Fans of the Today Show were filled with excitement and laughter this week as Jenna Bush Hager unveiled her latest guest co-host — a personality so charming and humorous that viewers are already calling them the perfect stand-in for Hoda Kotb. Ever since Hoda temporarily stepped away from her role on the fourth hour of the NBC morning program, Jenna has been joined by a rotating lineup of celebrity friends and surprise guests, each bringing their own flair to the screen.
However, this most recent co-host seems to have struck a particular chord with the audience. Described by many online as “hilarious” and “a breath of fresh air,” the newcomer delivered spontaneous humor, heartfelt moments, and undeniable chemistry with Jenna — making viewers wonder if this partnership could become more permanent. Social media quickly lit up with reactions, with fans saying they hadn’t laughed this much on the show in weeks.
Jenna, who has been gracefully leading the hour with warmth and wit, also appeared to enjoy the dynamic, joking on air that “Hoda better watch out!” While there’s no official word on whether this guest will return, fans are already lobbying for more appearances — and maybe even a new long-term co-hosting duo in the making.
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Jenna Bush Hager has just revealed the latest star names to replace Hoda KotbCredit: Getty
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Justin Sylvester, Andy Cohen and Tiffany Haddish will fill the empty seat after Tyra Banks completed her temporary stintCredit: NBC
Originally, Jenna, 43, hosted the entertainment hour of the popular morning show with Hoda Kotb, 60.
In September of last year, the legendary anchor decided to step away from Today.
Jenna has hosted the show with huge Hollywood personalities including Scarlett Johansson, Eva Longoria and Taraji P. Henson.
America’s Next Top Model presenter and judge Tyra Banks was the guest of choice this week.
Now, fans seem elated by the upcoming star names who have been announced to fill the empty chair.
Next week, Jenna will be sat with three huge names on her Today with Jenna & Friends slot.
The legendary Andy Cohen will take to the airwaves alongside the breakfast presenter.
Known for his own prime time chat show, Watch What Happens Live and his role as the host of all the Real Housewives reunions, he will now take to NBC airwaves at breakfast time.
Hollywood actress and comedienne Tiffany Haddish will also join the long list of star names to have sat opposite Jenna.
The third name is E! News personality Justin Sylvester who will appear in the week of April 21st.
Tyra Banks takes on surprise new hosting gig on rival network after DWTS exit and fans think it’s a ‘natural’ fit
The rolling format has been popular with fans, but many wanted former Marvel star Scarlett Johansson to permanently take on the role.
Viewers praised the Oscar nominee for her natural hosting abilities and easy chemistry with Jenna.
However, the US Sun previously revealed that Sheinelle Jones is poised to officially replace Hoda when she returns from family leave
An insider exclusively told us that NBC producers found their permanent replacement, but the transition is on hold.
Sheinelle, 46, reportedly “has the job”, but the mole added there will not be an announcement until after her leave of absence has ended.
Our source explained: “They need someone who can throw to break, someone who knows the craft of making TV work, and Sheinelle is a pro”.
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Andy Cohen is a legend in the industry having fronted his own late-night chat show, Watch What Happens Live since 2009Credit: Getty
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He is also the regular host for all the reunion episodes of the Real Housewives franchiseCredit: Getty
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Different rotating hosts have sat alongside Jenna since Hoda departed the flagship breakfast programmeCredit: Getty
