Savannah Guthrie, host of NBC's Today show, has been announced as the presenter of a television game show based on the New York Times' popular word game Wordle. The show, produced by Jimmy Fallon's Electric Hot Dog company, will begin filming in Manchester, England in June and air in prime time in the US in 2027.
The 54-year-old broadcaster revealed on Monday that the project had been in development for some time but was delayed due to her leave of absence following the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, in February. The 84-year-old has not been seen since, and authorities believe she may have been kidnapped.
Guthrie expressed gratitude to NBC, Fallon, the New York Times, and Universal Television Alternative Studio for their support during her personal crisis. Fallon praised Guthrie's intelligence, charm, and warmth, while Universal Television Alternative Studio president Toby Gorman highlighted her blend of warmth and wit.
The half-hour episodes will see contestants compete for a cash prize, marking the first time the New York Times has co-produced a prime-time entertainment programme on a major broadcaster. The newspaper's games app, which includes Wordle, is among its most popular products.
Guthrie, an avid Wordle player, noted that the game was a point of connection with her mother, whom she showed the show's pilot in December. Despite her heartbreak, she described the project as a joyous endeavour.
