Scarlett Johansson is set to co-host NBC's Today with Jenna & Friends for a week, beginning Tuesday, January 21, 2025, as part of the revamped fourth hour of the network's popular morning show. This temporary gig comes after Jenna Bush Hager announced a rotating list of celebrity co-hosts following Hoda Kotb's departure.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE published on January 6, 2025, Bush Hager expressed her excitement over Johansson's involvement, calling it a "wild dream" and a testament to the show's success.
Scarlett Johansson, known for her roles in films like Black Widow and The Girl with a Pearl Earring, will join Bush Hager for a series of special episodes filled with planned surprises and lively discussions.
The Hollywood star's debut as a daytime co-host marks another first in her career. Fans took to social media to share their thoughts on this unexpected crossover, offering a mix of excitement and curiosity. One X user wrote:
"I’m here for it"
The announcement quickly became a trending topic online, with fans reacting enthusiastically to the news.
"Scar is my absolute favorite," a fan commented.
"Scar Jo has a great personality and warmth. Can’t wait to see some of the clips that come out of this," another fan agreed.
Many shared their thoughts on Johansson's upcoming stint as a morning show co-host, with some expressing their surprise at her new role.
"Exciting line up! Scarlett will be great," another fan added.
"Hope they have enough cameras to capture all the Black Widow sass and the Bush charm in one frame," someone tweeted.
"The best news I've heard all day man she's my favorite actress for a reason. She's gonna kill it man, can't wait to see it," another user noted.
Scarlett Johansson joins morning TV as guest co-host
Jenna Bush Hager has been vocal about her admiration for Scarlett Johansson, revealing in her January 6, 2025, interview with People that they share several connections. Both have twin siblings and daughters of similar ages—Bush Hager's eldest, Mila, is 11, while Johansson's daughter, Rose, is 10. This common ground is expected to add a relatable and personal touch to their on-screen chemistry.
During the January 7, 2025, episode of Today, Bush Hager teased viewers about the "so many fun things planned" for Scarlett Johansson's week-long tenure. Co-host Hoda Kotb also expressed her confidence in Johansson's abilities, saying:
"First of all, you guys had a great click. She is an awesome person… You know when you know someone’s gonna be good at something?"
Scarlett Johansson's upcoming guest-hosting role is part of a broader shakeup for the show's fourth hour, which launches under its new title, Today with Jenna & Friends, on January 13, 2025. The segment will feature a rotation of celebrity co-hosts, including Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, and Keke Palmer.
The show's producers aim to reflect a diverse range of perspectives and create an engaging space for viewers. Bush Hager highlighted the unique nature of this approach in her interview, stating:
"What’s so cool about it is that it really does feel like we're pulling up chairs for all different types of people… something for every viewer."
The announcement comes as Today continues to dominate morning show ratings, securing its position as the top program in the 2023-24 season, as per a November 2024 report by NBC News.
As the premiere date approaches, viewers can tune in to NBC weekdays at 7 am ET to catch Johansson's debut on January 21, 2025.