Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie Reunion Powers NBC’s Today Show to No. 1 Rating

NBC News’ Today show maintained its position as the number one morning news program during the week of April 13, 2026, driven by the on-air reunion of co-anchors Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb.

The reunion occurred after Guthrie returned to the show on April 6 following a leave of absence related to her mother’s disappearance in Arizona, while Kotb filled in for Craig Melvin, who was on vacation starting April 13.

According to reports from TODAY.com and Yahoo Entertainment, Guthrie announced Kotb’s temporary role on April 9, stating that the pair would reunite as co-anchors for the first time since Kotb’s final day as a full-time host on January 10, 2025.

Guthrie and Kotb previously co-hosted Today from 2018 to 2025, becoming the first all-female anchor duo in the program’s history. Their on-air chemistry was highlighted during their reunion, with Kotb saying, “I’m so happy sitting next to you in this chair again,” and Guthrie responding, “Yeah, it’s good. It’s just like the old times!”

Their return to the anchor desk coincided with strong performance in the ratings, keeping Today at the top of morning news rankings for the week of April 13, according to industry tracking cited in the Adweek Feed discovery.

While CBS was noted as the only morning show to register growth in that week’s ratings, NBC’s Today retained its lead position, underscoring the stability of its audience despite shifts in competing programs.

The reunion also drew attention to the broader context of morning television, where anchor changes and personal absences can influence viewer engagement. Guthrie’s return after months away, combined with Kotb’s familiar presence, contributed to the show’s continued strength in a competitive landscape.

Both anchors have been central figures in NBC’s morning strategy, with their partnership historically associated with consistent viewership and cultural relevance. Their temporary reunion highlighted the enduring appeal of their on-air dynamic, even amid personnel shifts across the morning news landscape.