is legitimately from someone with knowledge about Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts.

The Pima County Sheriff's Dept. shared a statement saying no further news conferences will be held in relation to this case outside of any major updates.

At this time, it's unclear whether or not Hoda Kotb will be sticking around the Today desk for the remainder of the week, or if this is just a one-day return.

When it comes to TV news personalities, few are arguably as well known (and beloved) as Al Roker is. Roker serves as the weather anchor on The Today Show, and that’s a post he’s held for some time now. In fact, the veteran journalist just recently marked his 30th year working at the long-running NBC morning show. 71-year-old Roker now seems to be feeling a bit reflective, as he continues to work amidst the 2026 TV schedule. On that note, he shared some thoughts regarding what he’d like his legacy to be.

Through the years, Roker has expertly delivered weather reports, eloquently interviewed public figures and humorously bantered with his co-hosts. Roker’s body of work, of course, isn’t just limited to Today, as he was a working journalist long before he began walking the halls of NBC Studios. It was during an interview with People that the New York City native took some time to reflect on his journey. As for how he’d love people to look upon the work he’s done over the past several decades, Roker shared a straightforward take:

That hope makes complete sense, considering the principles of TV news. In a setting like The Today Show, the ultimate goal is to inform the public and that by the time they’re finished watching a newscast, they know more than they knew before tuning in. Personally, I feel confident in saying Roker isn’t one to waste the time whenever he’s on air. That goes for whether he’s delivering serious news or chopping it up with Hugh Jackman amid a weather report.

Al Roker joined Today on a full-time basis in 1996 after years of working at different news affiliates, including some in his home state of New York. Once Roker – who previously did weather reports on weekends – eventually landed the weekday slot, he gradually gained more notoriety. He also began to take on other duties, including co-hosting The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, which he’s done every year but 2022 for over 30 years.

While Roker’s work has definitely been on display, he also hasn’t shied away from opening up about his personal life from time to time. Most notably, Roker discussed his health in November 2022, at which point he was hospitalized and treated for blood clots in his lungs. During that medical situation, the veteran host received love from his Today Show family as well as fans. Roker was off the air for a little while, before returning to the program in January 2023. At this point, Roker seems to have a great perspective on his life and career:

The newsman, father, husband and grandfather definitely doesn’t seem to be slowing down, and that comes as a comfort to me. I’d say that Al Roker’s legacy is more than solidified at this point, and I look forward to seeing what he continues to do as a TV journalist.

A scary situation continues to play out for The Today Show’s Savannah Guthrie, after her 84-year-old mother was reported missing Sunday. Authorities have now reportedly ruled out the possibility that Nancy Guthrie left on her own, calling her disappearance a “possible kidnapping or abduction.” Not many details of the investigation have been divulged, but one of Nancy’s neighbors has spoken out about what police told them.

Morgan Brown lives about a quarter-mile from Savannah Guthrie’s mom outside Tucson, Arizona, US Weekly reports, and he described a lot of police activity happening at Nancy’s house, which authorities are referring to as a “crime scene.” According to Brown, police have been speaking to neighbors, as he said:

The residents near Nancy Guthrie’s home were specifically asked to look for anything between 1 and 4 a.m. February 1, as she was last seen on the night of January 31. Morgan Brown isn’t sure why investigators are focusing on those three hours, saying:

Savannah Guthrie has not been on Today this week, as she’s confirmed to be in Arizona. It’s been reported that Nancy Guthrie has “no cognitive issues at all,” and her wandering off by herself seems to have been ruled out, as she is “very limited in her mobility,” per Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.

However, the neighbor confirms it was initially considered a possibility that she had walked into the desert. Morgan Brown said:

This is undoubtedly a terrifying situation for Savannah Guthrie and her family. The longtime Today anchor asked people to “Please pray” in an emotional Instagram post, and the request was met with an outpouring of love from former Today anchor Katie Couric, Jenna Bush Hager and more. They wrote:

• Sending love to you Savannah and your entire family. Holding all of you in our hearts and keeping the faith that your mom will be with you again soon. ❤️ – Katie Couric
• Praying, my love. Can't stop thinking of you and Nancy. ❤️ – Jenna Bush Hager
• Praying unceasingly for protection and comfort now and always! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 – Deborah Roberts
• Our family is praying for you and your family 🙏 – Giuliana Rancic
• Thinking of your dear mom, and sending prayers. I’m so sorry this is happening Savannah and hope for her safe return. ♥️ – Nia Vardalos
• You have nothing but prayers in this household. I am so truly sorry that this is happening. – Josh Gad
• 🙏🙏all I’ve been doing is praying for your mom, you, and your family. I love you dearly – Dylan Dreyer
• Praying NOW – Bobby Flay

The Today Show hosts are incredibly close, so I can imagine it’s hard for them to see Savannah Guthrie go through this. Our thoughts are with her and her family as we hope for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. We’ll continue to keep an eye on the developing situation.

TODAY has officially entered a new era on the 2026 TV schedule. In December, less than a year after Hoda Kotb exited the morning talk show, it was announced that TODAY’s third hour co-anchor Sheinelle Jones would be joining Jenna Bush Hager in the fourth hour in the new year. The former First Daughter has had rotating guest hosts all year after Kotb left, so she could look for the perfect replacement. Now that the fourth hour has officially been renamed TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle, Kotb is gushing like a proud mom over the two hosts.

