Jenna Bush Hager remains to be on the lookout for her new everlasting co-host for Right this moment‘s fourth-hour following Hoda Kotb‘s retirement earlier this month, and an early frontrunner has emerged within the type of a Hollywood A-lister.
The long-time morning present host has been joined by a string of visitor co-hosts in current weeks for the newly titled Right this moment with Jenna & Associates, together with Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, and Keke Palmer. Final week, she was joined by Scarlett Johansson, who rapidly grew to become a favourite with viewers and crew members alike.
It appears the Black Widow star had a blast, too, as she confirmed on Thursday’s (January 23) present that she would love to return again and co-host once more following her final present on Friday (January 24).
“You will come again?” Bush Hager requested her.
“Sure, I completely have to return again,” Johansson replied. “When you’ll have me?”
“Are you kidding?” Bush Hager responded earlier than quipping, “We began a GoFundMe so you would be right here on a regular basis! It’s been the dream; you’re the very best.”
Because the present wrapped up, Bush Hager mentioned they’d discover a date for the Lucy actress to return subsequent month.
In keeping with The Each day Mail, an insider claimed the whole manufacturing staff was impressed with Johansson’s job as host and is keen to do no matter it takes to make her a everlasting fixture. The outlet additionally studies {that a} potential $5 million per yr contract is on the desk.
“Scarlett completely knocked it out of the park and there was extra constructive suggestions from viewers than there ever has been for the reason that present launched,” the insider mentioned. “Executives don’t assume that they even really want to look any additional and would just about give Scarlett the supply as a everlasting host if she was keen to take it.”
The supply added that there was fear over bringing in an A-list star, noting fears “that the viewers wouldn’t reply nicely, however this was confirmed improper massive time.”
“Scarlett was relatable, humorous, witty, charming, and received over not solely Jenna however the crew and producers too,” they added.
Kotb hosted Right this moment‘s fourth-hour with Bush Hager from 2019 till her departure from NBC on January 10, 2025. She beforehand hosted with Kathie Lee Gifford from 2008 to 2019. In keeping with the Each day Mail insider, Kotb has given her seal of approval to Johansson as her substitute.
“Hoda goes to be a tough act to observe,” the supply said. “However Scarlett would undoubtedly fill these sneakers nicely, and Hoda has voiced her approval. Scarlett knew the project and she or he delivered. She is a pure.”
On Wednesday’s (January 22) present, Johansson informed viewers she went to mattress the evening earlier than “buzzing” as she “was so excited.” She added, “I ready every little thing for at the moment. I really like this job… Like absolute dream job.”
Bush Hager even teased that Johansson may turn into a everlasting addition to the present when she got here up with a brand new title for the morning program. “Jenna & Scarlett, you hear what I’m saying!” she mentioned because the viewers cheered.
Within the meantime, Right this moment‘s fourth hour will proceed with visitor hosts, with singers Kelsea Ballerini, Jordin Sparks, Ciara, and Wynonna Judd becoming a member of Bush Hager on the desk this week.
Right this moment, Weekdays, 7 a.m. ET, NBC