The Today show has yet to make a final decision on who will permanently replace Hoda Kotb as co-host of the network’s fourth-hour program alongside Jenna Bush Hager. 

Since Hoda’s departure earlier this year, the show has been running under the temporary title Jenna & Friends, featuring a rotating lineup of guest co-hosts.

While several names have been trialed, actress Scarlett Johansson has emerged as a fan favorite. 

Her stint as a guest co-host was met with widespread praise, leading to her being invited back for another appearance in March. 

Despite this, NBC executives are reportedly in no rush to make a permanent decision, instead opting to continue experimenting with different co-hosts before finalizing their choice.

No Rush to Appoint a Replacement

An insider close to the show revealed that no firm decision has been made regarding a permanent co-host for Today with Jenna & Friends.

“There has been no permanent co-host decision for today with Jenna & Friends,” the source confirmed, adding that NBC is in no hurry to settle on a new presenter.

The network appears to be taking a strategic approach, allowing multiple personalities to step in and test their chemistry with Jenna before making any commitments.

“There’s been a lot of people vying for the opportunity to guest co-host,” the source added, hinting that the network is carefully considering all options before locking in a long-term replacement.

Hoda Kotb’s Emotional Farewell

Hoda Kotb’s departure from the Today show in January marked the end of an era. A longtime fixture at NBC News, Hoda had been with the network for nearly 30 years. She first joined NBC in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline before moving on to co-host the Today show’s fourth hour in 2007.

Her decision to step away was deeply personal. In a heartfelt letter to her colleagues, Hoda revealed that turning 60 had led her to reassess her life and career.

“As I write this, my heart is all over the map,” she admitted. “I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one. And you all are the reason why.”

Hoda reflected on her journey at NBC, expressing her deep gratitude for the friendships and professional experiences she had gained over the years.

“Looking back, the math is nuts. Twenty-six years at NBC News—ten years at Dateline, seven on the seven o’clock hour, sixteen on the ten o’clock hour,” she reminisced.

She also paid a touching tribute to her Today show colleagues, singling out several key figures.

“Savannah: my rock. Jenna: my ride-or-die. Al: my longest friend at 30 Rock. Craig, Carson, Sheinelle, and Dylan: my family. Libby, Mazz, and Talia: my fearless leaders. I will miss each and every one of you at Today desperately.”

Jenna’s New Era with ‘Jenna & Friends’

Following Hoda’s exit, it was announced in November that Jenna Bush Hager would continue to host the fourth hour under a rebranded format. The new iteration of the show, Today with Jenna & Friends, embraces a flexible approach by featuring a rotating roster of guest co-hosts rather than immediately committing to a permanent replacement.

Jenna, 43, has openly embraced the format, likening it to “roster dating,” a popular trend where individuals date multiple people before settling on a long-term partner.

“Y’all know the new trend, roster dating? That’s what I’m going to be doing,” she explained. “I’m single—not at home, but in this work life, I am single and I am ready to mingle!”

She also emphasized that the new format is all about celebrating friendships, allowing different personalities to bring fresh energy to the show.

“We have so many amazing guests and friends and family that are part of the DNA of this show, and they are going to be coming along for the ride, so we cannot wait,” she added.

What’s Next for the Fourth Hour?

For now, the Today show’s fourth hour will continue under its Jenna & Friends format while NBC weighs its options. With Scarlett Johansson proving to be a popular guest co-host, many viewers wonder whether she might become a more regular presence on the show.

Regardless of who ultimately fills the role, the program remains a staple of morning television, with Jenna leading the charge into this new chapter. Whether NBC opts for a celebrity co-host, a seasoned journalist, or another unexpected choice, one thing is certain—the search for Hoda’s replacement is far from over.

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