When the fourth hour was renamed TODAY with Jenna & Friends, it was unknown when and if Bush Hager would pick a permanent replacement. In June, she said they were still searching, so when Jones, who took a leave of absence from TODAY for several months following the death of her husband last year, it was a pleasant surprise. Jones is already familiar to TODAY viewers, having initially joined the NBC program in 2014. While speaking to People, Kotb reflected on the fourth hour and how excited she is to watch Bush Hager and Jones together:

Kotb was an original host of TODAY’s fourth hour, going back to 2007 with Ann Curry and Natalie Morales before they were both replaced by Kathie Lee Gifford in 2008 for TODAY with Kathie Lee and Hoda. Kotb then showed Bush Hager the ropes when she joined in 2019 for TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, so it makes sense for Kotb to feel like a proud mom. She’s also known Bush Hager and Jones for quite a long time, making it all the more special.

And to make the new hour even better, Kotb and Gifford even joined Bush Hager and Jones for the first episode of TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle last week, basically passing the baton, which was pretty sweet to see. Even though it took a while for Bush Hager to find the perfect replacement, it’s clear she made the right choice with Jones, and I cannot wait to see what the two will do.

Meanwhile, months before Jones was announced as her permanent replacement, Kotb had some A+ ideas as to who could join her former co-host. Her top contenders were Savannah Guthrie, Justin Sylvester, and even Scarlett Johansson, as well as Matt Rogers. Coincidentally, Jones was also on her radar, and this was back in June. So she definitely called it.

This new chapter of TODAY’s fourth hour has long been in the making, and the fact that Hoda Kotb 100% supports the decision and is just as excited and emotional as ever about it happening makes it all worth it. Whether Kotb will return for another surprise visit remains to be seen, but TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle is definitely in good hands.

There’s nothing quite like having a work bestie, especially for those who still work outside the home and may spend as many waking hours — if not more — with their co-workers as they do with family. The hosts of The Today Show definitely give off that BFF energy, but I never realized just how close they really are until Carson Daly and Jenna Bush Hager’s sweet admission on Today with Jenna & Friends.

Carson Daly was thrilled to be one of Jenna Bush Hager’s guest hosts on the fourth hour of The Today Show, which airs on the 2025 TV schedule weekdays on NBC. The Voice host had nothing but glowing things to say about his colleague, telling her, “I love you to death,” before describing her as a badass, smart and an incredible mother. This relationship apparently doesn’t end when the cameras stop rolling, as Bush Hager revealed how close their families are, saying:

That is absolutely adorable, and really shows how much time their kids must have spent together. Perhaps the biggest proof that The Today Show anchors are friends outside of the office, though, is the way they “bust each other’s chops” (much like Carson Daly’s rivalry with Blake Shelton), which he called his and Jenna Bush Hager’s “love language.”

After the former first daughter declared Carson Daly “the most fun guy on staff,” he quickly countered by wondering why, if that were the case, she’d welcomed “57 other guest hosts” before him.

It’s not just these two who are such good friends, the former TRL VJ said, but everyone you see on the NBC morning show. Those relationships aren’t something you can fake for the cameras, he said, continuing:

There are so many examples of the NBC hosts showing love for one another, including how Willie Geist reacted to Jenna Bush Hager calling his son a swear word on live TV. Members of The Today Show crew supported Al Roker a few years ago during his health scare, showing up at his house to sing Christmas carols. (Even then Carson Daly was making jokes about Hoda Kotb stealing his dressing room for her new closet.)

Also, despite the fact that Hoda Kotb has since left the show, she apparently still wakes up at 4:30 a.m. and sends Jenna Bush Hager voice notes. I’d imagine hearing a friend’s voice is a pretty nice way to start the day.

And, as close as The Today Show hosts are, I guess that is how they get to start most days! I love hearing these behind-the-scenes tidbits from Carson Daly, and it’s really nice to know their friendships are authentic. Catch the whole crew starting at 7 a.m. ET weekdays on NBC.

The hosts of daily news programs like Today are well-seasoned veterans who know how to kill it on live air. However, as they go about doing daily tapings for shows on the 2025 TV schedule, bloopers and slip-ups are inevitable. That point was hilariously made recently by Carson Daly, who recalled the story behind the time he seriously messed up pronouncing Leonardo DiCaprio’s name.

A few of Today’s hosts, Savannah Guthrie, Carson Daly and Craig Melvin (who took over for Hoda Kotb after she left), spoke with Andy Cohen during Today Fan Fest about their work. The Watch What Happens Live host specifically asked about on-air bloopers toward the end of the segment, and immediately, The Voice host had an answer. Without missing a beat, he said:

That admission sent Guthrie and Melvin into fits of laughter. And while this story is quite funny, I know I’d certainly be mortified if I did something like that. To that point, Daly explained that to this day, he can’t say the One Battle After Another star’s name without his heart rate going up. He said:

That’s so fair! There are a lot of celebrities whose names get mispronounced, like Rihanna (it’s ree-ann-uh) and Raven-Symoné (it’s ray-ven see-mon-ye). And I have to admit, if I were reading a teleprompter really fast, I could see myself easily switching up a few letters in Leonardo DiCaprio.

