An unfounded rumour spread rapidly across the internet this week, causing significant concern among viewers of NBC's Today show. Social media users claimed to have witnessed anchor Savannah Guthrie vanish midway through a Wednesday interview with actress Anne Hathaway, sparking intense speculation.
Baseless Speculation Takes Hold Online
Given the distressing February disappearance of Guthrie's mother, Nancy, many online commentators immediately theorised that the anchor might have received urgent news about the investigation. The speculation gained substantial traction thanks to a widely viewed post from the X account Crimewives Club, which regularly shares updates on ongoing criminal cases.
The post asserted that "Savannah wasn’t seen again on the show until the last minute or so," and accumulated nearly one million views within hours. Numerous users described the situation as "definitely strange" and "odd," with one suggesting "maybe she got a call and was going to leave after the last set?"
Reality Versus Rumour
However, the rumours were entirely false. Guthrie returned to air approximately twenty minutes later for a cooking segment, demonstrating that her absence was merely temporary. An industry source explained to the Mail that "it's not unusual for a host to tease an upcoming segment at any point, and for another host to do the interview."
Another X user echoed this sentiment, noting "she didn’t leave, she just wasn’t present for one segment" and emphasising that "it’s not unusual for just one of the cohosts to do a one-on-one interview with a guest."
Ongoing Search for Nancy Guthrie
Meanwhile, the search for Nancy Guthrie continues without resolution. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that there are no new updates in the case, which remains ongoing with no arrests made. Nancy was last seen at her Tucson, Arizona home on the evening of January 31, with evidence suggesting she was taken against her will.
Savannah Guthrie made her emotional return to the Today set last week after stepping away during the initial months of the search for her mother. "It's good to be back home," she told viewers at the outset of her television return on April 6.
Production Adjustments and Sensitive Planning
Sources revealed to Variety that the Today production team is adopting a flexible approach, planning to "play it by ear" regarding Guthrie's involvement. During a preliminary stretch, showrunners will work segments specifically around the anchor as the search continues.
One insider indicated that Guthrie may be limited to stories that don't involve crime or violence, and viewers might notice a temporary tone-down in the programme's usual lighthearted, comedic atmosphere. The Mail has approached NBC News for additional comment regarding these production adjustments.
