Savannah Guthrie Steps Back from ‘Today’ to Produce Wordle‑Based Show
The co‑anchor announced an indefinite leave to develop a television adaptation of the viral word puzzle, prompting mixed reactions and speculation about her future at NBC.
Today co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie told viewers she will be taking an indefinite leave of absence to focus on producing a new television series built around the popular online game Wordle. The announcement, made during the broadcast on Monday, marks her second hiatus from the morning program in less than a year.
Core developments
According to The Daily Beast, Guthrie explained that the project will be a “game‑show‑style” adaptation that translates the daily puzzle’s simple premise into a competitive format. She said the timing felt right after the show’s recent ratings surge and that she hopes the series will capture the same “addictive, communal” vibe that made Wordle a cultural touchstone.
Entertainment Weekly notes that Guthrie’s leave follows a brief return in February, when she stepped back for personal reasons before rejoining the anchor desk. The network confirmed that her duties will be covered by rotating co‑anchors and that her contract remains intact, leaving the door open for a future comeback.
Parade.com adds that the decision was made jointly with NBC executives, who are reportedly enthusiastic about leveraging Guthrie’s journalistic credibility to anchor the new venture. The outlet also mentions that the development phase will involve a pilot order later this summer, with a tentative premiere slated for the 2026‑27 broadcast season.
Tabloid source The Sun frames the leave as “another exit” and suggests that internal tensions may have played a role, though it offers no concrete evidence. AOL.com echoes the notion of “another exit” but emphasizes that Guthrie’s focus will be on “creating something fresh for audiences.” Meanwhile, HELLO! Magazine provides the most detailed timeline, stating that Guthrie will remain on “extended leave” through at least the fall, with the network planning a “smooth transition” for the morning lineup.
Why it matters
Guthrie’s departure is significant for several reasons. First, she is one of the most recognizable faces of Today, a show that consistently draws over seven million viewers each weekday. Her presence has been linked to the program’s recent ratings stability, as noted by Entertainment Weekly, which highlighted her role in “maintaining viewer trust during a tumultuous news cycle.”
Second, the move signals a broader industry trend of news talent crossing into scripted or entertainment formats. The success of Wordle—originating as a simple web‑based puzzle and exploding into a global phenomenon—has already spawned merchandise, books, and spin‑off games. By attaching a respected journalist to its television adaptation, NBC hopes to legitimize the concept for a primetime audience, a strategy that mirrors past crossovers like "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" starring former news anchors.
Finally, Guthrie’s leave raises questions about workplace well‑being in high‑visibility roles. Both The Daily Beast and HELLO! Magazine reference her earlier brief hiatus, suggesting that the demanding schedule of a morning show may have contributed to her decision to explore a different pace. The conversation aligns with a growing dialogue in media circles about burnout and the need for flexible career paths.
Reactions
Industry insiders offered measured praise. Entertainment Weekly quoted a senior NBC executive who said the network “is thrilled to support Savannah’s creative ambitions and believes her journalistic integrity will bring a unique perspective to the game‑show format.”
Viewers expressed a mix of support and disappointment on social media. Fans on Twitter applauded her “brave move” and shared hashtags like #WordleShow, while others lamented the loss of “her steady presence” on the morning broadcast, as reported by Parade.com.
Critics, however, remain cautious. The Sun suggested that the venture could be “a gamble” if the show fails to capture the puzzle’s spontaneous charm. Meanwhile, AOL.com highlighted that the television landscape is crowded with word‑based competitions, noting that success will hinge on “innovative twists and strong hosting.”
What’s next
In the coming weeks, NBC will roll out a rotating anchor schedule to fill Guthrie’s slot, with longtime correspondents expected to share duties. The network also plans to air a behind‑the‑scenes special that will introduce the Wordle adaptation’s concept and feature Guthrie’s first on‑camera moments as an executive producer.
Production on the pilot is slated to begin in August, according to HELLO! Magazine. If the pilot is green‑lit, a full season could launch in early 2027, positioning the show as a mid‑season replacement or a summer flagship.
Guthrie has not ruled out a return to Today after the project’s launch. Both The Daily Beast and Entertainment Weekly indicate that her contract remains active and that NBC is prepared to reintegrate her should the new series prove successful. For now, the media world watches as a veteran journalist steps into the realm of game‑show production, a move that could reshape both her career and the network’s programming strategy.