We Have Some Thoughts About Who Could Replace Hoda Kotb on 'Today'
When one door closes on the Today show, it leaves another one open.
For the last two decades, viewers of the NBC morning series have seen Hoda Kotb grace their TV screens. But on September 26, she shocked her followers by revealing her plans to leave Today in early 2025. At the time of her big announcement, she shared a few reasons for deciding to exit, with one being her desire to spend more time with her daughters, Haley and Hope.
But with Hoda's intended farewell coming sooner rather than later, folks are likely thinking about who could potentially replace her as co-anchor in the early hours of Today. Given how she works alongside Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Craig Melvin, it would take someone already comfortable with being part of a team... and who knows their way around a news studio.
Who will replace Hota Kotb on the Today show?
While we don't yet know for sure who will replace Hoda on Today, we do have a number of theories about who could fill her spot on the air:
Jenna Bush Hager
As one half of Today With Hoda and Jenna, it feels perfect for Jenna Bush Hager to take over as a co-anchor. She's already well-liked by viewers, and is a familiar face on Today's fourth hour.
Given how Hoda has a unique capability to go from delivering hard news to sharing her dating opinions, Jenna could potentially be able to do the same thing. Plus, she'd have Savannah there to help her with sharing the latest in current events.
Laura Jarrett
Working on Today on Saturday mornings, Laura Jarrett also serves as NBC's senior legal correspondent. Plus, she occasionally fills in for other co-hosts when they can't be on the air during the week.
Should Laura be the next person to sit in Hoda's seat at the table, she'd already be familiar with how to share the latest in world events to viewers all over the United States. Coupled with Savannah being NBC News' chief legal correspondent, these two would be dynamite at explaining the laws our country upholds.
Carson Daly
As someone who got his start as an MTV personality, Carson Daly knows all the ins and outs of pop culture. Given how Hoda loves to be in on the latest trends, it wouldn't come as a surprise to see him try his hand at delivering the big celebrity news stories.
Despite this, there's one thing for The Voice host to take note of. He doesn't necessarily have a lot of experience when it comes to reporting hard news on television, which may be something to consider when NBC looks for who could take over Hoda's role.
Sheinelle Jones
Already a host of Today's third hour, Sheinelle Jones is someone fans know and love to see on TV. Whether she's joking around with the other co-hosts or getting emotional in various segments, she's well-liked and comes with a decade of working on Today. Plus, her easygoing, friendly attitude is one that would fit in perfectly with the rest of the cast.
What's more, here's a fun fact Today fans wouldn't necessarily know. If Sheinelle (or Laura, for that matter) gets selected to take over for Hoda, she would make Today history as the show's first Black female co-host. We sure would love to see that!
Willie Geist
A member of the Sunday edition of Today, fans may recognize Willie Geist for his work during the week as well. Along with his job on NBC, he goes to MSNBC as a co-anchor on Morning Joe. He also occasionally fills in for other co-hosts when they need to take a hiatus from being on the air.
While Willie's ability to straddle both hard news and politics may seem like a good fit, Forbes points out NBC may be concerned about wanting to keep the female partnership that comes with Savannah and Hoda as co-anchors.
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