When Hoda Kotb left her seat next to Jenna Bush Hager on the fourth hour of the Today show, it marked the end of an era — not just for fans who tuned in religiously for their mix of laughter, life chats, and signature chemistry, but for the Today franchise as a whole. Now, months later, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who’s going to take that coveted seat next to Jenna?
Well, Hoda has a few thoughts of her own — and when Hoda Kotb has opinions, people tend to listen.
Back in January, Hoda announced she’d be stepping away from her hosting duties, including the fourth hour and her main anchor role at Today, to pursue a new passion project: a wellness initiative called Joy 101. It was a heartfelt move — classic Hoda — rooted in her desire to spread positivity, healing, and mental clarity to a world that, let’s face it, is often starved for all three.
While she’s no longer sipping wine on air or cracking jokes with Jenna at 10 a.m., Hoda still has love for the show, the people, and of course, her viewers. And in a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Hoda opened up about who she thinks should replace her — and let’s just say, she gave us a lot to talk about.
First off, Hoda made it clear that the seat next to Jenna Bush Hager is no small deal. “Anybody would be so lucky,” she said — and she’s right. This isn’t just a television gig. It’s a chance to join a sisterhood, a fan-favorite hour where real life takes center stage. The chemistry between hosts isn’t optional — it’s essential.
So who made the cut?
Hoda’s first suggestion? None other than Today’s mainstay Savannah Guthrie. Hoda called her a strong contender, and it’s easy to see why. Savannah has long proven herself as a polished, empathetic, and whip-smart anchor — someone who can handle breaking news and a lighthearted cooking segment with equal grace.
But would she want to make the leap from the serious morning desk to the fun-loving fourth hour? That’s a whole different question. It’s also worth considering the chemistry component. While Savannah and Jenna certainly get along, that special spark that defines the fourth hour still needs to be tested.
Next on Hoda’s list is a name that’s been floated by many fans already: Justin Sylvester, the charismatic E! News host and frequent Today guest. If you’ve seen him on-air with Jenna, you know — they vibe. Justin brings the energy, the humor, the pop culture references, and a certain effortless fabulousness that feels tailor-made for the fourth hour. He knows how to keep things light, but he also has the depth and empathy that the role sometimes requires.
Hoda’s pick of Justin feels both fresh and familiar — and that’s a hard balance to strike.
Here’s where things get a little unexpected. Hoda revealed that Scarlett Johansson — yes, that Scarlett Johansson — once co-hosted the show and absolutely “crushed it.” According to Hoda, it was actually Scarlett’s “favorite job,” and she handled the gig like a natural.
But as both Hoda and Andy Cohen acknowledged, the Oscar-nominated actress probably won’t be trading in movie sets for morning makeup calls anytime soon. Still, it’s fun to dream. Could you imagine Scarlett bringing her dry wit and cool-girl charm to our weekday mornings? The ratings would go through the roof.
Another name Hoda tossed into the mix is Matt Rogers, the sharp, hilarious comedian and co-host of the Las Culturistas podcast. For those who’ve followed his career, it’s no surprise that Hoda thinks he’d shine in the role. Matt is quick-witted, culture-savvy, and unabashedly himself. He knows how to entertain, and he’s already built a loyal fanbase by simply being real.
The only question is whether his bold personality would blend well with Jenna’s more polished Southern charm. It might be TV gold — or a cultural clash. But in a world that’s craving diverse energy on mainstream television, Matt could be just the thing Today needs.
Finally, Hoda brought up Sheinelle Jones, a familiar face to Today viewers and a dear friend to the team. “She would be good,” Hoda said warmly — but also acknowledged the devastating reality Sheinelle is currently facing.
Sheinelle has been absent from the third hour of Today for several months following her husband Uche Ojeh’s health battle. On May 23, Savannah Guthrie shared the heartbreaking news live on-air that Uche passed away at the age of 45 after a courageous fight with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
It was a moment that shook the entire Today family and deeply touched its audience. Sheinelle is beloved — not just for her journalistic prowess, but for her vulnerability, authenticity, and kindness. If and when she decides to return, the seat beside Jenna could be a healing and meaningful next chapter.
Even with all these impressive names on the table, Hoda made one thing clear: it’s not just about talent — it’s about connection. “I feel like it’s whoever clicks great with Jenna,” she told Cohen, and that’s the truth.
The fourth hour has always been built on a foundation of friendship and ease. When Hoda and Jenna sit together, it feels like we’re watching two real-life besties catch up over coffee. The show thrives on that intimacy. Whoever steps in can’t just be entertaining — they need to feel like family.
Among loyal Today watchers, Sheinelle Jones continues to be one of the most popular choices. Her absence in recent months only highlights how deeply viewers feel her presence — and miss her energy.
Some fans have also pushed for more representation and diversity on the show, calling for fresh faces from outside the usual NBC orbit. With the entertainment landscape evolving rapidly, now might be the perfect moment for Today to surprise us with a bold and innovative choice.
Of course, Justin Sylvester still stands out as a fan-friendly option. He’s already proven he can handle the rhythm of the fourth hour — and viewers have responded well. Social media comments under his guest hosting clips are filled with variations of “Bring Justin back!” and “He’s a natural!”
NBC has not yet announced an official replacement. And maybe that’s a good thing. After all, finding the right cohost for Jenna isn’t a decision to rush. The chemistry, the vibe, the ability to pivot from parenting advice to pop culture hot takes — it takes a rare kind of personality to balance all that.
Jenna Bush Hager, for her part, has been gracefully holding down the fort, welcoming a rotating cast of guests and keeping the energy warm and authentic. But it’s clear she’s also waiting for that next chapter to truly begin — someone she can grow with, laugh with, and create more TV magic.
As exciting as the search for Hoda’s replacement is, it’s also bittersweet. Hoda and Jenna had a dynamic that can’t be duplicated. It was more than a working relationship — it was a true friendship that translated on screen and into the hearts of viewers.
But television, like life, moves forward. And as Hoda pours her heart into Joy 101, she’s passing the torch with love, hope, and her trademark smile. Whoever comes next has big shoes to fill — but also an incredible opportunity to make the role their own.
So who should replace Hoda? There’s no perfect answer, but here’s the truth: the person who eventually takes the seat next to Jenna needs to bring more than a résumé. They need to bring heart. Joy. Humor. The ability to pivot from serious to silly in a heartbeat. The comfort of an old friend, and the sparkle of something new.
Hoda knows it. Jenna knows it. And viewers know it too.
Whether it’s Justin Sylvester lighting up the room with his charisma, Sheinelle Jones bringing her warmth and resilience, or a completely new name we haven’t even considered yet, one thing is clear: the fourth hour of Today is ready for its next chapter.
And we’ll be watching — coffee in hand, just like always.