Who Will Replace Hoda Kotb At ‘Today?’ Here Are 6 Possibilities

After six years as co-anchor of At present, NBC’s signature morning program, Hoda Kotb is stepping right down to concentrate on her household. She introduced the choice Thursday morning, and immediately, social media erupted with hypothesis over who would exchange her.

Kotb and Guthrie have been the present’s first all-female anchor group. Kotb acquired her begin at NBC as a correspondent with Dateline, transitioning to co-hosting the ultimate hour of At present with Katie Lee Gifford and injecting this system with coronary heart and humor.

Discovering the suitable alternative for Kotb, who stated she wished to be dwelling with the 2 younger women she adopted in recent times, is important to NBC. At present has been on high of rival Good Morning America on ABC among the many key demographic of adults 25-54, and the community doesn’t need to lose that profitable spot. Morning is an promoting money-maker, very similar to late-night reveals.

NBC Information has not commented on who might exchange Kotb, the daughter of Egyptian immigrants. Listed below are 5 alternatives.

1. Jenna Bush Hager

Hager looks like the plain alternative. She already hosts the ultimate hour of At present with Kotb, with whom she shares a simple chemistry. Younger ladies love Hager’s relatability as a younger mom, and she or he’s a preferred social media presence. She lacks arduous information chops which might be typically needed on morning reveals—Kotb had a uncommon capability to toggle between chugging wine with Gifford and discussing the financial system—however Savannah Guthrie could be very sturdy on arduous information, so it will not be a difficulty.

2. Laura Jarrett

Jarrett checks all of the packing containers. Whip-smart and already a member of the Saturday At present crew, Jarrett is NBC’s senior authorized correspondent as properly. She would deliver gravitas to the co-host slot, and she or he and Guthrie would supply a formidable arduous information presence.

Her frequent posts about her lovable kids on Instagram additionally make her relatable to At present’s viewers. The Harvard Legislation Faculty graduate, who lined Donald Trump’s hush cash trial earlier this 12 months, acquired her begin at CNN.

3. Willie Geist

Like Hager, Geist is already a member of the At present group, internet hosting the Sunday version. He additionally co-anchors MSNBC’s Morning Joe and seems because the fill-in information anchor on weekday At present. He has a simple chemistry with the crew already.

However NBC might need to protect the female-female partnership that pushed it forward of GMA within the scores. And Geist’s Morning Joe ties might make him too “political” (no matter whether or not that’s true) in a divided time when morning hosts have to attraction to all stripes.

ForbesHoda Kotb Steps Down: How Her Profession Shift Conjures up Ladies To Rethink Their Personal PathsBy Elizabeth Pearson

4. Carson Daly

Daly appears a less-likely alternative, however he’s already part of At present, and the community has proven prior to now that it likes to advertise from inside for this function. As a former MTV persona, Daly has the popular culture data and contacts which might be vital to a morning information present. However like Hager, he hasn’t proven specific prowess with arduous information, and that can possible impression the community’s choice.

5. Sheinelle Jones

Jones co-hosts the third hour of At present, and she or he has turn into an viewers favourite. They love getting updates on her three kids, and Jones’ down-to-earth strategy to work-life stability has earned her a robust social media following. The Philly native is called a tough employee and has been with At present for 10 years. If she or Jarrett have been chosen, they might be At present’s first Black girl co-host.

6. Ilona Maher

Sure, that is an out-of-left-field decide, however why not have some enjoyable with the brand new opening? And rugby Olympic medalist Maher is extremely enjoyable, discovering pleasure in every thing from searching for love on the Olympic Village to her present stint on Dancing with the Stars. She additionally would complement NBC’s biannual Olympic protection, even when she has no broadcast information expertise.