NBC revealed plans on May 11, 2026, to launch a primetime game show based on the popular Wordle puzzle, hosted by 54-year-old Savannah Guthrie [1]. The show will be filmed in Manchester, England, and is set to premiere on NBC in 2027 [1, 2].
The New York Times, which purchased Wordle in 2022 for a low seven-figure sum, will co-produce the series alongside Jimmy Fallon's production company [1, 2]. The program will feature the Wordle name, signature aesthetic, and typeface, with contestants competing for cash prizes [1, 2].
Filming experienced a delay after Guthrie took extended leave beginning in February 2026. Her 84-year-old mother, Nancy, disappeared that month, which Guthrie described as a painful period, telling reporters, "It's strange to say that I'm going to do a game show when your heart is broken" [1]. Guthrie returned to her regular duties on the Today show in April 2026 [1, 2].
Jimmy Fallon praised Guthrie’s hosting abilities, saying, "She has that rare combination of intelligence, charm, and warmth that makes everyone feel instantly welcome. And she obviously knows how to host a show. I am super proud and happy and I think we developed a solid game for prime-time" [2].
Josh Wardle, who created Wordle in 2021 and sold it to The New York Times the following year, has not played the game since its acquisition [2].
Casting for the first season of the Wordle game show is currently open [2]. Production is moving ahead with the goal of premiering the series on NBC primetime in 2027 [1, 2].
