In a surprise shake-up that has fans buzzing, NBC’s TODAY Show has officially announced that Savannah Guthrie will step in to replace Hoda Kotb as Jenna Bush Hager’s co-host—but there’s a catch.

The announcement comes after weeks of speculation surrounding who would permanently join Jenna on the Hoda & Jenna segment following Hoda’s sudden and controversial departure. While viewers have seen a rotating lineup of guest co-hosts in recent weeks, Savannah’s appointment marks the first long-term decision from the network.

However, insiders are warning that this arrangement may not be as straightforward as it seems. Behind-the-scenes reports suggest the network is treating this as a “trial run” rather than a permanent pairing—leading to growing questions about whether Savannah’s new role is a stopgap measure or a signal of bigger changes to come.

With two of NBC’s biggest morning personalities now sharing the spotlight, tensions, chemistry, and viewer response will all play a role in what happens next—and fans are already bracing for potential fireworks.

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Savannah Guthrie will co-host the fourth hour of Today with Jenna Bush HagerCredit: Getty

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Hoda Kotb left the morning show earlier this year after joining the programme in 2007Credit: Getty
The likes of Andy Cohen, Eva Longoria, Taraji P. Henson, Tyra Banks, and Tiffany Haddish have all filled in.

However, the official Instagram account of Today announced that Savannah Guthrie will take to the airwaves with the star next week.

The announcement post caption read: “Our girl SG will be back in the #JennaandFriends co-hosting chair all next week! You don’t want to miss it.”

Fans flooded to the comments section as they praised the new appointment.

One user stated: “The duo we NEED.”

A second gushed: “YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!! GONNA BE SO FUN!”

While a third commented: “Why doesn’t she become the permanent host with Jenna.”

As someone else stated: “Put her in the spot permanently!”

Although the main show anchor will present the fourth hour, she will only be in the slot for the week and will not take up the role full-time.

We previously revealed that Sheinelle Jones will officially replace Hoda as Jenna co-host after she returns from family leave.

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An insider exclusively told The U.S. Sun that although NBC execs have found their permanent replacement, the transition is on hold.

Our source claimed that Sheinelle, 46, “has the job,” but added there will not be an announcement until after her leave of absence has ended.

She first departed the show in December to deal with a private health matter.

The show source added that while Sheinelle landed the job, Today’s lifestyle contributor, Jill Martin, also lobbied hard for the gig.

TODAY Show hosts

NBC’s Today show premiered in 1952 and has bidden viewers good morning every weekday since, adding Saturday and Sunday shows in the 1980s and 1990s. The show’s current host lineup includes:

Al Roker
Savannah Guthrie
Craig Melvin
Jenna Bush Hager
Carson Daly
Sheinelle Jones
Dylan Dreyer
Peter Alexander
Kristen Welker
Willie Geist

Sheinelle was perfect for the position because she’s a seasoned professional, whereas Jenna is not as experienced.

Although she has led more hours on air as she fronted the hour-long lifestyle segment with a rotating roster of guest co-hosts.

The insider added: “They need someone who can throw to break, someone who knows the craft of making TV work, and Sheinelle is a pro.”

The U.S. Sun has reached out to Today for comment when first reporting the story.

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Many fans praised the announcement and called for the pair to be put together full-timeCredit: Getty

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A number of stars have been filling in as rotating co-hosts since Hoda departed the showCredit: Getty