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At a recent visit to Today, Andy Cohen, also an NBC host, couldn’t hide his envy when Jenna Bush Hager shared that another big movie star would be co-hosting her show Jenna & Friends with her next week.
The premiere week of Jenna & Friends will start with Taraji P. Henson, Keke Palmer, and Eva Longoria joining Bush Hager as co-hosts. Subsequently, Scarlett Johansson will take over the hosting duties for almost an entire week from January 21st to the 24th.
During the interview, Cohen wasted no time inquiring about the mastermind behind booking such high-profile talents for Bush Hager’s show, especially those who have allegedly turned down appearances on Cohen’s own show, Watch What Happens Live.
“By the way, with all due [respect] to you, Hoda [Kotb], sounds like Jenna’s got quite a lineup coming up,” he pointed out, causing Kotb and Bush Hager to erupt with laughter. “Um, many of the people of Jenna’s ‘friends’ are people who refuse to do my show! I’m like watching, I was like wow!”
“Who’s your booker?” he then asked. “Mazel tov to you.”
Bush Hager could barely answer him through her laughter, though she did admit, “Our bookers are amazing.”
Cohen may have been shading Johansson, who appears to be the only celeb from the lineup who hasn’t appeared on WWHL (though she has appeared on Hoda & Jenna multiple times).
He then noted, “Never realized who your friends were. Not only that, Scarlett Johansson’s on multiple days. Wow.”
With Kotb set to retire Friday, Jan. 10, we are finally getting some news regarding Bush Hager’s new solo endeavor on NBC, Today With Jenna & Friends. And this new iteration looks very promising, to say the least!
The rebranded fourth hour of The Today Show will kick off Monday, Jan. 13. NBC has not yet named a permanent co-host for Bush Hager, so this new format will give her the chance to “date” and try out several possibilities.
Bush Hager has already clarified that she is “involved” in the search for Kotb’s replacement but there is no expected deadline. For now, viewers will be able to enjoy a star-studded slate of guest hosts.
Craig Melvin has already been named as Kotb’s successor on the first three hours of The Today Show.
Today with Hoda & Jenna airs on weekdays at 10/9c on NBC.
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