Sadly, when you do switch the letters, you get “DiCrapio,” which is reminiscent, in a way, of the time Jenna Bush Hager cursed live on air. While Daly didn’t get bleeped for it, he stated that it was quite embarrassing.

However, he wasn’t the only one with a horror story. Craig Melvin said that one time, he read that a certain brand’s food had killed eight people, but that did not happen; eight people got sick. He said that slip-up almost got them sued. Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie recalled a time when she asked Khloé Kardashian if Rob Kardashian was her dad right before they cut to break. Andy Cohen admitted that he asked Oprah Winfrey an embarrassing question about if she’s ever “swum in the lady pond.”

So, they all had their tales of embarrassment, and I’m certain that every journalist has one too. I know I do.

However, you learn from them and become better because of them. Or, in Carson Daly’s case, you probably never pronounce Leonardo DiCaprio’s name wrong ever again.

As a seasoned journalist and media personality, Savannah Guthrie has a wealth of experience interviewing high-profile people. Of course, like anyone, the Today co-anchor isn’t infallible when it comes to her work, and she recently admitted that. Guthrie recalled a situation in which she asked a very personal question of reality TV star and businesswoman Khloé Kardashian. And, after Guthrie brought up that snafu, Kardashian herself weighed in with a response.

Savannah Guthrie’s co-anchor stint on Today began in 2012. While she had news experience ahead of landing that gig, it seems she still had to find her footing. Guthrie revealed one of her earliest snafus while answering fan questions alongside co-hosts Craig Melvin and Carson Day as well as Watch What Happens Live’s Andy Cohen. When faced with the question of her greatest on-air blooper, Guthrie explained (on YouTube) what happened when she spoke with the third oldest sister of the Kardashian-Jenner clan:

Years ago, speculation arose that Khloé Kardashian’s mother, Kris Jenner, engaged in an affair while she was married to Robert Kardashian Sr. Additionally, it was alleged that Jenner conceived Khloé at that time. The paternity-related drama made headlines at the time and was also tackled on Keeping Up with the Kardashians (which is streamable with a Peacock subscription). In the years that followed, even the now-deceased O.J. Simpson fielded questions about possibly being Khloé’s and, on multiple occasions, Simpson denied that.

Based on Guthrie’s recollection, Khloé Kardashian took her question in stride at the time. So it tracks that when she caught wind of the Today host’s confession, Kardashian shared a sweet comment under a post from Kards Katch Up on Instagram:

When it comes to the Kardashian-Jenner siblings, Khloé has historically never been one to hold back her opinion on a given topic. On some occasions, that can involve clapping back at Internet users who make unfounded claims or, as was the case with Savannah Guthrie, Khloé can also show love or extend grace. It’s sweet that the Revenge Body alum took a moment to praise Guthrie.

I’m personally not aware of any other on-air slip-ups that Guthrie may or may not have had since that particular Kardashian interview. Given the fact that she’s held her gig for so long, though, I’d find it easy to imagine that her colleagues are pleased with the work she’s done.

Today airs weekdays from 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. ET on NBC amid the 2025 TV schedule. Also, for more on Khloé, grab a Hulu subscription and check out The Kardashians, which debuts its seventh season on Thursday, October 23.

It takes a certain amount of courage for daytime talk show hosts to do their job in front of a live audience every day. Live TV can be a scary and dangerous place, and while Jenna Bush Hager has been co-hosting the fourth hour of NBC’s Today Show since 2019, she had a rough outing on the July 24 edition. Hager had an awful slip-up when she said a curse word on Today with Jenna & Friends and then was unable to let it go.

On the episode that aired on the 2025 TV schedule this Thursday, Jenna Bush Hager welcomed fellow NBC anchor Willie Geist as the co-host on her newly rebranded talk show. In the future, she’ll probably think twice about drinking margaritas at the start of her show, because she really messed up when recalling the first time she met Geist’s wife, Christina, and their then-3-year-old son George. Hager said:

Immediately, producers reacted to tell her she was not allowed to say that, prompting confusion from Jenna Bush Hager that matched Willie Geist’s shock at her comment. The former first daughter stammered:

Willie Geist responded light-heartedly:

Jenna Bush Hager stuck to her guns, arguing that not only did Willie Geist’s wife refer to her child like that, but that Hager was certain you were allowed one curse word on television. She said she was blushing, as she continued:

Without the spelling of the Dan Levy comedy — a perfect option for your next long binge — to accompany her comment, however, Jenna Bush Hager had effectively uttered yet another swear word, and a number of people could be heard shouting, “No!” I think I speak for everyone when I say:

Again, Willie Geist stepped in to shut it down, explaining:

What an absolute nightmare scenario for The Today Show host, and if you haven’t met your daily quota of cringe, you can see it all play out below:

Wow, it's not bleeped or anything!

So when you have such a monumental gaffes as 1) cursing on live TV, 2) calling your colleague's toddler an asshole, and 3) cursing a second time in trying to figure out what is and is not OK to say, one would hope Jenna Bush Hager would be able to pick herself up by her boot straps. This isn’t Bush Hager’s first awkward live TV moment, after all, so she was able to get on with the show, right?

