Savannah Guthrie is set to host the new game show, Wordle, inspired by the New York Times game. This has caused her to step away from Today as she films in the U.K.

NBC/Today/Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Universal Television Alternative Studio is teaming up with Jimmy Fallon and his team, Electric Hot Dog, along with The New York Times to bring the show to NBC, according to a press release. Wes Kauble will also executive produce and serve as showrunner.  Wordle was originally launched in 2021 and was acquired by the NYT in 2022.

“Several years ago, The New York Times began developing a Wordle game show. Teaming up with Jimmy Fallon to develop the game for NBC was a perfect fit,” Caitlin Roper, executive editorial director of film and TV at the Times, said in a press release. “We wanted to honor the specific thrill of Wordle, the way people play and share their scores with each other, but also make something new for TV.  Like Jimmy, Savannah is a passionate Wordle player–she even solved on TV in Times Square. No one gets what our contestants will go through like she does.”

Here is everything we know about the upcoming game show.

What is Wordle?

Wordle is a mobile game where players have six chances to try to solve a five-letter word. If any of the letters they pick are right, they will turn yellow. If any of the letters they pick are correct and in the right spot, they turn green. The player knows they have won when the whole word turns green. The word changes every day.

For the game show, the new format challenges players to solve five-letter word puzzles in a supersized battle of smarts, speed and fun. It builds on the way the puzzle community engages with Wordle every day — solving together, sharing wins, debating strategies and cheering one another on. Now, that style of play comes to life as the most-obsessed and competitive players will team up in squads and go head-to-head in the Wordle arena, playing for an incredible cash prize.

Who will host Wordle?

Savannah Guthrie, an avid player. will host Wordle. She was announced as the host on May 11.

“I feel very honored to be working with Savannah Guthrie on this show,” Fallon said in a press release. “Savannah has that rare combination of intelligence, charm, and warmth that makes everyone feel instantly welcome. And she obviously knows how to host a show. I am SUPER PROUD and HAPPY, and I think we developed a SOLID GAMER for PRIME-time.”

When will Wordle air?

An exact release date has not been announced, but it is set to begin in 2027. They are set to be 30-minute episodes and are expected to replicate the Wordle color scheme and font.

Where will Wordle air?

Wordle is set to air on NBC in primetime.

How can you be on the show?

If you would like to audition, you can sign up at wordle.castingcrane.com. According to the BBC, the game show films in Manchester, England. It is also set to air in the UK.

Teams of three players will team up to try to solve the puzzle. They must be 21 years old or older.

Will this affect Savannah Guthrie being on Today?

Yes. In July, Guthrie announced that she will be taking a few weeks off from the morning program to film the game show.

“A few months back, we announced that Wordle the game show is coming to NBC. Savannah, of course, is going to host. Our buddy Jimmy Fallon [is] producing,” Carson Daly said during the show’s “PopStart” segment. Addressing Guthrie, he added, “And you’ve got some news about Wordle.”

Guthrie went on to reveal, “We’re about to do it. Guys, I’m headed over to shoot Wordle. Over the next few weeks, we’re gonna shoot the whole season, and we’re super excited. Cannot wait for everyone to see it. It’ll probably air, I think, in the new year.”

The casting page shares that the game show is set to film from July 20 – August 1, 2026, with dates subject to change. Travel will be accomdated by production.

Wordle, 2027, NBC, TBD