It is commonly known that Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb are close friends. They not only host NBC’s “Today” but also share great chemistry off-screen. In fact, recently, they reunited on “Today” and shared that they were glad to be back together.
However, things may not be as they appear, as a new report suggests that their off-camera dynamic is different. It has even been alleged that they don’t share a close bond off-screen, adding that there is real “competition” between the two.
Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb’s friendship was always complicated, claims source
Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb have co-anchored NBC’s “Today” for a long time. Their friendship has always been in the limelight, and they have often shown public support for each other. They are most often regarded as “sisters,” defining the true meaning of friendship.
However, a recent report by Rob Shuter suggests that there is more to it than what meets the eye. Kotb left anchoring Today in January 2025, and she returned to the set on April 13, sitting next to Guthrie at the anchor desk to cover the news.
They both looked excited as they returned to co-anchor the news show. An insider shared, “This was never a natural pairing. They made it work — but it wasn’t Savannah’s choice.”
Not just that, it has also been alleged that Guthrie didn’t want Kotb to replace Matt Lauer. In fact, it was Willie Geist she was reportedly pushing for. However, the author of “You Are My Happy” got the role. The source further said that she didn’t get the role because “Savannah wanted her there,” but because of her own talent, which further caused tension between the two.
The insider further said, “There’s always been competition. This is morning TV — it’s a ratings war every single day.”
It has been alleged that now that Kotb is back anchoring, NBC will be watching to see if ratings spike this week. If they do, this would mean Hoda may return regularly, and Guthrie may find herself seeing a lot more of her.
However, if Guthrie is not her close friend, a question arises as to who that could be. The source claimed that her genuine bond is with Jenna Bush Hager.