Wrong. The host remained flustered by her mistake, saying:

On a segment after, Willie Geist reminded her to "watch your language," and even NBC correspondent Peter Alexander, who was filling in for Craig Melvin on TODAY’s early hours, got in on the fun by giving Jenna Bush Hager a hard time.

She admitted that she was spiraling, saying:

Willie Geist rejected the notion that anyone told her she could use one curse word, but told Peter Alexander he was making it worse. The situation didn’t die there, either, as she called the shame “all-encompassing” and referenced “ruining my job, ruining my career.” She asked her co-host:

I’ve got a feeling she may be asking herself those questions for a long time. However, I'm also sure that all will be perfectly fine in the long run.

We’ll have to see how quickly Jenna Bush Hager bounces back from this snafu. Check her out each morning on NBC in The Today Show’s fourth hour.

It’s only natural that when you allow a specific person or group of people into your home on a regular basis through the TV, you start to feel an attachment to them. That’s definitely the kind of relationship Al Roker has formed with his fans in his approximately three decades on The Today Show, where he continues to appear weekdays on the 2025 TV schedule. As with many longtime TV personalities, Roker has his own catchphrase, and there’s a really sweet story about how it came to be.

Al Roker has brought such a burst of personality to NBC’s morning show for so long now that it’s jarring when we don’t see the weather expert’s big smile as he utters the words:

It turns out there’s sentimental meaning behind the words, and he opened up about why he chose that as his catchphrase while accepting a Lifetime Achievement Honor last week at the 46th annual News Emmy Awards. Al Roker revealed to People:

What a great way to pay tribute to a loved one. We’ve seen TV personalities find ways to shout-out loved ones in a number of different ways over the years — Carol Burnett’s ear tug comes to mind — but to make his grandfather’s words his catchphrase is a great way to honor his memory on practically a daily basis.

Of course, it also made sense for the job he was doing. Al Roker provided the national weather broadcast, and he needed a way to signal the transition back to local affiliates. As he explained:

He’s a smart one, that’s for sure. Al Roker has been a full-time member of The Today Show team since 1996, but his tenure at NBC — and even with the morning show — started decades earlier. To this day viewers never really know what they’re going to get from the anchor, whether that’s distracting his co-hosts in a How to Train Your Dragon Toothless mask, making an appearance at WrestleMania or his awkward reaction when Jenna Bush Hager mistakenly accused him of kissing her grandmother.

He’s got a fiery side to him too — remember when fans expressed concern on social media about him being “too old” to cover hurricanes on location? Yeah, he gave them a big (humor-filled), “Screw you.”

That big personality and zest for life undoubtedly helped him through a serious medical issue that caused blood clots in his legs and lungs. It’s a miracle he survived, said the weatherman’s wife, ABC news anchor Deborah Roberts, who received her own honor at the News Emmys for her 25 years of service.

These days Al Roker seems more passionate about his Today Show gig than ever, and what a blessing it is for his fans to be able to continue to hear that tribute to his grandfather from our own neck of the woods.

Rumors have been swirling around Kelly Clarkson and her eponymous talk show for months now. Insiders have specifically dropped claims that the singer and media personality would like to step away from the program when her contract expires in 2026. Those claims have not been substantiated, as of this writing. All the while, there have also been reports involving Clarkson possibly being replaced by none other than Hoda Kotb. Now, the former Today Show host is addressing the rumors, due to being asked by her former colleagues.

It’s been a few months since Hoda Kotb exited Today, a program she was with for 17 years. So it was quite wonderful to see her reunite with former co-hosts Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie on the show. During the broadcast, part of which is on YouTube, Kotb discussed her new health and wellness initiative, Joy 101. Melvin then asked his former colleague about the gossip involving her taking over Kelly Clarkson’s daytime TV post. Kotb then posed a question of her own before answering her colleague:

Honestly, it makes sense that Hoda Kotb wouldn’t be interested in stepping back into the TV business, at least not so soon. She previously revealed that her biggest reason for stepping away was so that she could spend more time with her two young daughters. Headlining a daytime talk show would keep her out of the house even more. Kotb also seemed excited about life after her TV career, though she’s continued to support Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie and co. in sweet ways.

Of course, while the 60-year-old media personality has now denied having been hired to take over for Kelly Clarkson, that doesn’t necessarily extinguish the general rumors about Clarkson stepping away. Months ago, it was reported that there were behind-the-scenes issues at Clarkson’s show and that she was having a hard time balancing her extensive schedule. Clarkson even spoke about her professional obligations while she performed on stage at Hard Rock Live earlier this month.

The host and singer also drew attention because she missed a number of tapings throughout March and April of this year. While the exact reasons for her absences were not confirmed, it was alleged that she had to step away in order to take her children to see her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock. Per reports, Blackstock was ill at the time.

As uncertainty remains, a producer for The Kelly Clarkson Show spoke out and didn’t mince words about their feelings. Currently, they’re not feeling good about their job security and, for them, it seems like the show “could collapse any minute.” The unnamed individual also provided positive thoughts on the notion of Hoda Kotb taking over the show, but it seems those points are now moot, given her latest comments.

