The Watch What Happens Live format is a winning formula. Host Andy Cohen is engaging, and has a great rapport with guests. It’s interactive at times, with audience polls and fan questions. But best of all are the entertaining games and activities the Bravo executive producer lines up for his guests. Just don’t block the camera angles.
Unfortunately, other talk shows are not as creative. And it seems that some have taken the liberty of copying some of Andy’s ideas. Jenna Bush Hager, host of Today with Jenna & Friends, allegedly brought Prompter Wars to her show after Andy played it on Today with Hoda Kotb and Sheinelle Jones in 2024.
Did Jenna Bush Hager take a WWHL game for Jenna & Friends
Andy revealed the conflict during a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live. He asked his guests, Janelle James and Jerrod Charmicheal, if they were aware of anyone stealing their jokes.
Andy commiserated with the duo. He revealed on the November 5 episode that WWHL has “games stolen all the time.” And “we say nothing.”
In Prompter Wars, Andy challenges his guests to read complex news reports from a teleprompter. And he would go toe-to-toe with the contestant in question. Jenna has used the same game, rules, and wording, on her show, Jenna & Friends more than once. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler have participated.
“Prompter Wars, I’m looking at you, Jenna Bush,” Andy said.
Despite the strong feelings, the Bravo executive declined the chance to confront Jenna when he appeared on her show in April. Jenna did take Andy to task over his friendship with Hoda. Meanwhile, professionally speaking Hoda is hoping to get back on The Today Show.
“I always felt like, because you and Hoda have a friendship, Hoda and I have a friendship, when you would come, I was like, ‘Am I on a triple date?’” she questioned at the time.
Andy replied, “Did you feel like the third wheel?”
Jenna confirmed that she did “a little,” before adding, “But it was okay because I love to watch people love Hoda, you know, she’s my bestie.”
Watch What Happens Live airs Sunday through Thursday at 10/9c on Bravo.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF JENNA’S USE OF THE GAME? DO YOU HAVE ANY REATION TO ANDY’S COMMENTS?
