Savannah Guthrie is temporarily leaving NBC’s “Today” show, but her departure comes with an exciting new opportunity—and against the backdrop of an emotional personal chapter.
During Thursday’s broadcast, Guthrie announced that she will be away from the morning show for several weeks as she films a new game show inspired by The New York Times’ wildly popular Wordle puzzle. The series is being executive produced by Jimmy Fallon.
“Guys, I’m headed over to shoot Wordle over the next few weeks,” Guthrie told her co-hosts. “We’re going to shoot the whole season and we’re super excited. I can’t wait for everyone to see it. It’ll probably air, I think, in the new year.”
The new game show is expected to premiere in 2027, bringing the beloved word puzzle to television. Fallon, who announced the project alongside Guthrie on May 11, praised her as the perfect person to lead the series.
“She’s someone that knows how to run a show and host it,” Fallon said.
Guthrie also shared her excitement about the project, describing it as “super fast-paced and fun” while calling it “a great family game.”
Her “Today” colleagues celebrated the announcement while acknowledging they’ll miss her during production.
“We’re going to lose you for a minute, though,” co-anchor Craig Melvin said.
Carson Daly added that he “can’t wait” to see the show, while Sheinelle Jones called the opportunity “full circle,” recalling how Wordle once became a daily obsession among the “Today” team.
While Guthrie embarks on her newest television venture, her family continues to endure a painful ordeal.
The investigation into the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, remains active and unsolved. Nancy was first reported missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 1, and authorities have made no arrests in the case.
Guthrie returned to the “Today” desk in April after taking an extended leave following her mother’s disappearance. She also stepped away briefly last week, though sources confirmed that absence was unrelated to the ongoing investigation.
On June 23, Guthrie made an emotional on-air plea for help.
“Somebody knows something,” she said. “We’re begging for your help.”
The investigation continues to move forward. On July 1, the FBI Phoenix field office said investigators had received several ransom notes, some of which have not been ruled out. The agency said Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance “continues to be investigated as a kidnapping for ransom case.”
Authorities are offering substantial rewards for information. The FBI has offered $100,000, 88-CRIME is offering $102,500, and the Guthrie family has pledged $1 million for information leading to answers in the case.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
Source: Various Sources.
