NBC Execs Consider Replacing a Today Show Host—You Won’t Believe Who!

In a dramatic shake-up within the morning news world, NBC executives are reportedly exploring the possibility of replacing one of the current Today Show hosts with a surprise contender who would bring A-list appeal to the table. This potential move, aimed at revitalizing the program’s competitive edge, has sparked widespread buzz and speculation. Fans are eagerly trying to figure out who might be at risk of losing their spot and what this means for the future of the iconic morning show.

What’s Happening—and Who’s Involved?

Since Hoda Kotb stepped down from her co-anchor role in January 2025, NBC has been under intense pressure to fill the void in both the main two-hour Today block and the fourth hour, Today with Jenna & Friends. While Craig Melvin was tapped to take over Hoda’s slot alongside Savannah Guthrie, questions about the future of Jenna Bush Hager’s co-anchor position have lingered. Despite Hager’s popularity, NBC executives are now rumored to be eyeing a big-name celebrity to inject star power into the show.

Sources close to the network say that executives are looking to bring in someone with significant celebrity appeal—someone who can draw larger audiences and inject some excitement into Today‘s already competitive ratings battle. Could this mean a major shakeup for Today’s lineup? Could an A-list celebrity join the ranks as a permanent co-anchor?

Why NBC Is Rethinking the Lineup

Several factors are fueling this search for fresh talent. First, traditional morning show viewership continues to decline as streaming services and niche news outlets have gained in popularity. Additionally, with Hoda Kotb’s departure, NBC has been struggling to stabilize the dynamics of the fourth hour. Craig Melvin stepping in to fill Hoda’s role was a step in the right direction, but the search for Jenna’s co-anchor remains unresolved.

NBC’s previous attempts to shuffle the lineup, such as when Megyn Kelly joined in 2017, shook things up but did not lead to sustained success. Now, executives appear ready to make another bold move—one that could breathe new life into the morning franchise.

Top Contenders: Whispers in the Industry

Though NBC has yet to confirm any names, industry insiders have pointed to several big names as potential co-hosts. These candidates come from both inside and outside the NBC family, each bringing something unique to the table. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top rumored contenders:

Scarlett Johansson – Known for her massive pop culture power, Johansson has been suggested due to her impressive guest-host stints. Her star power could give Today a serious ratings boost and appeal to a wider audience.
Savannah Guthrie – While already anchoring the show’s earlier hours, Savannah is a natural choice for a larger role on the show. She’s built a strong connection with viewers and could further solidify her position as the main anchor.
Justin Sylvester – A rising star on Today, Justin has developed strong chemistry with Jenna and has become a fan favorite in recent months. Many believe his dynamic with Jenna could help reinvigorate the fourth hour of the program.
Sheinelle Jones – A popular guest host rumored to be NBC’s leading candidate, Sheinelle brings a wealth of experience and energy that could be a great match for Jenna Bush Hager.
Matt Rogers – A fresh comedic voice with undeniable on-camera charisma, Matt could bring a new dimension to the show, offering a balance of humor and relatability.

The debate remains centered on which of these candidates would bring the perfect blend of chemistry, audience appeal, and long-term viability to the Today lineup.

Fan and Media Reactions Explode

Even before any official confirmation, fans have been buzzing with opinions and speculation. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok are filled with reactions, hashtags, and polls. One fan wrote, “Please say it’s Scarlett! That’d be amazing,” while another posted, “Savannah’s great, but I want someone unexpected.” It’s clear that fans are split on whether they want a familiar face or a brand-new celebrity to take the seat next to Jenna.

Hashtags such as #TodayCoHostShakeup and #ScarlettOnToday are already trending, reflecting the public’s fascination with this potential change. Entertainment websites like People, The Sun, and CinemaBlend have also joined the conversation, fueling the fire with discussions on the future of Today. In particular, fans have highlighted the importance of finding someone who truly “clicks” with Jenna, as Hoda Kotb once emphasized.

What NBC Is Watching Closely

NBC executives are closely monitoring key metrics that will guide their final decision on the new co-host. These include:

Ratings Bump – Did guest turns from Johansson, Rogers, or other high-profile celebrities push viewership numbers up during their guest stints?
Social Engagement – How are clips and trending content reflecting audience excitement and engagement?
Long-Term Chemistry – Is the dynamic between the potential co-host and Jenna Bush Hager natural, or does it feel forced?

A source revealed to People that Hoda Kotb’s advice about finding a “great click” between the co-hosts was instrumental in shaping NBC’s priorities. The network is focused on ensuring that the chemistry between the two co-hosts is seamless, rather than simply relying on star power alone.

What Could Happen Next

While no official announcement has been made, it’s expected that NBC will confirm the new co-host before the summer. If the right person is not found, NBC could continue to rotate guest hosts until a permanent replacement is selected.

The addition of a celebrity-level co-host like Johansson or another A-lister could mark the start of a fresh renaissance for Today. The network hopes to rejuvenate the program and attract a new generation of viewers while still maintaining the qualities that have made the show a beloved staple of morning television.

Who Might Be Replaced?

The focus remains primarily on Jenna Bush Hager’s co-anchor seat for the fourth hour of Today with Jenna & Friends. While no co-hosts have officially been replaced yet, insiders suggest that NBC is not just testing, but seriously considering a major permanent replacement. The goal is to find someone who pairs seamlessly with Jenna and reenergizes the franchise.

Although no official exits have been confirmed, it seems likely that if a new co-host is chosen, it will be someone who can bring fresh energy and strong chemistry with Jenna to keep the show competitive.

Conclusion: A Bold Gamble in Morning TV

The potential decision to replace one of Today‘s co-hosts with a big-name celebrity is a bold move for NBC. It’s a gamble that could yield huge rewards if the right fit is found, but also one that risks upsetting loyal viewers if the chemistry is off.

NBC is acutely aware of the stakes involved—viewership numbers, brand reputation, and the long-term loyalty of viewers. The morning show landscape is more competitive than ever, and Today is looking for ways to stand out in an era of streaming, social media, and a growing demand for diverse voices in television.

By shaking up the Today lineup, NBC is signaling its ambition to adapt to the evolving media landscape. But in doing so, they must tread carefully to ensure that any changes resonate with their audience. A bold move could breathe new life into Today, but the network must strike the right balance between fresh energy and loyal audience expectations.