Wordle Game Show Pilot Greenlit by NBC, Hosted by Savannah Guthrie

The popular online word puzzle Wordle is being developed into a television game show. NBC is officially piloting the project for its network lineup. The new show will be hosted by Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.

This move follows The New York Times Company’s acquisition of the game. According to Deadline, the media giant is expanding its game portfolio into television entertainment.

Production Details and Key Collaborators

Filming for the pilot is currently underway. The production is based in the United Kingdom.

Jimmy Fallon and his Electric Hot Dog production banner are co-producing the show. They are partnering with Universal Television Alternative Studio and The New York Times. This marks the first time a New York Times game has been adapted for television.

No official release date has been announced. Industry observers suggest a potential mid-to-late 2026 premiere if the series is picked up.

From Digital Phenomenon to Prime Time

Wordle’s simple yet addictive format makes it a strong candidate for a game show adaptation. The original web game gives players six tries to guess a five-letter word. Color-coded tiles provide feedback after each guess.

The game exploded in popularity in late 2021. Its shareable, spoiler-free results grid became a social media staple. This built-in social element is a valuable asset for a televised version.

**The upcoming Wordle game show represents a significant bet on the power of a modern brand to capture a prime-time audience.** It will test whether a daily digital habit can successfully transition into weekly appointment television.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is hosting the new Wordle game show?

Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, will host the program. She is a known Wordle enthusiast herself.

When will the Wordle TV show air?

An official premiere date has not been set. The project is currently in the pilot filming stage, so a 2026 release is a likely timeframe.

What is the premise of the original Wordle game?

Players have six attempts to guess a secret five-letter word. The game provides color-coded hints with each guess to help narrow down the answer.

Is there a similar word game show already on TV?

Yes, a game show called Lingo has a similar word-guessing format. It has aired in various versions since the 1980s and currently streams on platforms like Paramount+.

Who is producing the show with NBC?

The show is a collaboration between The New York Times, Universal Television Alternative Studio, and Jimmy Fallon’s Electric Hot Dog production company.