NBC Announces Wordle Game Show Hosted by Savannah Guthrie, Executive Produced by Jimmy Fallon

Millions of players solve Wordle puzzles daily on their phones, but now the beloved word game is coming to television. NBC has ordered a new game show based on Wordle, hosted by Savannah Guthrie, co-host of Today, and executive produced by Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show.

The show will challenge contestants to solve five-letter word puzzles through a series of trials, competing in both group and individual formats. Winners will receive cash prizes. Wes Kauble, a veteran game show producer, will serve as showrunner, with additional executive producers including Caitlin Roper and Jonathan Knight from the New York Times, and Jim Juvonen from Fallon’s production company, Electric Hot Dog.

Reactions from the Production Team

“I feel very honored to be working with Savannah Guthrie on this show. 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.”

— Jimmy Fallon

The series follows the New York Times’ acquisition of Wordle in January 2022 for a reported low-seven-figure sum. Since then, Wordle has become a key part of the Times’ subscription bundle, which includes journalism, games, sports coverage via The Athletic, and cooking recipes. The show’s existence was first reported in October 2024.

“Wordle has become a defining daily experience for millions and a meaningful part of how people engage with The New York Times. In bringing it to television, we were intentional about finding partners to collaborate with who could both scale the experience and stay true to the beloved game. NBC, Jimmy Fallon and his team bring that expertise, and Savannah Guthrie’s talent and connection to the game makes her an ideal host. It reflects our broader approach of creating experiences people return to and share every day.”

— Meredith Kopit Levien, CEO of The New York Times Company

Caitlin Roper, editorial director for film and TV at the Times, shared insights on the show’s development in a company Q&A. She noted that the Times had been exploring ways to expand Wordle beyond its digital format. “It felt natural to explore ways to extend into a gameshow,” she said.

“Working on the pilot episode with our partners, our showrunner, it was just a thrill. Watching the contestants, real people who love Wordle battle it out, with Savannah there to cheer them on, it was a party. I can’t wait for the whole community of Wordle players to watch it.”

The production team is now accepting applications from potential contestants. Interested participants can apply here for the chance to travel to Europe and compete on the show.