NBC Greenlights Wordle Game Show Hosted by Savannah Guthrie

NBC has greenlit a prime-time game show adaptation of Wordle, the wildly popular New York Times word-guessing puzzle, with Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie as host. The announcement came Monday during an appearance by Jimmy Fallon on Today, where he revealed the series pickup alongside Guthrie. Produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio, Fallon's Electric Hot Dog, and The New York Times, the show has been in development for 2½ years and marks the newspaper's first collaboration with a TV broadcaster for an entertainment program.

Wordle, which challenges players to guess a five-letter word in six tries by process of elimination, exploded in popularity after The New York Times acquired it in 2022. Its addictive daily format has turned it into a national obsession and a staple in family group chats, as highlighted in recent analyses of its head-spinning statistics. According to reports from Fast Company, these figures underscore the game's massive engagement, driving The Times' decision to expand it beyond digital screens into television as print revenue declines and the company pivots toward sustainable digital subscriptions.

Guthrie, a self-confessed Wordle megafan, filmed the pilot episode last fall in Manchester, England, where the series will be produced. She described the show as super-fast paced and fun, a great family game that parents can enjoy with kids while feeling like they're learning something. Production was set to begin in March after NBC ordered the series in February, but it was delayed as Guthrie took a two-month hiatus following the disappearance of her mother, Nancy.

The project represents a strategic move for all involved. For The New York Times, as noted by TechCrunch, it's an extension of efforts to monetize its gaming portfolio amid shifting media economics. Jimmy Fallon, executive producing through his company, brings his late-night flair to the unscripted format. NBCUniversal aims to capture Wordle's broad appeal in a prime-time slot, potentially drawing families and puzzle enthusiasts.

Production on Wordle is slated to start later this year, with the show set to debut on NBC in 2027. This adaptation builds on the game's simple yet compelling mechanics, transforming a browser-based ritual into a live television event that could introduce it to even wider audiences.