Savannah Guthrie is set to host a television game show adaptation of the New York Times' popular word game Wordle, the newspaper announced on Monday. This marks the first new on-screen project for the Today show host since her return in April following a two-month leave after her mother's disappearance.
Production Details
The show will be produced by Jimmy Fallon through his Electric Hot Dog company, with the New York Times and NBCUniversal's Universal Television Alternative Studio co-producing. Half-hour episodes are scheduled to begin filming in Manchester, England, in June, with a prime-time premiere in the United States planned for 2027.
Guthrie's Personal Connection
Guthrie, 54, revealed on the Today show that the project had been in development for some time but was postponed after her mother, Nancy Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home on February 1. The 84-year-old remains missing despite an extensive investigation, with authorities suspecting kidnapping. Guthrie expressed gratitude to NBC, Fallon, and the production teams for their patience and support during her family crisis.
She described herself as an avid Wordle player and noted that the game had been a point of connection with her mother. In December, she showed her mother the show's pilot. Despite her heartbreak, Guthrie said she is determined to move forward, calling the show a joyous opportunity.
Reactions and Significance
Fallon praised Guthrie's intelligence, charm, and warmth, calling it an honor to work with her. Toby Gorman, president of Universal Television Alternative Studio, said Guthrie brings the perfect blend of warmth and wit to the show. The New York Times noted that this collaboration marks its first association with a prime-time entertainment program on a major broadcaster, reflecting the company's diversification into games, including its popular daily crosswords, Spelling Bee, and Wordle.
Wordle, created by Reddit engineer Josh Wardle in 2021, was acquired by the New York Times in 2022 for a seven-figure sum. The game challenges players to guess a five-letter word in six or fewer attempts.
