Ever since Hoda Kotb’s departure from the Today Show, fans have been eagerly speculating about who will permanently take her place on Today with Jenna & Friends.
While Jenna Bush Hager has welcomed several A-list celebrities as guest co-hosts, viewers seem to have one standout personality in mind—Willie Geist.
Earlier this week, Morning Joe’s Willie Geist joined Jenna for a lively segment, where the two playfully joked about Geist’s beer pong skills.
Their easygoing chemistry was undeniable, sparking excitement among viewers who quickly took to social media to advocate for Geist as Hoda’s official replacement.
The Today Show’s official Instagram account shared a behind-the-scenes clip of Geist chatting with Savannah Guthrie and participating in various segments.
The comment section was flooded with love for the seasoned journalist, with many making the case for him to take over full-time.
One fan gushed, “Willie Geist is maybe one of the VERY FEW people you CANNOT hate. He can fit in anywhere. Rare gift.” Another chimed in, “Willie is The Best! He is so smart, very funny, genuinely kind … he can do it all! A perfect fit with the Today Team.” A third commenter put it simply: “Willie Geist should be the host. Period.”
During his segment with Jenna, Geist referenced his past beer pong experiences, quipping, “Since you brought up Beer Pong, I’ll throw in Quarters. Always fun.” In a lighthearted challenge, Jenna dared him to prove his skills—and he did, sinking a shot on his first try.
This dynamic moment was also shared on the official Instagram for Jenna’s show, and fans couldn’t help but notice how naturally she and Geist worked together. One viewer noted, “The PERFECT co-host for Jenna! She is so much calmer with Willie next to her, more likable. They both perfectly complement each other.” Another agreed, writing, “Willie balances Jenna’s energy, which we love, with some balance and calm. Please, please, please, pick Willie, and soon!” The sentiment was echoed by many others, with one fan stating, “The day Hoda announced she was leaving, I instantly thought of Willie. He’s the obvious choice.”
Hoda Kotb’s emotional farewell from the show was a tearful moment for Jenna, who broke down as Hoda expressed her love and gratitude. Despite the change, the two women have maintained their close friendship, often reuniting at high-profile events. However, Jenna has yet to reveal any concrete plans regarding a permanent co-host for Jenna & Friends.
In the meantime, Craig Melvin has stepped into Hoda’s previous role alongside Savannah Guthrie on Today, ensuring that the beloved morning program continues to thrive. As for Willie Geist, whether he ultimately takes over as Jenna’s co-host remains to be seen—but if fan reactions are any indication, he’s already won over Today Show audiences with his charm, humor, and effortless rapport with Jenna.
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