“Anybody would be so lucky” — Hoda Kotb reveals her top contenders to replace her on Today show

Hoda Kotb, 60, remained an integral and impactful member of the Today show. She made her final appearance in January 2025, concluding a 17-year run.

Though she has departed from the show, she opened up on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, mentioning the potential co-hosts to replace her. On the June 5 episode, she addressed the much-anticipated question of who might step into her role to co-host with Jenna Bush Hager.

In response to Cohen asking, “Who do you think should co-host with Jenna? Who should get that job?” Hoda Kotb shared her perspective, explaining:

"Anybody would be so lucky. But to me, the contenders are Savannah, I think she would be great."

Hoda Kotb suggested her top contenders for her replacement on Today

While chatting with Andy Cohen, Hoda Kotb weighed in with her choices of co-anchors to step into her role. Recommending Justin Sylvester, she added:

"I think Justin Sylvester is amazing."

During the conversation, the TV personality also recalled Scarlett Johansson's brief co-hosting experience on the show. Meanwhile, Andy pointed out that Johansson might not “do it every day.”

Reacting to his remark, Hoda further chimed in:

"I know, but wouldn't it be great? She said it was her favorite job.

Hoda Kotb had quite a few contenders on her mind. She felt that Matt Rogers or Chanel Jones might be an amazing fit.

She described:

"Matt Rogers is great. And also, our dear friend Chanel Jones, who's going through a difficult time and I think that she would be good. Like, I feel like it's whoever clicks great with Jenna."

During her latest appearance on the chat show, she also addressed rumors speculating about her talk show. According to a Us Weekly report, she might be taking over The Kelly Clarkson Show.

An audience member attending the live show asked,

"Hi Hoda. My question for you is I heard there are rumors that you might be starting a daytime talk show. Is that something you would ever consider doing?"

Without responding with a direct affirmative or a negative reaction, Hoda answered:

"First of all, I think Kelly, you're talking about the Kelly Clarkson rumor. I feel like Kelly is like in a class all by herself. I mean, my whole thing with talk shows and all that stuff, it's like I am a never say never person."

While speaking about whether she might be seen hosting her own show, she further added:

"I think you don't know what life's going to bring you, but at this moment, like I'm having such fun with the ride that I'm on. But you know that TV is my first love. So, as I say in life, like you don't know."

Hoda’s journey with NBC News began over a decade ago when she joined the network as a correspondent for Dateline NBC. According to a Good Housekeeping report, she became a co-host of Today’s fourth hour.

Over the next 17 years, she contributed immensely to the show’s success. Last year, on September 26, she announced her decision to leave Today. She concluded her 17-year tenure, appearing on the final episode on January 10, 2025.

On May 28, she reunited with her former co-anchor Jenna Bush Hager on an episode of Today with Jenna & Friends.