Who Is Taking Over for Hoda Kotb on 'Today Show with Jenna & Friends?'

Why Is Hoda Kotb Ditching Her Gigs?

As Hoda Kotb prepares to depart from both The Today Show and Today Show with Hoda & Jenna show on January 10, 2025, after nearly 18 years, NBC announced plans for her replacement on one of the programs.

The anchor revealed her departure from the long-running news show to focus on her family, particularly her two young daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. She expressed a desire to spend more time with them and pursue new ventures in the wellness space, including launching a wellness app and hosting retreats.

As Kotb prepares for some long overdue R&R, here are all her official and speculated fill-ins.
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Craig Melvin Will Replace Kotb on 'Today Show'

Veteran NBC host and news anchor Craig Melvin has been selected to replace Kotb as co-host of the first two hours of Today. Melvin, a familiar face to the show's viewers, currently hosts the show's third hour and serves as the news anchor during the first two hours.

Mariska Hargitay Is Sadly No Longer in the Running

Mariska Hargitay, renowned for her role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, expressed interest in stepping in as a co-host on the Today show following Kotb's departure. During an appearance on the show on October 1, 2024, Hargitay shared her admiration for Kotb, stating, "I love you so much and I'm so proud and inspired by you."
She then playfully offered to fill Kotb's position, saying she was "happy to step in any time."

With Melvin securing the gig, SVU fans everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief!

Who Will Replace the Gab Superstar on 'Today With Hoda & Jenna?'

Following Kotb's departure, the fourth hour of the show will be rebranded as Today with Jenna & Friends, featuring Jenna Bush Hager alongside a series of guest co-hosts. So far, the lineup includes celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria and Keke Palmer, each bringing their unique flair to the program.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson is set to guest host on the Today show alongside Bush Hager for a week starting January 21. The 43rd U.S. president's daughter promised engaging activities with Johansson, who received Kotb's endorsement for having a good rapport with her former co-host.

Taraji P. Henson

Actress Taraji P. Henson is among the celebrity guest hosts joining Bush Hager on the rebranded fourth hour of the iconic news series. Henson's co-hosting stint is scheduled to begin on January 13, bringing her dynamic presence to morning television.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria was one of everybody's favorite Desperate Housewives in the 2000s, and the actress is now slated to join Bush Hager as a guest co-host. Her appearance is part of the show's new format featuring rotating celebrity co-hosts, aiming to bring "diverse perspectives and entertainment to viewers." 

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer is also among the first celebrity guest hosts announced to replace Kotb in the fourth hour. Known for her vibrant personality, Palmer's co-hosting role is, in the words of one Today show fan on X, "anticipated to bring a fresh and energetic dynamic to the program."

Who Else Could Be on the Horizon? Michelle Buteau Could Join

Comedian and actress Michelle Buteau is possibly set to bring her humor and wit as a guest co-host on Today with Jenna & Friends. The Clerks III star's engaging personality is "expected to resonate well with the morning audience, and will probably be making more than one appearance," one Hollywood insider shared on X.

Justin Sylvester to Appear as Guest Co-Host

E! News correspondent Justin Sylvester will join Bush Hager as a guest co-host, bringing his entertainment industry insights and charismatic presence to the show. Sylvester's hosting style, marked by his quick wit and pop culture expertise, is expected to inject a fresh energy into the program.

Willie Geist

Willie Geist, a veteran journalist and host of Sunday Today with Willie Geist, could bring his polished yet personable approach to Today with Jenna & Friends. Geist's deep understanding of current events, combined with his easygoing style, makes him a strong fit for the show. His hosting stint would likely feature in-depth discussions on global and national news, paired with uplifting human-interest stories. 

Laura Jarrett

Legal analyst Laura Jarrett could also join the roster of guest co-hosts, providing her legal insights and engaging in discussions on current events with the author of Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope.

Andy Cohen

Andy Cohen, the host of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, and CNN New Year's Eve host, has shown "possible interest" in joining Today with Jenna & Friends as a guest co-host. 

In a recent appearance on the series, he jokingly nudged Bush Hager by stating, "By the way, with all due [respect] to you, Hoda [Kotb], sounds like Jenna's got quite a lineup coming up. Um, many of the people of Jenna's 'friends' are people who refuse to do my show! I'm like watching, I was like, 'Wow! Who's your booker? Mazel tov to you,'" to the amusement of both anchors. 

Ryan Seacrest

Speaking of New Year's Eve hosts, Ryan Seacrest is rumored to be among the potential guest co-hosts for the morning chatfest to contribute his extensive hosting experience to the program.

Sheinelle Jones

Today Show correspondent Sheinelle Jones is anticipated to co-host alongside Bush Hager during the transition, bringing her familiarity with the show's format and audience to the fourth hour.
These developments, as sad as they are for many longtime viewers, mark a significant transition for the show with the introduction of new faces and formats.