Hoda Kotb Eyes Permanent 'Today' Return Amid Savannah Guthrie's Absence

Hoda Kotb has expressed her desire to permanently rejoin the Today Show, filling the anchor seat currently occupied by her friend Savannah Guthrie. Guthrie has been away from the program for over two weeks, coinciding with the mysterious disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, from her Tucson home on January 31. This period of absence for Guthrie also follows a month-long recovery from surgery to remove vocal cord nodules.

Sources indicate that Kotb's return is seen as vital for the stability of the valuable morning television franchise. An NBC insider emphasized the need for consistency in the multimillion-dollar business of morning TV, suggesting that Kotb offers that much-needed stability. Another contributing factor to Kotb's potential full-time return may be the struggling viewership of her YouTube channel, Joy Rides, which has seen significantly lower engagement compared to its launch episode featuring Guthrie.

Despite the show's need for consistency, there is considerable uncertainty regarding Savannah Guthrie's return timeline. The ongoing investigation into her mother's disappearance has left her future on the show unclear. While colleagues express sympathy for Guthrie, the practicalities of the television business necessitate contingency planning. Hoda Kotb's recent appearances have reportedly boosted viewership, surpassing those of rival programs, making her a strategically sound choice for executives aiming to maintain momentum and advertiser confidence.