{"id":17835,"date":"2025-01-10T01:55:44","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T01:55:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=17835"},"modified":"2025-01-10T01:55:44","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T01:55:44","slug":"new-today-guest-host-revealed-as-hoda-kotb-nears-departure-sparking-mixed-reactions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=17835","title":{"rendered":"New ‘TODAY’ Guest Host Revealed as Hoda Kotb Nears Departure, Sparking Mixed Reactions"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Scarlett Johansson’s new role marks a surprising shift for both the actress and the show, with netizens sharing mixed reactions to the unexpected career move.<\/p>\n

Scarlett Johansson, known for her roles in “Black Widow” and “Marriage Story,” will guest host with Jenna Bush Hager on “Today with Jenna & Friends” starting January 21. The news has left many social media users puzzled.<\/p>\n

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A netizen’s comment about Scarlett Johansson as a guest host on “Today with Jenna & Friends,” posted on January 7, 2025 | Source: Instagram.com\/people<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Bush Hager\u00a0described<\/a>\u00a0Johansson’s involvement as a “wild dream” highlighting how it reflects the show’s growing appeal. She also noted that this marks the Marvel star’s first time hosting a daytime program.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Scarlett Johansson appears on “Today” show on December 12, 2011 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Craig Melvin Will Replace Hoda Kotb as ‘TODAY’ Show Co-Anchor | THR News Video<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The 43-year-old TV host\u00a0gushed<\/a>, “Scarlett Johansson is the queen! First of all, I’ve been obsessed with her movies since forever. ‘The Girl with a Pearl Earring,’ I mean that shows you I’m a nerd who loves to read. She’s also a big reader, which will be so much fun. We have so much in common.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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A netizen’s remark about Scarlett Johansson as a guest host on “Today with Jenna & Friends,” posted on January 7, 2025 | Source: Instagram.com\/people<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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During the January 7 broadcast, Bush Hager\u00a0teased<\/a>\u00a0that the show had “fun things” prepared with Johansson, further building excitement for her debut. Kotb\u00a0echoed<\/a>\u00a0this enthusiasm, “First of all, you guys had a great click. She is an awesome person.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Scarlett Johansson at “Today” show on November 13, 2023 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Kotb recalled how Bush Hager had immediately recognized Johansson’s potential to excel as a guest host during her previous appearance on the show. Building on this confidence, Bush Hager\u00a0expressed<\/a>\u00a0her excitement, “I think we’re gonna have a blast.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The program’s new format follows Hoda Kotb’s\u00a0departure on January 10<\/a>, a move she first announced on September 26 of last year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Producers introduced a rotating lineup of\u00a0celebrity co-hosts<\/a>\u00a0to bring fresh perspectives. Stars like Taraji P. Henson,\u00a0Eva Longoria<\/a>, and\u00a0Keke Palmer<\/a>\u00a0will join Bush Hager in the weeks leading up to Johansson’s debut.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Scarlett Johansson attends the “Sing 2” premiere in Los Angeles on December 12, 2021 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Bush Hager emphasized the importance of featuring guests from diverse fields, saying the show aims to represent its audience and offer something for everyone. “And I think that really is what we’re hoping to have: a total representation of who watches our show and something for every viewer,” she\u00a0explained<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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A netizen’s remark about Scarlett Johansson as a guest host on “Today with Jenna & Friends,” posted on January 7, 2025 | Source: Facebook.com\/peoplemag<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Johansson’s hosting stint sparked a wave of reactions online. Some viewers criticized the decision, with one\u00a0declaring<\/a>,\u00a0“Well I will never watch this now.”<\/i>\u00a0Others\u00a0expressed confusion<\/a>,\u00a0“Weird choice,”<\/i>\u00a0while another\u00a0added<\/a>,\u00a0“mmm \ud83e\udd14 doesn’t make sense but ok [sic]!”<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Some netizens criticized the show’s decision,\u00a0citing perceived casting biases<\/a>, while others questioned Johansson’s shift from\u00a0action films to hosting<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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More fans\u00a0embraced the news<\/a>.\u00a0“Great choice, looking forward to it,”<\/i>\u00a0one viewer\u00a0wrote<\/a>. Another\u00a0highlighted her likability<\/a>, seeing her hosting debut as a positive addition to the show. Others praised Johansson’s personality and\u00a0predicted she would excel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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A netizen’s remark about Scarlett Johansson as a guest host on “Today with Jenna & Friends,” posted on January 7, 2025 | Source: Facebook.com\/thedailybeast<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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As Johansson gears up for her debut, “Today” audiences are still coming to terms with Kotb’s forthcoming exit from the show. While Kotb is being\u00a0honored<\/a> with a week-long “Hoda-bration,” set to culminate in an emotional farewell episode on her final day, reports suggest financial negotiations may have influenced her decision to leave.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Sources indicate that NBC\u00a0proposed a pay cut<\/a>\u00a0for Kotb, who earned more than $20 million annually, as part of a broader industry trend of reducing salaries or eliminating roles altogether.