Is Hoda leaving ‘Hoda and Jenna’ too?

Hoda Kotb’s recent announcement about leaving the Today show indeed raises questions about the future of Hoda & Jenna. After 26 years with NBC, Kotb expressed her desire to embark on a new chapter in her life, stating, “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and to try something new.”

Will Hoda Leave Hoda & Jenna?

Yes, Hoda will be leaving Hoda & Jenna as part of her departure from the Today show. While she hasn’t announced an exact date for her final episode, she has mentioned that she will continue to host until after the holidays and into 2025. This indicates that fans will have some time to enjoy her presence on the show before she officially steps away.

What’s Next for Hoda & Jenna?

With Hoda’s exit, the future of Hoda & Jenna is uncertain. Jenna Bush-Hager will likely continue as the sole host, but NBC will need to find a new co-host to fill Hoda’s shoes. Given Hoda’s popularity and unique rapport with Jenna, finding a suitable replacement will be crucial.

There are several possibilities for who could take over as co-host alongside Jenna Bush-Hager:

1. Dylan Dreyer: Currently a co-host and meteorologist on Today, Dreyer has a relatable and likable personality, which could complement Jenna’s style. Her engaging segments, particularly those involving her family, have resonated well with viewers.
2. Sheinelle Jones: Sheinelle has a history with Hoda & Kathie Lee and was nearly chosen as Hoda’s co-host before Jenna took the role. She has continued to be a familiar face on the Today show and could make a strong pairing with Jenna for the fourth hour.
3. Laura Jarrett: Currently co-hosting Saturday Today, Jarrett brings a unique perspective as NBC’s senior legal correspondent. Her rapport with weekend audiences could translate well into a daytime format, making her a strong candidate.

Next Steps for NBC

While there’s no official announcement about Hoda’s farewell episode or a new co-host, NBC may start experimenting with different co-hosts alongside Jenna to see who has the best chemistry. This could be a strategic way to find a permanent replacement while also keeping viewers engaged during the transition.

Regardless of what happens next, Hoda’s departure will certainly leave a void, and her contributions to Today and Hoda & Jenna will be fondly remembered by fans and colleagues alike.