NBC is quietly considering a major host shake-up on the TODAY Show, and the celebrity names being discussed have shocked longtime viewers. Here’s what we know about the rumored replacements, what’s driving the change, and why this could redefine morning television.

NEW YORK, NY — The air may feel calm on-screen at Studio 1A, but behind the scenes, NBC executives are in deep, strategic conversations that could reshape one of the most iconic franchises in American television. Sources close to the network confirm that NBC is seriously considering replacing one of the TODAY Show’s co-hosts—and the names being floated are sending fans and insiders into a frenzy.

At the heart of the speculation: the co-anchor role on the show’s fourth hour, TODAY with Jenna & Friends, currently helmed by Jenna Bush Hager. While no final decision has been made, industry insiders say that NBC is actively exploring multiple high-profile candidates, including at least one major Hollywood celebrity whose presence could shift the entire tone and trajectory of the show.

This move, if it materializes, could rival some of the most talked-about anchor shakeups in recent history—and signal that the network is ready to gamble big to stay relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.

The Trigger: Hoda Kotb’s Exit and the Opening It Created

The current speculation is rooted in a domino effect that began months ago.

In January 2025, longtime TODAY co-anchor Hoda Kotb stepped down from her role, citing a desire to spend more time with family and pursue long-deferred personal projects. Her departure left a significant void—not just in the show’s chemistry, but also in the ratings department.

While Craig Melvin was swiftly promoted to co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie during the flagship two-hour block, the fourth hour—where Kotb once anchored alongside Jenna Bush Hager—has been far more fluid. The current format, TODAY with Jenna & Friends, features a rotating cast of contributors and fill-in personalities. But according to insiders, the absence of a permanent co-host has created an imbalance that NBC is eager to resolve.

Why NBC Is Considering a Major Name

Several factors have led NBC to consider swinging for the fences with a marquee-level replacement.

First and foremost: ratings. Morning television, once a stable pillar of daily programming, is increasingly under pressure as audiences fragment across streaming services, social media, and niche digital outlets. The TODAY Show remains a legacy brand—but it can no longer rely solely on brand loyalty to retain viewers.

Second: chemistry. In multiple interviews, Kotb made clear that the most important part of her job wasn’t just anchoring—it was connecting. On-air chemistry, she said, was “everything.” Her departure didn’t just create a job opening—it removed one half of a duo that viewers had grown emotionally attached to.

Finally: competition. Shows like Good Morning America and CBS Mornings have been gaining ground, particularly among younger demographics. NBC knows that reinvention is essential, and a splashy co-host choice could provide the momentum the network needs to reclaim dominance.

The Names Being Floated—and Why They Matter

While NBC has not confirmed any shortlists, several names have surfaced across industry chatter and entertainment press. Some are internal talents; others are major celebrities with massive followings—and equally massive risks.

Scarlett Johansson is perhaps the most headline-grabbing option. Known globally for her film career and widely respected for her wit and presence, Johansson has reportedly tested well in limited guest-host appearances. Sources say she possesses the one thing that’s hardest to manufacture in morning television: instant familiarity. Audiences already know her, trust her, and—most importantly—are curious about her.

Another contender is Sheinelle Jones, a current co-host of Weekend TODAY, who has built a reputation as a warm, intelligent, and likable broadcaster. She represents a “safe bet”—someone already in the NBC ecosystem, familiar with the audience, and unlikely to trigger backlash.

Justin Sylvester, a frequent guest and contributor to the show, has also been mentioned. His on-screen chemistry with Jenna Bush Hager is strong, and his vibrant, modern style has earned him a loyal following among younger viewers.

Then there’s Matt Rogers, a comedian and media personality known for his podcasting and rising television presence. His name might not carry the same star power as Johansson, but insiders say his likability and natural humor could inject the kind of casual energy the show is missing.

And of course, there’s Savannah Guthrie, the show’s morning anchor stalwart, who some suggest could take on an expanded role to stabilize the show’s image and tone across all hours.

Each of these candidates comes with their own narrative—and potential pitfalls. A-list names bring buzz, but also high expectations and the risk of disconnecting from the show’s core daytime audience. In-house personalities, meanwhile, offer stability but may not provide the ratings jolt executives crave.

How the Audience Is Reacting—And What NBC Is Watching

Though nothing has been officially announced, social media is already ablaze with speculation. Hashtags like #TodayShowShakeup, #ScarlettOnToday, and #CoHostCountdown are trending on TikTok and X, with users flooding polls, fan edits, and reaction threads.

Comments range from enthusiastic to skeptical:

“Please let it be Scarlett Johansson. That would be the most iconic casting in morning show history.”
“Jenna needs someone dynamic—but real. Not a movie star playing news anchor.”
“Just give Sheinelle Jones the job already. She’s earned it.”

NBC, according to insiders, is monitoring social engagement and online sentiment closely. It’s not just about who they want—it’s about who the public is willing to wake up to.

Executives are reportedly using three main data points to guide internal discussions:

Ratings performance during guest-host weeks, especially when celebrities appear

Clip virality and audience retention across digital platforms

Audience feedback surveys and sentiment analysis from key demographics

What’s at Stake: Legacy, Loyalty, and Reinvention

Replacing or adding a co-host may sound routine, but for a show like TODAY, it’s seismic. Morning TV is unlike any other format. It thrives on routine. Viewers don’t just watch—they build their mornings around it.

Any change risks alienating that relationship. But stagnation might be even more dangerous.

This is why NBC is treading carefully. The search isn’t just about finding someone popular. It’s about finding someone who fits—who connects with Jenna Bush Hager, with the production team, and most importantly, with the viewers.

As one longtime NBC producer put it:

“You don’t just cast a co-host. You cast a rhythm. A feeling. A mood. If it doesn’t click, everything falls apart.”

So, What Happens Next?

While NBC has not issued a timeline, sources suggest that a formal announcement could come before the end of summer—especially if a permanent replacement is chosen ahead of the fall television season.

In the meantime, viewers can expect more guest-host rotations, more whispers in the press, and more subtle testing of audience reactions.

If NBC opts for a household name like Scarlett Johansson, expect a media frenzy—and a possible rebranding effort for the fourth hour of TODAY. If they stick with in-house talent like Sheinelle Jones or Justin Sylvester, it could mark a return to the program’s core values: warmth, connection, and familiarity.

Either way, one thing is clear: the TODAY Show is preparing for a new chapter.

Conclusion: A Gamble That Could Redefine Morning TV

In television, few things are more sacred than the morning routine. But even institutions must evolve. With streaming on the rise, audiences splintering, and traditional formats losing ground, NBC’s rumored shake-up may not just be strategic—it may be essential.

The question is no longer if TODAY will change. It’s how much—and whether viewers will embrace the new face that could soon greet them every morning.

As NBC weighs its next move, the industry watches. The audience speculates. And a single question hovers in the air:

Is America ready to wake up to a brand-new kind of morning?

Stay tuned.