Nevertheless, Hoda Kotb will soon appear on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Her episode has reportedly already been taped and, as Kotb told Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie on Today, that guest spot was just for “fun.” Although it seems that we can now strike Kotb from these Clarkson rumors, only time will tell if there’s any truth to the claim that the latter is actively seeking to quit her show.

While a show like Today may not feel like a standout in a lineup like the 2025 TV schedule, the commonplace nature of such a program does always come with its own share of news. The recent passing of co-host Sheinelle Jones’ husband, Uche Ojeh, is one of the more unfortunate moments to make headlines, as that death has left Jones and her three children in a time of grief and remembrance.

Which, in turn, has inspired her colleague Carson Daly to offer some memories of a similar loss in his life, in the name of comfort. Those sentiments were part of a larger outpouring of support, which came in the form of the Today family’s announcement, which saw Sheinelle Jones very much in their thoughts.

When it came to the TV veteran of long-running NBC programs like The Voice and Last Call with Carson Daly, his remembrance of the loss of his father tied in through this introductory statement:

Uche Ojeh’s death came after undergoing treatment for glioblastoma, a condition that would take his life at the age of 45. Survived by his wife, as well as their three children - Kayin, Clara, and Uche Jr - the love story of Sheinelle Jones and the family she built with her late husband unfolded through beautiful memories of the friendships that the Today crew had built with both parties.

So, of course, Carson Daly’s story of losing his father Jim Daly to bladder cancer hits close to the heart of the subject in discussion. That unfortunate event may have been an inspiration behind Daly’s messages of wanting to “scale back” in TV, as wanting to spend more time with his family is another indication that the personality truly treasures his time in life.

That's also part of the silver lining in this hopeful message from the previous host of MTV’s pop culture landmark Total Request Live. Continuing to reflect on his own experience with young loss, Daly also had this to say:

Carson Daly's stoic optimism was only part of Today's tribute to Uche Ojeh. If you want to see the full clip, which includes a beautiful recap of Sheinelle Jones' romance with her dearly departed husband, you can take a look for yourself below:

This NBC morning show institution is certainly no stranger to heartfelt tributes, as we’ve seen in relatively happier times. Hoda Kotb’s big Today sendoff is another example of how the crew rallies together to make everyone feel like a proper workplace family. Carson Daly's humorous thoughts on Al Roker returning to work after a 2022 surgery only further prove how much everyone at this legendary news desk has each other's backs.

Though the circumstance of Sheinelle Jones’ husband passing is something much more dour and serious, the reaction is just as emotionally charged in both examples mentioned. It’s in that same spirit that we here at CinemaBlend extend our deepest condolences to Sheinelle Jones, her family, and friends, in this somber time of reflection.

Hoda Kotb shocked the morning show-loving world in September when she announced that she was stepping down from her long-running gig on Today. The celebrated talker’s last taping hit the 2025 TV schedule around mid-January, and one would think that leaving the show to spend more time with her two young daughters would automatically mean sleeping in and easing into the day at least a bit more. But, this is apparently not the case, as her former co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, just revealed that Kotb still rises at the “insane” hour of 4:30 a.m., and what she partially does with that time.

What Did Today’s Jenna Bush Hager Say That Hoda Kotb Does When She Wakes Up Before Dawn?

While many viewers love getting their day started with morning talk shows like Today, not only are those polished hosts super busy, but they can sacrifice a lot to deliver the latest and most entertaining info to us on a daily basis first thing in the a.m. This includes their crazy early wake up times, so that they can be up-to-speed and camera-ready by the time the rest of us are yawing, stretching and trying to come to life.

As Jenna Bush Hager noted on a recent episode of Today with Jenna & Friends that saw her co-host with Watch What Happens Live star Andy Cohen, Hoda Kotb (who had been with NBC since 2007) is still getting up before the crack of dawn, and doing it on her morning show schedule of 4:30 a.m. How does Bush Hager know this? Well, when asked how often she talks to her former co-host and forever friend, she replied:

I know that lots of people have to wake up before the sun crosses the horizon so that they can get ready for work, but can you imagine? Not only is this an especially early alarm to set, but to continue to wake up at such a time when you literally no longer have to is WILD. And, how many of us can say that when we do rise at such an hour that we’re aware enough to send someone a voice note? Again, Hoda. Is. WIIIIIILD

Many of you are probably like I am, where you only wake up super early to leave on vacation or because your anxiety made you. Kotb, however, is just part of the early-risers club, I guess. When Craig Melvin began his new gig as anchor and stepped into the seat beside Savannah Guthrie, Kotb left a lovely poem for him on set. Now I can’t help but wonder if she came up with that idea while 99.9% of us were still fast asleep!

The former morning anchor, of course, isn’t filling all this awake time by simply hanging out with her kids and lounging by the pool. She’s already found some big projects to work on, with one including a partnership of some kind with Fixer Upper/Magnolia Network home design and lifestyle expert Joanna Gaines. So, she’s likely using some of these hours to put her plans in place, and while I can’t say that I’d willingly adopt this technique for my own life, I sure hope it’s working for Hoda!

