From Screen to Studio: NBC Pilots ‘Wordle’ Game Show Hosted by Savannah Guthrie
The daily ritual of guessing a five-letter word is moving from the smartphone screen to the television screen. NBC is currently piloting a game show based on the global phenomenon Wordle, bringing the New York Times’ viral brain puzzle to a broadcast audience.
- Host: TODAY anchor Savannah Guthrie.
- Executive Producer: Jimmy Fallon via his Electric Hot Dog banner.
- Production Partners: Universal Television Alternative Studio (UTAS) and The New York Times.
- Current Status: Piloting and filming in the United Kingdom.
- Casting: Open applications are available through May 29.
A Powerhouse Partnership
The transition of Wordle to television is a collaborative effort between some of the biggest names in media. Jimmy Fallon, who has openly admitted to being “addicted” to the game, is producing the project through his Electric Hot Dog banner. Fallon previously experimented with the game’s format on The Tonight Show, providing an early glimpse of how the interactive puzzle could translate to a TV audience.
Taking the helm as host is Savannah Guthrie. The TODAY co-anchor is no stranger to the game; she has described Wordle as her “daily gaming obsession.” Her passion for the puzzle was on full display in March 2025, when she solved a mega-sized Wordle puzzle on the Mega-Zilla screen in Times Square.
From Viral Sensation to TV Spectacle
Created in 2021 by Welsh software engineer Josh Wardle, Wordle became a pandemic-era sensation due to its simplicity and social shareability. The game gives players six attempts to guess a five-letter word, using green and yellow tiles to indicate correct letters and their placement. The New York Times acquired the game in January 2022 for an undisclosed seven-figure sum.
The growth of the game has been staggering. According to reports, Wordle was played 5.3 billion times in 2024, cementing its place as a cultural staple and a logical candidate for a high-stakes television competition where contestants will compete for money.
How to Join the Game
NBC is currently seeking contestants to bring the “Wordle arena” to life. Casting is officially open, and aspiring wordsmiths can apply to be part of the show.
Application Details:
- Where to apply: wordle.castingcrane.com
- Deadline: May 29 at 5 p.m. PT.
Fallon’s Expanding TV Empire
For Jimmy Fallon, the Wordle project is the latest addition to a growing slate of NBC ventures. He recently launched the business competition reality series On Brand and is the creative force behind the reboot of Password, which was recently renewed for a third season, as well as That’s My Jam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is hosting the Wordle game show?
Savannah Guthrie, the co-anchor of NBC’s TODAY, will serve as the host.
Who is producing the show?
The show is being produced by Jimmy Fallon’s Electric Hot Dog banner in partnership with Universal Television Alternative Studio and The New York Times.
Where is the show being filmed?
The pilot is currently filming in the United Kingdom.
When will the Wordle game show air?
While a specific air date has not yet been announced, filming is scheduled to begin this summer.
As NBC moves forward with the pilot, the industry will be watching to see if the solitary, quiet experience of a daily word puzzle can be successfully transformed into a high-energy television competition. For now, Wordle fans can keep their tiles green while waiting for the official premiere date.