Today is entering a new era. After Hoda Kotb’s departure on Friday, January 10th, NBC is unveiling a revamped fourth hour titled Today with Jenna & Friends, featuring a rotating cast of celebrity co-hosts alongside Jenna Bush Hager. The show’s premiere on Monday, January 13th, will mark a significant shift in the morning show landscape.
The first wave of guest co-hosts includes notable names such as Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, and Keke Palmer. This approach, described by Bush Hager as an opportunity for viewers to “get to know a ton of different people,” reflects a deliberate strategy to find the perfect fit for the show’s next chapter. Some guest hosts will join Bush Hager for a full week, while others will make shorter appearances.
Kotb’s exit marks the end of a significant chapter for Today. Having been with NBC News since 1998 and a part of the Today team since 2007, she leaves behind a legacy of warm interactions and memorable on-air moments. This transition also sees Craig Melvin stepping in as Savannah Guthrie’s new co-host on the main Today broadcast.
The search for a permanent co-host for the fourth hour continues, with executive producer Talia Parkinson-Jones comparing the process to “dating.” The network seems committed to finding a long-term partner for Bush Hager who can maintain the engaging dynamic that Today viewers have come to expect. The introduction of Today with Jenna & Friends and its star-studded lineup is clearly designed to bridge the gap and maintain audience interest during this period of change.
Today with Jenna & Friends premieres Monday, January 13, 2025, on NBC at 10 AM ET.
