Savannah Guthrie is set to host a new game show based on the popular word game Wordle, as the New York Times recently announced. This marks her first big project since her return to the NBC Today show after her mother’s tragic disappearance earlier this year.
Guthrie, who is 54, shared that the show has been in the works for quite some time but faced delays due to her family’s situation. Her mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, has not been seen since February, leading authorities to suspect foul play.
In an exciting collaboration, Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon will produce the Wordle game show through his company, Electric Hot Dog, alongside the Times and NBC’s Universal Television Alternative Studio. Filming will start in Manchester, England, this June, with episodes set to air in the U.S. during prime time in 2027.
Guthrie is a huge fan of Wordle, which was created by Josh Wardle in 2021 and sold to the New York Times for a seven-figure sum. She mentioned on Today that the project gained momentum in February and thanked everyone for their support during her difficult time.
Fallon praised Guthrie, highlighting her unique mix of intelligence and warmth that makes her a great fit for hosting. Toby Gorman, president of Universal Television Alternative Studio, echoed this sentiment, saying that she’ll bring a special charm to the show.
Interestingly, this collaboration represents the Times’ first step into prime-time entertainment with a traditional broadcaster. Historically, the Times has partnered with cable and streaming platforms for documentary series based on its journalism. The newspaper noted that Wordle and other games in their app are among their most popular features, demonstrating a shift towards diversifying their brand.
Guthrie has openly shared her struggles since her mother’s disappearance. In a heartfelt Mother’s Day post, she expressed her deep longing for her mother and her commitment to never stop searching. She revealed that Wordle was a cherished connection between them, even showing her mother the show’s pilot last December.
Though she’s navigating a challenging moment in her life, Guthrie is determined to keep moving forward, believing this game show could be a source of joy amidst her grief.
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