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

In an industry shake-up that’s sending ripples through morning news circles, NBC executives are reportedly exploring a surprise contender to replace a current Today Show host. This unexpected development has fans buzzing with speculation: which major on-air star could be at risk—and what does this mean for the future of America’s most iconic morning program?

What’s Happening—and Who’s Involved

Since Hoda Kotb stepped down as co-anchor of Today in January 2025, NBC has been on a quest to find new talent for both the flagship two-hour block and the fourth hour, Today with Jenna & Friends. While Craig Melvin was officially tapped to replace Hoda alongside Savannah Guthrie, major questions remain around Jenna Bush Hager’s co-anchor seat.

According to insiders, NBC execs are now eyeing a BIG name—someone with A-list appeal—to potentially shake up the lineup. This candidate would not only draw eyeballs, but also inject star power into the morning franchise’s increasingly competitive ratings battle.

Why NBC Is Rethinking the Lineup

The morning news landscape has shifted dramatically:

Ratings pressure: Traditional morning viewership continues to erode as streaming platforms and niche news outlets rise in popularity.
Hoda Kotb’s departure: Created a major void. While Craig Melvin filled one slot, the fourth-hour dynamic is still unstable.
Aggressive reshuffling: In the past, reshuffling has reaped mixed but notable success—like when Megyn Kelly joined the lineup in 2017.

Now, NBC seems ready to make another bold move. An A-list celebrity co-host might be just what the network needs to regain its position in the morning television game.

Top Contenders Being Whispered in the Industry

Though NBC hasn’t officially confirmed any names, industry insiders and rumor mill experts suggest that the following stars are front-runners:

Scarlett Johansson: Known for her A-list status and tremendous popularity, Johansson tested impressively in guest-host stints, drawing huge social media buzz. Her pop culture power alone could give Today a ratings boost.
Savannah Guthrie: A natural pick, already anchoring the show’s earlier hours. While she has the chemistry with Jenna, there’s speculation that NBC may be looking for a new face to take on the fourth hour.
Justin Sylvester: A rising Today star with strong chemistry next to Jenna. Fans and execs alike are intrigued by his personality.
Sheinelle Jones: Popular guest host and NBC’s leading candidate. Known for her warmth and connection to the audience, she could bring stability to the role.
Matt Rogers: A fresh comedic voice with undeniable on-camera charisma. His lighthearted approach could offer a refreshing change to the Today formula.

From A-listers to in-house NBC talent, the debate is about more than just star power. NBC is looking for chemistry, audience appeal, and long-term viability in the face of streaming competitors.

Fan and Media Reaction Already Exploding

Even before any confirmation, fans are in full speculation mode:

“Please say it’s Scarlett! That’d be amazing.”
“Savannah’s great, but I want someone unexpected.”
“They need to pick someone who brings real synergy with Jenna.”

Hashtags like #TodayCoHostShakeup and #ScarlettOnToday are already trending on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, with opinion polls and reaction videos multiplying by the hour.

Entertainment outlets such as People, The Sun, and CinemaBlend are also fueling the fire—discussing Hoda’s stated wish that Jenna find someone who “clicks great with Jenna,” signaling that chemistry is more important than simply filling the seat.

What NBC Is Watching Closely

NBC executives are closely tracking several key metrics:

Ratings bump: Did guest turns from Johansson or Rogers push viewership up?
Social engagement: How do clips and trending content reflect audience excitement?
Long-term chemistry: Does co-host synergy feel natural or forced?

A source told People that Hoda Kotb emphasized finding a “great click” with Jenna, hinting NBC’s priority lies more in chemistry than fame. NBC is aware that the Today audience is loyal, but as new generations turn to digital news, keeping the right chemistry in the lineup is critical for maintaining long-term viewership.

What Could Happen Next

There’s no official word yet from NBC, but these developments are not likely to stay quiet for long. Here’s what could happen in the near future:

Official announcement: NBC could confirm a star co-host before summer, making waves in the media world.
Rounding out the bench: Expect rotating spots to continue for a while if a permanent match isn’t found.
Jenna + Celebrity = New Era: If Johansson or another major celebrity is selected, this could usher in a fresh renaissance for Today, and possibly shift how morning television is consumed in the digital era.

So, Who Might Be Replaced?

While no one is confirmed to be leaving, the main focus remains on Jenna Bush Hager’s co-anchor seat. The speculation centers around whether NBC is ready to make a permanent change, choosing someone who will pair seamlessly with Jenna and revitalize the morning franchise.

NBC has yet to confirm any replacements, but the murmurs of change continue to grow louder, and insiders suggest that a major celebrity co-host might just be what the Today franchise needs.

Conclusion: A Bold Gamble in Morning TV

At stake: viewership numbers, brand reputation, and viewer loyalty. NBC’s rumored interest in replacing a co-host with an A-list star signals ambition but also the acknowledgment of imperfection in the current format. It’s a gamble, but it could be one that revitalizes Today for the streaming generation.

Morning routines are sacred. Shaking them up risks backlash, but done right, it could breathe new life into a familiar favorite. For now, as speculation roars and guest weeks continue, one name dominates the headlines: Could Scarlett Johansson—or another A-list superstar—be the next face of Today?

Stay tuned—this story is just warming up.