Hoda Kotb Rejoins 'TODAY' Show as Co-Anchor with Savannah Guthrie

The NBC morning show is finding ways to keep Kotb on air after Guthrie's return from her mom's kidnapping investigation.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:51am

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An abstract close-up photograph of a shattered glass studio light fixture, reflecting a warm, golden glow and creating a conceptual representation of the emotional reunion of the 'TODAY' show co-anchors.The reunion of 'TODAY' show co-anchors Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie brings a sense of comfort and stability to viewers during a difficult time.Tucson Today

Hoda Kotb has rejoined the 'TODAY' show as co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie, after previously filling in for Guthrie during her absence due to the investigation into her mother's kidnapping. While Guthrie has returned to the show, NBC is reportedly working to keep Kotb on air as well, citing the 'unbreakable bond' between the two co-anchors and Kotb's role as a 'steady hand and calm presence' for the show's staff and audience.

Why it matters

Kotb's return to 'TODAY' alongside Guthrie is seen as an important move to provide comfort and stability for the show's viewers during a difficult time, as Guthrie continues to grapple with the trauma of her mother's abduction. The co-anchors' close relationship and Kotb's popularity with audiences make her a valuable asset for the show as it navigates this challenging period.

The details

With Craig Melvin stepping away for the week, Kotb has rejoined 'TODAY' as co-anchor in place of Melvin, starting Monday, April 13. A source told the New York Post that welcoming Kotb back after her brief break was a 'no-brainer' given the 'unbreakable bond' between her and Guthrie, and how Kotb serves as a 'safe space' and 'steady hand' for Guthrie as she returns to the show.

  • Kotb left her mainstay at 'TODAY' in January 2025.
  • Kotb filled in for Guthrie during the investigation into her mom Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping.
  • Guthrie made her anticipated 'TODAY' return on April 6, 2026.
  • Kotb and Guthrie co-anchored the show together on April 13, 2026 for the first time in one year.

The players

Hoda Kotb

A co-anchor of the 'TODAY' show who previously filled in for Savannah Guthrie during her absence.

Savannah Guthrie

A co-anchor of the 'TODAY' show who recently returned to the show after an absence due to an investigation into her mother's kidnapping.

Craig Melvin

A 'TODAY' show anchor who is stepping away for the week, allowing Kotb to rejoin as co-anchor.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so happy sitting next to you in this chair again.”

— Hoda Kotb

“Yeah, it's good. It's just like the old times.”

— Savannah Guthrie

What’s next

NBC is working on weaving Kotb into the 'TODAY' show schedule on a more permanent basis, though she has not yet confirmed if she will be back full-time.

The takeaway

Kotb's return to 'TODAY' alongside Guthrie provides much-needed comfort and stability for the show's viewers during a difficult time, as Guthrie continues to cope with the trauma of her mother's abduction. The co-anchors' close relationship and Kotb's popularity make her a valuable asset for the show as it navigates this challenging period.