It’s been just over a month since Hoda Kotb bid The Today Show farewell and retired. However, she's still staying busy by working on a Today follow-up with Joanna Gaines. Meanwhile, Today seems to be doing fine post-Kotb, with Craig Melvin taking over as co-anchor. Now, as ratings for the morning news program improve, how does the former co-anchor feel about leaving?

While Kotb has been a staple on Today for years, ratings seem to be doing just a tad better in the month since her retirement. According to Nielsen ratings, Today brought in 2.8 million total viewers and 698,000 in the 25-54 demo, passing Good Morning America for the week of Jan. 13 (the first week without Kotb). Allegedly, she is hurt about the improvement, as a source told RadarOnline:

Kotb did give nearly 20 years of her life to Today, and seeing ratings improve right after she left could sting. However, it's important to remember that this report is alleged.

That being said, it’s possible that fans simply wanted to see how the show is doing without her. Melvin isn’t a stranger to Today, but seeing him as an official co-anchor is new and exciting. Perhaps, people were tuning in to see the start of the NBC program's new chapter.

The big reason why Kotb wanted to leave Today was to focus on her two daughters. Allegedly, being home full-time has changed her way of life quite a bit. Insiders claimed that Kotb isn’t getting dressed up as much anymore to have “fancy dinner meetings in midtown Manhattan” and is instead “running around in sweatpants and her hair up, picking up her kids from playdates.”

It should be pointed out again that this is all speculation, and it’s not confirmed that Hoda Kotb feels this way about leaving Today. It might just take a while for her to really settle into this new chapter of her life. She could always stop by Today every once in a while too, maybe even join her former co-host Jenna Bush Hager on Today with Jenna and Friends as a guest host. That would certainly be fun!

Today has said goodbye to anchors before, so this isn’t anything new. However, while the show seems to be doing just fine in this new era, it’s also probably been hard for everyone to get used to this massive change. With that being said, as we learn more about the show and Kotb's life outside of it, we'll be sure to keep you updated. In the meantime, you can watch Today as it airs every day on the 2025 TV schedule on NBC.

Last week, The Today Show played host to Hoda Kotb’s farewell, and it was one for the books. And while it was a tearful goodbye, co-anchor Savannah Guthrie opened up and reflected on her beginnings of being an NBC morning anchor, which kicked off over a decade ago. It turns out the seniored broadcaster and journalist wasn't just fearful, but certain, that her time with Today would be short-lived.

As Craig Melvin replaces Hoda Kotb and settles in for his new-ish role on the historic morning talk show program, he and Guthrie have been celebrated as they forge forward as new co-hosts. The duo talked with Parade about becoming aquaintances and then friends well before Kotb's exit shook up the 2025 TV schedule. Both knew of each other while in Washington D.C. before the Guthrie eventually moved to 30 Rock, and she said this about getting the call to replace Ann Curry back in 2012, and how it all felt so scary.

It would have been quite a time to start as a new head anchor for anyone after the Curry ousting. For everything to feel uncertain, from the decisions made by her bosses to being the last know anything, it had to be incredibly stressful for Guthrie, while also possibly causing a case of impostor syndrome.

Before the promotion, Guthrie was the 9 a.m. anchor and head legal correspondent. She revealed that the move felt too good to be true, saying:

Luckily for her, all these years later, it seems to continue to get better, including a salary bump similar to Melvin’s pay bump. Although, it was pretty sad to see her part ways with Kotb. I’m glad that her and her new co-host already had a relationship so it’ll make the transition easier on everyone involved.

The Mostly What God Does author recalls that she was crying about the position when offered to her not because it was her goal but because she feared being let go eventually. She also added how pleased she is to be a part of Today still.

What a ride the decade plus co-host had landing the gig! Seemingly, she’s more than settled in now, and even though she was shocked but not shocked about Kotb’s departure, it sure seems like she can whether this showchanging transition. After all, her sweet parting gift for her 'Today' co-host of a pair of pom poms showed nothing but love and support for the future of their friendship beyond professional means.

Today has been in good hands since well before 2012, but I don't think anyone would say Savannah Guthrie changed that in the slightest. Her fun and caring disposition is what landed her the job in the first place, and hopefully, for her, she’s learned it’s the exact reason why she’s a lasting staple of the staple morning show.

Watch Today on NBC at 7 A.M. on weekdays. Stream prior episodes with a Peacock subscription.

It’s the dawn of a new day at The Today Show amid the 2025 TV schedule, as longtime co-host Hoda Kotb officially signed off on January 10. Succeeding her in that post is fellow series alum Craig Melvin, who’ll be sharing the desk with Savannah Guthrie. Melvin’s stint in the big seat officially started today, January 13, and he seems to be off to a solid start thus far. While Kotb is currently reveling in her new routine, she signified her first week off by sharing some kind words for Melvin.

The hosts of Today honored Craig Melvin on air by sharing a clip package of the work he’s done with the NBC program over the years. While that video, which was shared on YouTube, was sweet enough, Hoda Kotb’s message was the icing on the cake. She appeared via a pre-recorded video that was played on air. In the clip, Kotb lauded her successor, calling him “fantastic” and revealed that she’d left him a message hidden on set that she wanted him to read on air. Savannah Guthrie then revealed the poem, and it reads as follows:

That’s the kind of pick-me-up that any of us can surely use! I love seeing this kind of support amongst friends and colleagues and, by the looks of it, Craig Melvin really appreciates the warm words. What should also be said is that everything his predecessor said is true, as he’s in a position to succeed and he has longtime colleagues working alongside him. Overall, I think this was the perfect way for the team to mark Melvin’s first day in his new position.

