Insiders say Hoda Kotbs return to Today show may | TV Shows

Hoda Kotb has been stepping in for her pal and former TODAY Show co-anchor, Savannah Guthrie, over the past two weeks, and insiders counsel she is likely to be back completely.

Although the 61-year-old took a break to spend more time with her two daughters, sources told the Daily Mail that Hoda ‘is completely prepared to step back in full-time if requested.’

Hoda’s last look on the TODAY Show after a 17-year run was on January 10, 2025. She returned on February 9, 2026, taking a break from masking the Olympics to fill in for her longtime pal and co-host, according to the Irish Star.

“This isn’t about feelings – it’s about protecting the franchise,” an insider at NBC revealed. “Morning TV is a multimillion-dollar machine, and they need stability. Right now, that stability is Hoda.”

With the continued state of affairs relating to her mom’s disappearance, it is unclear when 54-year-old Savannah will return to the show, if at all. “There’s real uncertainty about Savannah’s timeline,” another insider added. “No one knows when – or if – things return to normal.”

Hoda, substituting for Savannah alongside Craig Melvin, seems on the floor to be merely one pal serving to another, but staffers counsel there’s more to it than just being a good colleague.

“Hoda stepping in wasn’t random. Those appearances were strategic. Conversations are happening behind the scenes. The show cannot afford to sit in limbo. Advertisers and affiliates expect consistency,” one source revealed.

Hoda’s return has also confirmed to resonate properly with viewers, with one insider noting that “the emotional return tested extremely well internally” as “executives were watching closely.”

Additionally, “Hoda remains enormously popular with viewers. Bringing her back full-time would be the least disruptive option.”

While Savannah has been on the show for over a decade and is common with viewers, NBC executives are reportedly making ready for every doable final result. “There are contingency plans on top of contingency plans. That’s just how network news operates,” another insider said.

The future of the TODAY Show and Hoda’s retirement may rely on the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, but sources say she is prepared to reclaim her spot on the show.