NBC Greenlights Wordle Game Show Hosted by Savannah Guthrie

NBC has officially given the green light to a new Wordle game show, marking a significant expansion of the beloved New York Times puzzle into prime-time television. The network announced that Today anchor Savannah Guthrie will host the series, which is scheduled to premiere in 2027.

The project is being produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio in collaboration with Jimmy Fallon’s production company, Electric Hot Dog. This move brings the viral word-guessing phenomenon to a broader audience, leveraging Guthrie’s status as a known fan of the game to translate its digital success to the small screen.

A Star-Studded Production Team

The announcement highlights the high-profile talent behind the scenes. Jimmy Fallon, who has been working with The New York Times on the concept for the past two and a half years, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.

"I feel very honored to be working with Savannah Guthrie on this show," Fallon said in a statement. He praised Guthrie’s unique hosting capabilities, noting her "rare combination of intelligence, charm, and warmth."

Fallen added with characteristic energy: "She obviously knows how to host a show. I am SUPER PROUD and HAPPY and I think we developed a SOLID GAMER for PRIME-time."

Guthrie confirmed her long-standing involvement in the project during a Today broadcast, revealing that she has been part of the development process for "a really long time." She extended heartfelt thanks to the network and production partners for their support during a difficult personal period in early 2024, when production paused due to her family’s circumstances.

How the Game Show Will Work

The new format aims to "supersize" the classic Wordle experience by turning solo puzzle-solving into a competitive team event. The show will pit players against each other in a battle of smarts, speed, and fun.

Key features of the game show format include:

  • Team-Based Competition: Contestants will team up in the Wordle arena rather than playing individually.
  • Five-Letter Puzzles: Players must solve the classic five-letter word puzzles under pressure.
  • Cash Prizes: Winning teams will compete for an "incredible cash prize."

NBC described Guthrie as an avid Wordle fan, positioning her as the ideal guide to help viewers navigate the transition from mobile app to television studio.

Savannah Guthrie’s Return to Today

This announcement comes shortly after Guthrie’s return to the Today show. The Today anchor had been with the program for nearly 15 years before stepping away in February 2024 amid the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother.

Guthrie returned to the broadcast on April 6, 2024. Reflecting on the pause in production, she noted, "When everything happened with me and my family, they just stopped everything and said, 'We'll wait for you.' Hollywood is a really tough business, and I just didn't expect that, and I just want to say, thank you. It means so much to me."

When and How to Apply

Production on the Wordle game show is expected to begin later this year. Fans who wish to participate in the show can apply for a spot on the cast by visiting wordle.castingcrane.com.

The global popularity of Wordle continues to grow, with even Pope Leo XIV cited as a fan of the game. For those eager to practice their skills before the television premiere, an archive of all previously used words is available for review online.