Savannah Guthrie is set to present a television game show based on the New York Times' popular word game Wordle, the newspaper announced on Monday. The show, produced by Jimmy Fallon, will begin filming in Manchester, England, in June and air on prime time in the US in 2027.
The 54-year-old Today show host revealed the project on Monday, noting that it 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 found despite an intensive investigation, with authorities suspecting kidnapping.
Guthrie expressed gratitude to NBC, Fallon, and the production team for pausing the project to accommodate her family situation. Fallon praised Guthrie's intelligence, charm, and warmth, saying she would bring a welcoming presence to the show. The half-hour episodes will be co-produced by Fallon's Electric Hot Dog company, NBCUniversal's Universal Television Alternative Studio, and the New York Times.
Guthrie, an avid Wordle player, noted that the game was a point of connection with her mother, whom she showed the pilot in December. Despite her personal struggles, she described the project as a joyous opportunity, adding, 'I'm determined to put one foot in front of the other.'