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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As the network prepares for this transition, the network has announced that Craig Melvin, a familiar face on “Today” for nearly 14 years, will\u00a0take over Kotb’s role<\/a> as co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie. Melvin will begin his new duties on January 13.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The changes have been especially emotional for Bush Hager, who\u00a0described<\/a>\u00a0Kotb as “the best” and a “generous partner,” admitting the transition feels bittersweet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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“Obviously, I’ve had months to wrap my head around it, although I cannot promise that our last Hoda-bration won’t also be filled with tears. I’m sure it will be just because I can’t help it,”\u00a0said<\/a>\u00a0Bush Hager.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on Today on November 21, 2024 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Kotb had been with NBC for 26 years. She revealed last September that turning 60 and reflecting on her future were\u00a0pivotal in her decision to leave<\/strong>. Her heartfelt message, shared on live television and in writing,\u00a0expressed gratitude<\/u><\/a>\u00a0for her time at the company.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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“I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one,” Kotb\u00a0said<\/u><\/a>\u00a0in a letter to the staff. She emphasized that family, particularly her daughters, Haley and Hope, factored heavily into this choice,\u00a0adding<\/u><\/a>, “They deserve a bigger piece of my time pie.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Although her co-hosts were aware of her plans, emotions ran high during the September 26 episode. However, something surprising happened online after the episode aired.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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While many users focused on Kotb’s illustrious career and her legacy, tons of viewers began to express their dismay at her co-hosts. On social media, strong opinions emerged, with one commenter even calling for Guthrie and Bush Hager to follow Kotb in\u00a0leaving the show<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Some viewers expressed disappointment with NBC’s handling of Kotb’s departure, attributing it to\u00a0contract negotiations<\/a>. They criticized the network for letting go of what they saw as the show’s most compelling presence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Others directed their frustration at Kotb’s remaining co-hosts, accusing them of\u00a0insincerity and competitiveness<\/a>. Some criticized their behavior during the farewell events as disingenuous.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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More viewers criticized Guthrie, suggesting she should have been\u00a0the one to leave<\/a>\u00a0instead of Kotb. Others voiced similar sentiments about Bush Hager, with some stating they wished she had\u00a0announced her departure<\/a>\u00a0instead.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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One AmoMama reader also described Bush Hager as an embarrassment, referencing a\u00a0past wardrobe controversy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Amid negative comments about Guthrie and Bush Hager, many viewers shared heartfelt well-wishes for Kotb. Another AmoMama reader\u00a0expressed sadness<\/a>\u00a0over her departure while another praised her decision to\u00a0prioritize family time<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Some viewers shared personal experiences to highlight Kotb’s impact, including one who fondly recalled a moment when Kotb\u00a0spoke to her granddaughters<\/a> during a visit to the “Today” plaza. This left a lasting impression on the family.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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More AmoMama readers expressed support for Kotb’s decision, applauding her contributions over the years and recognizing her\u00a0as a class act<\/a>. Others praised her as an\u00a0exceptional news reporter<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Many viewers commended Kotb for choosing to focus on creating\u00a0meaningful memories with her children<\/a>. Others described her retirement as a blessing, allowing her to embrace life beyond work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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One commenter reflected on the fleeting nature of time, applauding Kotb for being in a position to\u00a0make such a decision<\/a>\u00a0while appreciating her positive spirit and contributions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Hoda Kotb on the “Today Show” on September 26, 2024 | Source: Youtube\/TODAY<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Amid all these reactions,\u00a0Kotb’s career<\/u><\/a>\u00a0at NBC remains the highlight of her legacy. She started at “Dateline” and became a fixture on the “Today” show, co-hosting\u00a0various segments<\/u><\/a>, most notably alongside Kathie Lee Gifford and Bush Hager, who has been with NBC since 2009.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Johansson’s debut as a co-host and Melvin’s transition into\u00a0Hoda Kotb<\/a>‘s role mark a new chapter for “Today,” introducing changes aimed at shaping the show’s future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Scarlett Johansson’s new role marks a surprising shift for both the actress and the show, with netizens sharing mixed reactions to the unexpected career move. Scarlett Johansson, known … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":17836,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17835","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17835","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=17835"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17835\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17837,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17835\/revisions\/17837"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/17836"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17835"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17835"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17835"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}