Hoda Kotb announced her decision to leave the news program back in September 2024 and was met with sad but supportive reactions from fans. Her co-anchors were also in her corner as Kotb prepared for her exit, which she attributed to a desire to spend more time with her two children. Ahead of her final show, the NBC veteran received some sweet gifts from Savannah Guthrie and more, and the cast subsequently paid tribute to Kotb in other ways. Now, the former newswoman seems content with her decision and, on that note, she dropped a sweet caption into an Instagram post she shared Monday morning:

I’ll forever smile whenever I hear Hoda Kotb lending words of support to her former co-workers. To say that the show won’t be the same without her jovial and warm presence would be an understatement. However, as Kotb conveyed through her message, the show appears to be in good hands with Craig Melvin and co. moving forward.

For many people, today was a day like any other. They woke up, downed some coffee and began counting down the hours to the weekend. However, for those whose morning routine includes turning on NBC to watch The Today Show, it was much more notable. January 10 was a day on the 2025 TV schedule many have been dreading since September when Hoda Kotb announced that she was leaving the morning show after 17 years. Following her final broadcast, several of her co-stars, including Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker, paid tribute to the beloved host.

It’s hard to believe that Hoda Kotb’s last day has come and gone, as she prepares to start new adventures and spend more time with her two young daughters. Savannah Guthrie may not have been surprised that Kotb decided to walk away, given things her colleague had said about turning 60 — which Kotb did in August — but it was still an emotional day. Guthrie honored her co-host by posting some candid photos of the two of them on set to Instagram, and wrote this simple yet sweet message:

Famed weatherman Al Roker added his own social media photo montage, filled with images from the past two decades that showed he and Hoda Kotb have been friends and colleagues for a long time. He included a sweet message in the caption, too, joking about what she'll do with her mornings now. (Hopefully she sleeps in!)

Here's what Roker wrote:

Jenna Bush Hager, who co-hosted The Today Show’s fourth hour with Hoda Kotb, has been on quite the emotional roller coaster, trolling Kotb about her potential replacement while also admitting that it felt like she got dumped. That mixture of laughter and tears continued on Friday, as Bush Hager shared several clips honoring her friend, including the package that aired during the “Hoda-bration”:

Carson Daly also shared pics from Hoda Kotb’s last day, with a humorous caption that warned Kotb’s replacement Craig Melvin that he’s got some “big heels to fill.” The Voice host posted:

Monday may be Hoda Kotb’s first day to sleep in, but as Carson Daly noted, it’s also a big day for Craig Melvin. While the incoming co-host is already part of The Today Show’s third hour, his promotion to Kotb’s spot apparently comes with quite a massive pay bump. However, none of that was important on this day. Friday was all about Hoda, and Craig Melvin’s Instagram post paid homage to her with an adorable message and several photos of the two of them over the years. Here's what the incoming anchor had to say:

It’s a sad day for Hoda Kotb’s many, many fans, but it was so sweet and fitting of NBC to send her off with this Hoda-bration, and her colleagues’ tributes to her just prove how special she is to all of them. Tune in Monday morning to see Craig Melvin in his new role and what Jenna Bush Hager’s hour will look like sans Kotb.

As the 2024 TV schedule nears its conclusion, viewers are also inching ever closer to the end of an era at The Today Show. Longtime co-host Hoda Kotb is leaving NBC’s morning staple, having announced the news on air back in September. Fans have shared all the feelings about Kotb’s choice, and her colleagues have been sharing their thoughts as well. Apparently, Jenna Bush Hager and even more of the personalities were shook after they learned the news and, honestly, I can understand why.

Jenna Bush Hager has mostly appeared to be supportive, as her colleague prepares to wrap up her stint at Today. Though she’s also been somewhat playful, as Hager playfully trolled Hoda Kotb over her potential successor via some funny social media messages. Nevertheless, the comments that Hager shared during a recent episode of her Open Book podcast illustrate just how surprised she was to hear about Kotb’s exit. The journalist shared some personal sentiments with Matt Rogers during the conversation:

Since 2019, the Texas native has hosted Today with Hoda & Jenna alongside Kotb, and they’ve shared more than a few memorable moments in that time. Considering their closeness, I certainly understand why news of Kotb’s eventual departure may have been a tough pill for her on-screen partner to swallow. Jenna Bush Hager did, of course, also say that she understood the decision, yet that didn’t stop her from feeling a certain way upon learning about what was going down:

It goes without saying that the ever-so-thankful Hoda Kotb didn’t make this career decision to disappoint her colleagues. As Kotb has discussed her job and future, she’s mentioned a desire to try new endeavors and spend more time with her young daughters. Other Today alums have discussed her decision to leave as well. One such person is Savannah Guthrie, who wasn’t surprised since she and Kotb have had discussions on the topic of the latter leaving. Carson Daly also expressed sadness but expressed support for his co-star’s decision.

