NBC’s Today show is undergoing a significant shift following Hoda Kotb’s departure. As Kotb bids farewell on January 10, Jenna Bush Hager is preparing to usher in a new era for the program’s fourth hour, now rebranded as Today with Jenna & Friends.
READ: Hoda Kotb to Exit ‘Today’ Show in Early 2025 After 26 Years at NBC
To fill the void left by Kotb’s departure, a lineup of celebrity guest co-hosts will join Jenna starting January 13. Actors Taraji P. Henson, Keke Palmer, and Eva Longoria are among the first to appear, bringing a fresh dynamic to the beloved morning show. Henson will join on January 13 and 17, Longoria will co-host on January 14, and Palmer is slated for January 15. Comedian Michelle Buteau will step in on January 16, and Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson will take the co-host seat for a week-long stint starting January 21.
Jenna Bush Hager, announcing the guest co-hosts, called it “a month of wonder women” and expressed excitement about the upcoming changes. “Nobody will ever fill this chair,” Jenna said, referencing Kotb’s departure, “but these incredible women will bring something special to the show.”
The roster includes familiar faces who have appeared on Today in the past, with Henson discussing her mental health foundation, Longoria highlighting Latino-owned businesses, and Palmer offering her signature wit and cultural commentary.
The revamped fourth hour will also feature a new theme song, which Jenna previewed during the January 6 broadcast. Hoda, reflecting on the transition, praised Jenna’s leadership and shared her optimism for the future of the show: “It’s going to be amazing.”
Kotb joined the Today family in 2007 as the co-host of the show’s fourth hour. Partnering with Kathie Lee Gifford, the duo created a vibrant, lighthearted segment that became a hallmark of the program. Their chemistry resonated with viewers, making the 10 a.m. hour a staple of Today’s lineup. Following Gifford’s departure in 2019, Jenna Bush Hager stepped in as Kotb’s new co-host, continuing the tradition of engaging and relatable conversations that defined the hour.
In 2018, Kotb achieved another milestone when she was named co-anchor of Today’s 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. time slots alongside Savannah Guthrie. Her promotion marked a significant moment in the show’s history, as she and Guthrie became the first all-female team to anchor Today’s primary hours full-time. Together, they led the program through major news events, earning praise for their thoughtful, compassionate, and trusted reporting.
Craig Melvin will step in as the co-anchor of Today alongside Savannah Guthrie beginning January 13. Reflecting on his new role, Melvin called it “a blessing” and received high praise from Kotb, who described him as “literally made for this job.”
As Today with Jenna & Friends begins its run, NBC aims to keep the spirit of the show alive with a revolving door of dynamic voices, ensuring audiences continue to connect with the heart of the program.