Willie Geist Set to Cohost ‘Today With Jenna and Friends’ After Hoda Kotb’s Exit From the Show

Fans asked, and the Today show delivered! Willie Geist will be guest cohosting Today With Jenna & Friends on Monday, February 17.

Since Hoda Kotb left the show on January 10, viewers have been begging to see Willie, 49, sit beside Jenna Bush Hager during the show’s fourth hour. He previously filled in for Hoda, 60, during a February 2023 episode of the show and several other times in the past.

The comments section of the show’s Instagram page is often flooded with comments for suggestions as to who should sit next to Jenna, 43, permanently and Willie’s name has been thrown around dozens of times by viewers. He’s a favorite on the show, hosting his Sunday Sitdowns with celebrity guests each weekend as well as covering world news.

“Willie seems like such a kind person. I wish he was on during the week. His journalism is top notch,” one person commented on a January 22 Instagram post on Today’s official account. Others praised how “genuine” he is both on TV and in person.

“Love Jenna and Willie together!” another person commented on Today’s Instagram account, while another praised Willie for being “smart, funny and entertaining.”

A source previously told Closer that NBC plans to try out celebrity guest cohosts before making the decision as to who should replace Hoda permanently. The source said that behind the scenes, Willie has been a frontrunner for the position among several other familiar faces.

“Willie Geist is a name that keeps getting mentioned, he and Jenna get along great, he has a proven track record and the fans seem to love him,” the insider told Closer in November 2024. “Michelle Buteau is another person that the bosses are very keen on giving a chance to and the word is she’ll be getting a chance to cohost and show her stuff, as well as Justin Sylvester and Michelle Collins.”

No time frame was given as to how long Today’s fourth hour will bring on celebrity guest cohosts. For now, fans are enjoying seeing the rotating panel of hosts on the program.

“The network bosses have said they’re going to take their time with making this decision but they’re not going to let it drag on too long because there’s a risk that it could turn people off so they’re definitely walking a tight rope with this,” the insider said.

In addition to bringing Willie in for a turn as Jenna’s cohost, another favorite will be making his way back to the show next week. Justin, 38, will be cohosting Today With Jenna & Friends from Tuesday, February 18, through Friday, February 21.

“My favorite mornings are with Justin & Jenna!!! Can’t wait to watch!” one Instagram user commented on the show’s announcement.

“So excited Justin Sylvester will be your host next week! He brings great energy & positivity to his work. Watching from home Jenna & Justin look very comfortable together. He would be a great co-host with Jenna,” another viewer wrote.

“Yes!!!!!! This should be your permanent co host! Y’all are great together,” another person wrote.