New 'TODAY' Guest Host Revealed as Hoda Kotb Nears Departure, Sparking Mixed Reactions

Scarlett Johansson's new role marks a surprising shift for both the actress and the show, with netizens sharing mixed reactions to the unexpected career move.

Scarlett Johansson, known for her roles in "Black Widow" and "Marriage Story," will guest host with Jenna Bush Hager on "Today with Jenna & Friends" starting January 21. The news has left many social media users puzzled.

Bush Hager described Johansson's involvement as a "wild dream" highlighting how it reflects the show's growing appeal. She also noted that this marks the Marvel star's first time hosting a daytime program.

The 43-year-old TV host gushed, "Scarlett Johansson is the queen! First of all, I've been obsessed with her movies since forever. 'The Girl with a Pearl Earring,' I mean that shows you I'm a nerd who loves to read. She's also a big reader, which will be so much fun. We have so much in common."

During the January 7 broadcast, Bush Hager teased that the show had "fun things" prepared with Johansson, further building excitement for her debut. Kotb echoed this enthusiasm, "First of all, you guys had a great click. She is an awesome person."

Kotb recalled how Bush Hager had immediately recognized Johansson's potential to excel as a guest host during her previous appearance on the show. Building on this confidence, Bush Hager expressed her excitement, "I think we're gonna have a blast."

The program's new format follows Hoda Kotb's departure on January 10, a move she first announced on September 26 of last year.

Producers introduced a rotating lineup of celebrity co-hosts to bring fresh perspectives. Stars like Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, and Keke Palmer will join Bush Hager in the weeks leading up to Johansson's debut.

Bush Hager emphasized the importance of featuring guests from diverse fields, saying the show aims to represent its audience and offer something for everyone. "And I think that really is what we're hoping to have: a total representation of who watches our show and something for every viewer," she explained.

Johansson's hosting stint sparked a wave of reactions online. Some viewers criticized the decision, with one declaring, "Well I will never watch this now." Others expressed confusion, "Weird choice," while another added, "mmm 🤔 doesn't make sense but ok [sic]!"

Some netizens criticized the show's decision, citing perceived casting biases, while others questioned Johansson's shift from action films to hosting.

More fans embraced the news. "Great choice, looking forward to it," one viewer wrote. Another highlighted her likability, seeing her hosting debut as a positive addition to the show. Others praised Johansson's personality and predicted she would excel.

As Johansson gears up for her debut, "Today" audiences are still coming to terms with Kotb's forthcoming exit from the show. While Kotb is being honored with a week-long "Hoda-bration," set to culminate in an emotional farewell episode on her final day, reports suggest financial negotiations may have influenced her decision to leave.

Sources indicate that NBC proposed a pay cut for Kotb, who earned more than $20 million annually, as part of a broader industry trend of reducing salaries or eliminating roles altogether.

As the network prepares for this transition, the network has announced that Craig Melvin, a familiar face on "Today" for nearly 14 years, will take over Kotb's role as co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie. Melvin will begin his new duties on January 13.

The changes have been especially emotional for Bush Hager, who described Kotb as "the best" and a "generous partner," admitting the transition feels bittersweet.

"Obviously, I've had months to wrap my head around it, although I cannot promise that our last Hoda-bration won't also be filled with tears. I'm sure it will be just because I can't help it," said Bush Hager.

Kotb had been with NBC for 26 years. She revealed last September that turning 60 and reflecting on her future were pivotal in her decision to leave. Her heartfelt message, shared on live television and in writing, expressed gratitude for her time at the company.

"I know I'm making the right decision, but it's a painful one," Kotb said in a letter to the staff. She emphasized that family, particularly her daughters, Haley and Hope, factored heavily into this choice, adding, "They deserve a bigger piece of my time pie."

Although her co-hosts were aware of her plans, emotions ran high during the September 26 episode. However, something surprising happened online after the episode aired.

While many users focused on Kotb's illustrious career and her legacy, tons of viewers began to express their dismay at her co-hosts. On social media, strong opinions emerged, with one commenter even calling for Guthrie and Bush Hager to follow Kotb in leaving the show.

Some viewers expressed disappointment with NBC's handling of Kotb's departure, attributing it to contract negotiations. They criticized the network for letting go of what they saw as the show's most compelling presence.

Others directed their frustration at Kotb's remaining co-hosts, accusing them of insincerity and competitiveness. Some criticized their behavior during the farewell events as disingenuous.

More viewers criticized Guthrie, suggesting she should have been the one to leave instead of Kotb. Others voiced similar sentiments about Bush Hager, with some stating they wished she had announced her departure instead.

One AmoMama reader also described Bush Hager as an embarrassment, referencing a past wardrobe controversy.

Amid negative comments about Guthrie and Bush Hager, many viewers shared heartfelt well-wishes for Kotb. Another AmoMama reader expressed sadness over her departure while another praised her decision to prioritize family time.

Some viewers shared personal experiences to highlight Kotb's impact, including one who fondly recalled a moment when Kotb spoke to her granddaughters during a visit to the "Today" plaza. This left a lasting impression on the family.

More AmoMama readers expressed support for Kotb's decision, applauding her contributions over the years and recognizing her as a class act. Others praised her as an exceptional news reporter.

Many viewers commended Kotb for choosing to focus on creating meaningful memories with her children. Others described her retirement as a blessing, allowing her to embrace life beyond work.

One commenter reflected on the fleeting nature of time, applauding Kotb for being in a position to make such a decision while appreciating her positive spirit and contributions.

Amid all these reactions, Kotb's career at NBC remains the highlight of her legacy. She started at "Dateline" and became a fixture on the "Today" show, co-hosting various segments, most notably alongside Kathie Lee Gifford and Bush Hager, who has been with NBC since 2009.

Johansson's debut as a co-host and Melvin's transition into Hoda Kotb's role mark a new chapter for "Today," introducing changes aimed at shaping the show's future.