Wordle to Become a TV Quiz Show Hosted by Savannah Guthrie
The popular online word game Wordle, owned by the New York Times, is set to launch as a primetime TV quiz show in both the UK and US next year. The show will be hosted by Savannah Guthrie, the anchor of NBC’s morning news program Today. Filming will take place in Manchester, England, with episodes scheduled to premiere in 2027.
About the Wordle TV Show
The TV adaptation of Wordle will feature contestants competing to guess a five-letter word in six guesses or fewer, mirroring the gameplay of the original online puzzle. Each episode will last approximately half an hour and is expected to replicate the Wordle typeface and colour scheme to maintain the game’s distinctive visual style.
Contestants will compete for a cash prize, and casting for the first season is currently open. Production is planned to begin later this year.
Savannah Guthrie to Host the Show
Savannah Guthrie, known for her role as the anchor of NBC’s Today show, will host the Wordle quiz show. The production was briefly delayed earlier this year following the disappearance of Guthrie’s mother, Nancy, but Guthrie has since returned to work.
US chat show host Jimmy Fallon, whose production company Electric Hot Dog is co-producing the series, praised Guthrie’s hosting abilities. He described her as having “that rare combination of intelligence, charm, and warmth that makes everyone feel instantly welcome.” Fallon expressed pride in working with Guthrie and confidence in the show’s potential as a prime-time game show.
Background on Wordle
Wordle was originally created by Welsh software engineer Josh Wardle in 2021 and was acquired by the New York Times in 2022. The game gained widespread popularity, becoming the most Googled word of the year in 2022. Inspired by the 1970s board game Mastermind, Wordle challenges players to guess a daily five-letter word with feedback provided through coloured tiles indicating correct letters and positions.
Since acquiring Wordle, the New York Times has expanded its portfolio of games apps, including the Crossword and Spelling Bee, further integrating games into its offerings.
