It’s been six months since the American morning television landscape was shaken to its core, and the dust still hasn’t settled. When Hoda Kotb, the effervescent and ever-reliable co-anchor of Today, quietly stepped away from her coveted seat beside Jenna Bush Hager this past January, viewers across the country were left clutching their coffee mugs in disbelief. The chemistry, the laughter, the sisterly bond that had defined “Today with Hoda and Jenna” was suddenly gone—leaving a Jenna-shaped question mark hanging over Studio 6A: Who could possibly fill Hoda’s shoes?
If you’d wandered into 30 Rock these days, you’d find a show in flux but not in freefall. In fact, “Today with Jenna and Friends” has emerged as a dazzling, unpredictable carousel of guest stars, celebrity surprises, and the kind of unscripted moments that have become the show’s new signature. Scarlett Johansson, Dwyane Wade, Taraji P. Henson, Olivia Munn—the guest list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood, sports, and pop culture. It’s a star-studded parade, and Jenna is at the center, smiling, riffing, and rolling with every punch. But the big question lingers in the air, as persistent as the scent of fresh-brewed coffee: When will NBC finally name a permanent co-host?
Insiders are quick to confirm what most eagle-eyed fans have already suspected: the answer is, not anytime soon. “NBC is not close to naming a permanent co-host,” one network source confided, adding that the current parade of guest hosts is likely to continue “for the foreseeable future.” The reason? It’s not indecision; it’s strategy. Jenna Bush Hager, by all accounts, is thriving in this new format, relishing the variety and unpredictability that comes with a rotating cast of co-presenters. “She’s content,” says the insider. “She’s enjoying the company, she’s enjoying the energy, and honestly, so are the viewers.”
If you believe the rumor mill—and in daytime TV, it churns faster than a Vitamix—there’s no shortage of candidates vying for that coveted seat. But one name keeps popping up, only to be shot down again and again: Kelly Clarkson. The original American Idol, the queen of daytime talk, the woman with the voice and the warmth to light up any studio. Could she be the answer to NBC’s prayers? Could she be the one to bring stability, star power, and a dash of Texas charm to “Today”?
The answer, despite the fevered speculation, is a resounding no. Kelly Clarkson, sources insist, is not in the running. In fact, she’s never even guest co-hosted “Today with Jenna and Friends,” and executives are quick to dismiss the idea as wishful thinking. “If she wants to spend more time with her kids, she certainly wouldn’t get that at ‘Today,’” one network insider told Page Six, pointing out the grueling hours and relentless pace of morning television. “And she’s never expressed interest. It just doesn’t make sense.”
Instead, Kelly Clarkson is exactly where she wants to be—helming her own juggernaut, “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” which has just been renewed through its seventh season in 2026. NBC executives are effusive in their praise. “Kelly Clarkson is a national treasure,” says Tracie Wilson, EVP of Syndication Studios and E! News at NBCUniversal. “Her show continues to raise the bar in daytime television. She’s a star, and we’re lucky to have her.” Valari Staab, Chairman at NBCUniversal Local, echoes the sentiment: “The show’s consistent viewership, engaging content, and high production quality have made it a valuable part of our programming lineup across the NBC-owned stations. We’re pleased about its continued popularity and success.”
So, if Kelly’s out, who’s in? The answer, for now, is everyone and no one. Jenna Bush Hager, ever the optimist, is embracing the uncertainty. In a candid conversation with US Weekly, she admitted, “Every day it changes. It also has been a really good lesson in living in the present. It’s, like, I actually have no idea what this show is going to look like.” She went on to reveal that guest co-hosts are “booked” until “early summer,” but beyond that, there are “no solid plans either way.” Could there be a permanent co-host? “Sure,” she says. Could the revolving door of guest stars continue indefinitely? “Sure.”
It’s a gamble, to be sure. Morning television is built on routine, on the familiar faces and rhythms that greet viewers as they start their day. And yet, there’s something undeniably exciting about the current format—a sense of possibility, of discovery, of never quite knowing who will show up next. For Jenna, it’s a chance to flex her muscles as an interviewer, a conversationalist, and, above all, a connector. She’s the glue that holds the show together, no matter who’s sitting beside her.
Behind the scenes, the search for a permanent co-host is less a frantic scramble and more a slow, deliberate process. NBC knows what’s at stake. The chemistry between hosts is everything. It can’t be faked, and it can’t be rushed. The network is taking its time, weighing its options, and, in the meantime, enjoying the ride. There’s no shortage of interest—celebrities and well-known names are “reaching out for consideration,” according to one source. But the bar is high, and the fit has to be just right.
It’s a testament to Jenna Bush Hager’s appeal that the show hasn’t just survived Hoda’s departure—it’s thrived. She’s warm, relatable, and quick-witted, with a knack for making every guest feel like an old friend. Whether she’s bantering with Scarlett Johansson about motherhood, trading stories with Dwyane Wade about raising kids in the spotlight, or laughing with Taraji P. Henson about the joys and pitfalls of fame, Jenna brings a sense of authenticity that resonates with viewers.
Of course, the specter of Hoda Kotb still looms large. Her absence is felt, her legacy undeniable. For years, she and Jenna were the heart and soul of “Today,” their friendship and camaraderie setting the tone for the entire show. Replacing her is no small feat, and NBC is wise not to rush the process. The audience, after all, is invested—not just in the show, but in the people who bring it to life each morning.
As for Kelly Clarkson, she’s watching from the sidelines, cheering Jenna on while carving out her own empire. Her decision to stay with her talk show is both practical and personal. “If she wants to spend more time with her kids, she certainly wouldn’t get that at ‘Today,’” the insider repeats, dismissing the rumors once and for all. Kelly’s fans can rest easy—she’s not going anywhere.
So, where does that leave “Today with Jenna and Friends”? In a word: limbo. But it’s a limbo filled with laughter, surprise, and the kind of spontaneous moments that make live television so addictive. Jenna is steering the ship with grace and good humor, welcoming a parade of guest stars and keeping the show fresh and relevant. The search for a permanent co-host continues, but there’s no rush. For now, Jenna and her friends are more than enough.
In the ever-shifting world of morning television, change is the only constant. Hosts come and go, formats evolve, and the audience adapts. What remains is the need for connection, for authenticity, for a reason to tune in each morning. Jenna Bush Hager understands that better than anyone. She’s not just holding down the fort—she’s reinventing it, one guest at a time.
As the summer rolls on and the parade of guest hosts continues, one thing is clear: the magic of “Today” isn’t tied to any one person. It’s in the conversations, the laughter, the unexpected moments of realness that remind us why we watch in the first place. The hunt for Hoda’s successor may be ongoing, but in the meantime, Jenna Bush Hager is proving that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that haven’t been written yet.
So, pull up a chair, pour yourself another cup of coffee, and enjoy the ride. “Today with Jenna and Friends” is television in the moment—unpredictable, unscripted, and utterly irresistible. And as for who will eventually join Jenna on that famous couch? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: whoever it is, they’ll have some very big shoes to fill.
