"Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie is adding another role to her broadcasting career as she continues to await news about her missing mother. During the 8 a.m. hour of "Today" on Monday, the 54-year-old journalist revealed she will host a new Wordle game show airing on NBC.
Announcement on Today
Jimmy Fallon, executive producer of the show, appeared as a guest on "Today" to make the announcement. "This is very exciting, I have a big announcement to make," Fallon said. "We've been developing Wordle as a game show for the past two-and-a-half years with The New York Times, and it's official — we are making Wordle Game Show with our host Savannah Guthrie!"
Guthrie mentioned that she and Fallon had kept the secret for a long time. Fallon expressed his happiness for Guthrie, noting the show needed a host who "looks like they play Wordle" and someone who "knows how to run a show and host it." He added, "We did the pilot, and you are amazing, by the way." Guthrie jokingly replied, "I thought you picked me because I have a skirt that looks like a Wordle."
Show Description
Guthrie described the upcoming program as "super fast-paced and fun" and a "great family game." She said, "I love a game and a show that you can watch with kids and you feel like they're learning some things." The "Today" co-host revealed that she and Fallon learned in February that the show had been picked up, with filming originally scheduled for March. News of the show's development first broke in October 2025, with Guthrie set to host, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Production will begin this summer, and the show is currently seeking contestants.
Mixed Emotions Amid Personal Crisis
Guthrie acknowledged having mixed feelings about sharing the news given the ongoing situation with her family. "It kind of feels strange to do everything right now, but this is something that's full of joy," she said. The "Today" co-host has been in the headlines as her family deals with the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was abducted from her Tucson, Arizona, home on February 1. Guthrie returned to anchor "Today" after a leave of absence following the incident.
"Everything is strange right now," she told Page Six. "It's strange to get up and do the 'Today' show every day, and it's strange to say that I'm going to do a game show when your heart is broken. Nothing about that has changed, and it's not easy, but I'm determined to put one foot in front of the other."
Mother's Day Plea
On Sunday, Guthrie marked Mother's Day with a social media post featuring videos of Nancy. "Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie — we miss you with our every breath," she captioned the Instagram post. "We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you. We need help. Someone knows something that can make the difference. Call 1800CALLFBI. You can be anonymous, and the reward remains available. Please keep praying. Bring her home."
No suspects have been named in Nancy's abduction. The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to her recovery or the arrest of those responsible.
