Hoda Kotb Returned to Today Show Studio
The former co-anchor made a surprise appearance at the morning program to report a new story.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Human Interest
Former Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb surprised her colleagues during a visit to the program on September 29, 2026. Kotb returned to the studio to report a story after leaving the show in January 2025.
Why it matters
The visit marked a notable reunion between Kotb and the show's current team, including co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Kotb had previously interviewed Guthrie in March 2026 regarding her mother who lives in Tucson, Arizona.
Hoda Kotb is 62 years old and Savannah Guthrie is 54 years old. The group includes other personalities such as Jenna Bush Hager at age 44 and Craig Melvin at age 47.
The players
Hoda Kotb
She is a veteran broadcast journalist who served as a co-anchor on the Today show for many years.
Savannah Guthrie
She is a longtime host and legal analyst currently serving as a co-anchor of the Today show.
Craig Melvin
He is an established broadcast journalist currently serving as a co-anchor of the Today show.
The details
Kotb gained access to the set by knocking on the door of Savannah Guthrie's dressing room to surprise her. She later reunited with the broadcast team on the Today Plaza.
Timeline
Hoda Kotb exited the Today show in January 2025.
Kotb interviewed Savannah Guthrie in March 2026.
Kotb visited the Today show studio on September 29, 2026.
Culture Shift
This visit highlights the evolving nature of long-term television partnerships and how talent often maintains ties to legacy programs after departing permanent roles. It reflects a shift where media icons leverage historical relationships to collaborate on specific reporting projects.
Viewers of the morning program can anticipate seeing Kotb back on their screens as a contributor for this specific assignment. The return provides a nostalgic moment for the audience while signaling a new way for the network to utilize former talent.
The takeaway
The return of a former host to a long-running show illustrates how professional relationships in broadcast media often persist beyond formal employment. Audiences can expect to see more former talent returning to established programs for unique, project-based storytelling roles.
Further reading
For more stories on television personalities, explore our Human Interest section.
