Savannah Guthrie is taking a temporary break from her role as co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, but viewers won’t have to worry about her leaving permanently. During the Thursday, July 16 broadcast, the longtime television host explained that she’ll be away from the morning program for the next few weeks as she begins filming an exciting new television project.
The announcement came during a lighthearted conversation with her fellow Today hosts, who congratulated Guthrie on the opportunity and shared their excitement about what’s next for her.
Guthrie revealed that she is heading into production for the upcoming Wordle game show, a television adaptation inspired by the massively popular word puzzle that became a worldwide sensation. The new series will be executive produced by Jimmy Fallon, and Guthrie will serve as the host throughout its first season.
Speaking to her colleagues on-air, Guthrie confirmed that filming is about to begin.
“I’m headed over to shoot Wordle over the next few weeks,” she shared. “We’re going to shoot the whole season, and we’re super excited.”
She added that while production will keep her away from Today for a short period, fans won’t have to wait too long before seeing the finished product. According to Guthrie, the game show is expected to premiere sometime in the new year.
“I can’t wait for everyone to see it,” she said, adding that the series will likely debut early next year.
Her announcement was met with enthusiastic reactions from everyone on the Today set.
Craig Melvin joked that the team would miss having her around, telling viewers, “We’re going to lose you for a minute, though,” while making it clear he was thrilled about her new opportunity.
Carson Daly also expressed his excitement, saying he couldn’t wait to watch the finished show, while Sheinelle Jones reflected on how fitting the project feels for Guthrie.
Jones recalled the moment when the Wordle craze first swept across the Today newsroom, saying everyone on the show quickly became obsessed with solving the daily puzzles. She described Guthrie hosting the television version as a “full circle” moment.
Shortly after the broadcast, the official Today Instagram account also confirmed Guthrie’s temporary absence. The post informed viewers that she would be “off for a few weeks” while filming the new competition series before eventually returning to her regular seat on the morning show.
The Wordle adaptation has been in development for quite some time.
Back in May, Guthrie and Jimmy Fallon officially announced the project together after keeping it under wraps for more than two years. Fallon revealed that his production team had been working closely with The New York Times, which owns the Wordle brand, to transform the hugely successful online puzzle into a television game show.
“We’ve been developing Wordle as a game show for the past two-and-a-half years,” Fallon explained when announcing the project. “It’s official.”
Guthrie admitted that keeping the news a secret had been difficult.
“We’ve been holding this secret between us for a long time now,” she said at the time. “And we’re going to make Wordle a game show.”
Fallon made it clear that Guthrie was always his first choice to lead the series.
He praised her years of experience hosting live television and said she has exactly the right personality to guide contestants through the competition.
“I’m so happy it’s you,” Fallon told Guthrie, adding that she’s someone who truly knows how to run and host a show.
Guthrie has also shared several details about what audiences can expect once the program premieres.
According to the veteran broadcaster, the television version of Wordle will maintain the fast-thinking spirit that made the original online puzzle so addictive while expanding it into a lively competition format.
She described the series as “super fast-paced and fun” and emphasized that it’s designed to appeal to viewers of all ages.
Guthrie believes families will especially enjoy watching together, saying it’s the kind of game that children can participate in while also learning new vocabulary and problem-solving skills.
Although Guthrie’s temporary departure from Today is connected entirely to filming obligations, it comes after a difficult year personally.
She previously returned to the anchor desk in April following time away after the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Earlier this month, Guthrie also missed several Today broadcasts, leading some viewers to wonder whether her absence was connected to the ongoing investigation involving her mother.
However, sources close to the situation clarified that her recent days off had nothing to do with the case.
The investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains active.
Earlier this month, the FBI released an update stating that investigators had received multiple ransom notes during the course of the case. Authorities said some of those communications are still being analyzed and have not been ruled out as part of the investigation.
Federal officials continue to classify the case as a kidnapping-for-ransom investigation.
Law enforcement agencies have encouraged anyone who may have information that could help investigators to contact the FBI or local authorities.
Despite the personal challenges she has faced, Guthrie has remained committed to her broadcasting career while balancing new professional opportunities.
Her upcoming role as host of the Wordle game show marks another major step in an already accomplished television career that has included years as one of the most recognizable faces of morning television.
For Today viewers, her absence will only be temporary. Once filming wraps, Guthrie is expected to return to the NBC morning show while also preparing for the launch of the new game show.
Until then, fans can look forward to seeing her take on a different kind of challenge as she brings one of the world’s most popular word games to television.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
