TV

Scarlett Johansson to Co-Host ‘Today’ After Hoda Kotb Exits

SCARJODA

“I’ve been obsessed with her movies since forever,” co-host Jenna Bush Hager said of Johansson.

Scarlett Johansson on Monday, November 13, 2023 in the Today studio.
Nathan Congleton/NBC

Black Widow star Scarlett Johansson will guest host the fourth hour of NBC’s flagship morning show Today beginning Tuesday, Jan. 21. That will come little more than a week after longtime co-host Hoda Kotb leaves on Jan. 10—at which point the fourth hour, currently branded Today With Hoda & Jenna after Kotb and co-host Jenna Bush Hager, will be rebranded Today with Jenna & Friends. “I’ve been obsessed with her movies since forever,” Bush Hager told People of Johansson. “She’s also a big reader, which will be so much fun. We have so much in common.” Johansson’s husband Colin Jost also works at NBC where he co-hosts Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live. Celebrities including Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria and Keke Palmer will also drop in to Today for guest hosting slots. This year is set to be a big one for Johansson with four movies coming out, including Jurassic World: Rebirth. Kotb, who has been with Today for 17 years, plans to start a wellness app and company, she said during a Monday appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Until then, Today is running a “Hoda-bration” leading up to her final broadcast. “The thought of her not being here is almost too much to bear,” Bush Hager said.

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