Savannah Guthrie, 51, Surprises Fans with New Career Move into Game Show Hosting After Mom’s Abduction – “Isn’t She Already Rich Enough?”

Carson Daly, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker at the "TODAY" show.
Carson Daly, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker at the “TODAY” show. 4 Savanah Guthrie’s major career pivot into game show host has taken some Today staffers by surpriseCredit: Getty

Savannah Guthrie is taking a bold step in her career following the traumatic abduction of her mother, Nancy, in February. Just three months after the heartbreaking event, Savannah announced on Today that she will be hosting a new Wordle game show, executive produced by Jimmy Fallon. While her pivot to game show hosting has raised eyebrows, insiders say it’s a chance for her to reinvent herself in entertainment.

Savannah Guthrie and Jimmy Fallon on a white sofa with a "Jimmy Fallon" Wordle-style background.
Savannah Guthrie and Jimmy Fallon on a white sofa with a “Jimmy Fallon” Wordle-style background. 4 Savannah announced her new job during Monday morning’s Today show alongside the Wordle game show executive producer, Jimmy FallonCredit: NBC

A “Second Act” for Savannah Guthrie
The 51-year-old anchor’s career shift into the world of game shows has left some of her Today colleagues perplexed. “Isn’t Savannah already rich enough? Why take on even more right now?” one source questioned. However, those closest to Savannah insist that work is how she copes with difficult moments. “Savannah isn’t someone who sits still. She has always been incredibly ambitious beneath that calm exterior,” a colleague explained.

The game show will be filmed in the UK this summer, far from her Today show’s New York base, marking a major change for Savannah. Despite the intense personal turmoil, she has shown resilience and determination, returning to work with a new focus.

Savannah Guthrie smiling with her mom, Nancy.
Savannah was grateful to share happy news yesterday, as her mother’s abduction in February remains unsolvedCredit: NBC

Savannah’s Struggle and Strength
After the traumatic kidnapping of her mother, Savannah was faced with the unimaginable. “It’s been 100 days since the abduction, and while the search continues, I’ve had to stay strong for my family,” Savannah posted on social media. “But work is how I survive. It’s how I keep going,” she revealed in an interview.

Hoda Kotb kisses Savannah Guthrie on the cheek.
Sources told The U.S. Sun that execs have supported Savannah through this delicate transition as she returns to work (here with Hoda Kotb at Studio 1A earlier this year)Credit: AP

Sources say that despite the challenges, Savannah’s return to Today has only made her more popular than ever. “Out of heartbreak, Savannah found her biggest career moment,” a TV insider shared. “She’s not just the news anchor anymore — she’s an entertainment star now.”

A Career Reset Amid Tragedy
Savannah’s transition back to work has been carefully planned. “She’s not grinding the way she used to, but when she shows up, NBC makes it count,” a staff member said. Savannah’s new approach includes picking her spots carefully, working fewer hours than before, and leaning into her newfound popularity.

The announcement of her new role comes after an emotional weekend where Savannah made a public plea for information about her missing mother on Mother’s Day. She shared a heartfelt message, asking for prayers and urging anyone with information to come forward.

Savannah’s husband, Michael Feldman, expressed his pride in her strength, sharing a touching tribute with a photo of Savannah with their two children.