To be quite honest, the long-running morning talk show is going to be quite different without Hoda Kotb in the fold after she leaves at the beginning of 2025. I can’t even imagine what that adjustment will be like for her co-stars. However, the good news is that longtime Today co-host Craig Melvin will be replacing Kotb, so there’s some continuity on that front. Hopefully, that fact serves as something of a comfort for Jenna Bush Hager as she wrestles with feeling like she was “dumped” in some sense.

A lot of Today fans are still processing the news that the upcoming 2025 TV schedule will mean the end of being able to watch Hoda Kotb every weekday morning. The bubbly anchor surprised and saddened many in late September when she announced her decision to move on from the NBC morning show, but that doesn’t mean her remaining time on air has been without fun. In fact, I love how her co-host Jenna Bush Hager has been trolling Kotb about her potential replacement, and their CBS competitor Gayle King plays a part.

How Has Jenna Bush Hager Trolled Hoda Kotb Before Her Today Exit?

As you might imagine, while we are all supportive of Hoda Kotb’s choice to leave her full time job with her NBC family after a whopping 26 years because she wants to spend more time with her two young daughters, it still has her fans and colleagues in their feels. A recent installment of Today with Hoda & Jenna saw Jenna Bush Hager deal with her “abandonment issues” by not so gently suggesting that their CBS Mornings competition, Gayle King, take over for Kotb. And, you just gotta love this live-on-air trolling (via People), after Bush Hager noted that King was her “bestie”:

• Bush Hager: There's a seat open.
• Kotb: My seat isn't even cold yet!
• Bush Hager: I know you have a job over at 60 Minutes and such, but Gayle & Jenna has a beautiful ring to it. I'm just kidding.

Wow! You know what? I totally don’t think she’s kidding! While it’s somewhat unlikely at this point that King will make a sudden jump to NBC for Kotb’s January 10 exit, I do love that her co-host is already thinking ahead as a way to soothe any lingering frustrations over Kotb’s decision to leave us…I mean, spend more time with her kids. Right.

While Craig Melvin (whose choice of celebratory beverage disgusted his colleagues) has already been announced to take over Kotb’s anchor position on January 13, the hour she co-hosted with Bush Hager will soon be known as Today with Jenna and Friends. As the duo talked to SNL star/Is It Cake host Mikey Day, the newer of the Today hosts kept trolling Kotb, leading to this delightful exchange:

• Bush Hager: Do you like Shaboozey? Gayle King loves Shaboozey.
• Kotb: Why do you? Do you hear what she’s trying to do? She’s shading me. She brings up Gayle King 10 times during our show.
• Bush Hager: Today, that’s the anger I have. I have abandonment issues with her leaving, so today, Gayle King is the way I’m dealing with those.

I’m glad that she’s found a way to deal with her abandonment issues. Now, the rest of us just need to find a way to deal with ours!

With Hoda Kotb set to take her leave from Today early on the 2025 TV schedule, this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade featured one big “last” for her and the rest of NBC’s crew. The fact that it was her final time covering the parade wasn’t lost on Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, who joined Kotb, Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie for a segment to promote her movie. The actress paid tribute to the long-time morning show host, and I am so touched by her sweet gesture.

The parade route may have been rainy — in a way reflecting the mood of Hoda Kotb’s fans after she announced her impending exit — but you’d never know it looking at the NBC stalwart’s infectious smile as she co-hosted the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade alongside several of her Today show colleagues. They welcomed Cynthia Erivo to talk about Wicked’s box office-topping performance, but before getting into the movie, Erivo insisted on paying tribute to Kotb, saying:

Cynthia Erivo handed Hoda Kotb a large bouquet of white flowers, causing the host to become emotional, as they each said they loved each other “to the moon and back.” It was such a sweet moment between the two, and you can see how excited Kotb still was when they posed for the photo below:

Guests who are interviewed by the Today anchors are certainly not expected to come bearing gifts, and the purpose of this interview was to celebrate Cynthia Erivo and inspire more people to see her and Ariana Grande’s film. It was so generous of her to use part of her time to turn the spotlight on Hoda Kotb, and I admire Erivo even more now for that lovely moment.

Hoda Kotb has said that after her Today exit she’ll still remain at NBC in some capacity, but it doesn’t seem like the Macy’s parade will amongst her responsibilities going forward. That does make sense, given her motivation to spend more time with her daughters. I’m sure Kotb wants to be with them on future holidays and not broadcasting from the cold streets of New York City.

Perhaps next November we’ll see Craig Melvin taking over that seat as well, as he’s been chosen to replace Hoda Kotb on Today’s first hour, co-hosting with Savannah Guthrie. He’s reportedly getting a pretty good pay bump for his new gig, and while he will also remain on the NBC morning show’s third hour, he will not be joining Jenna Bush Hager in the fourth hour. That segment will be rebranded as Jenna & Friends and see a rotation of second hosts.

Those big changes are coming soon, but not to worry — we’ve still got Hoda Kotb for the whole month of December. Her final day is Friday, January 10, with Craig Melvin set to take over Monday, January 13. Tune in to NBC to see the transition, and also be sure to catch Cynthia Erivo in Wicked, which is in theaters now.