Scarlett Johansson will join Today With Jenna & Friends as a guest co-host, marking a week-long appearance starting Tuesday, Jan. 21. The announcement was made by Jenna Bush Hager, who shared the exciting news with People magazine.
“Scarlett Johansson is the queen!” Bush Hager said. “First of all, I’ve been obsessed with her movies since forever. Girl With a Pearl Earring, I mean that shows you I’m a nerd who loves to read. She’s also a big reader, which will be so much fun. We have so much in common.”
Johansson’s stint on the morning show will kick off as part of a new chapter for Today With Jenna & Friends, following the departure of Hoda Kotb from the program. The new format of the show, which is set to launch on Jan. 13, will feature a series of guest co-hosts, including Johansson, who will take over for the second week of the revamped show.
Guest Co-Hosts Lineup for “Today With Jenna & Friends”
Before Johansson’s turn at the co-host desk, other star names will join Bush Hager on air. On Jan. 13 and Jan. 17, actress and producer Taraji P. Henson will appear, followed by Eva Longoria, who will join the show on Jan. 14. Keke Palmer will round out the guest co-hosting lineup on Jan. 15.
Johansson’s appearance is part of an effort to introduce a fresh dynamic on Today With Jenna & Friends, which will feature a rotating selection of well-known figures from the entertainment world, including those from a variety of professional backgrounds. The show will showcase different perspectives and conversations, aimed at offering viewers a diverse and engaging experience.
The Future of “Today With Jenna & Friends”
In a recent interview with Variety, Bush Hager elaborated on the search for a permanent co-host, noting that the process will be a deliberate one. “I am involved,” Bush Hager said, confirming that she is actively participating in the decision-making process.
Bush Hager emphasized that there is no rush to choose a new partner, explaining, “I feel like our audience deserves the time to get to know a ton of different people, from a ton of different backgrounds.” She added, “We’re hoping to pull up the chairs to all different types of people. I think there will be some surprises for sure. And so it’s like when we know, I think we’ll know.”
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The revamped Today show, set to debut on Jan. 13, will bring a fresh format to the fourth hour of the morning broadcast, shifting away from its previous structure in response to Kotb’s departure. The changes come as part of NBC’s broader effort to refresh the Today brand and engage viewers with a more varied, inclusive lineup of hosts.
The Future of Today With Jenna & Friends
As for Johansson, the Avengers star’s appearance as co-host is generating considerable buzz, thanks to her reputation as both a major Hollywood talent and an avid book lover. Johansson’s love for literature, which she shares with Bush Hager, is expected to add a personal and intellectual touch to her time on the show. Fans can look forward to lively discussions and insights, given the pair’s shared interests and chemistry.
Johansson is just one of several high-profile guest co-hosts who will be joining Bush Hager in the coming weeks. With a diverse roster of guest stars, including major Hollywood figures and well-known personalities from different industries, Today With Jenna & Friends is shaping up to be a unique blend of celebrity, conversation, and entertainment.
NBC’s approach of rotating guest co-hosts is designed to keep the show fresh and exciting, while also allowing viewers to connect with new faces. It also provides the network with a chance to gauge audience reactions before committing to a long-term co-hosting arrangement.
A New Era for “Today”
The debut of Today With Jenna & Friends on Jan. 13 signals a new era for the beloved morning show. With a focus on inclusivity, diverse voices, and unexpected surprises, the reimagined format will likely attract viewers who are looking for a more dynamic and personal connection to the Today team.
Fans of Scarlett Johansson, as well as those interested in the evolving structure of the Today show, will have much to look forward to in the coming weeks. Whether it’s Johansson’s intellectual insights, Henson’s bold opinions, or Palmer and Longoria’s dynamic personalities, Today With Jenna & Friends promises to offer a variety of engaging content in its upcoming season.
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As Bush Hager continues to search for the right permanent co-host, viewers can expect plenty of entertaining moments and star-studded appearances in the weeks ahead.
