Is the search for Jenna Bush Hager’s new co-host already over? Scarlett Johansson seems to hope so.
The actress is killing it as co-host on Today With Jenna & Friends this week. Johansson returned to the daily broadcast Wednesday in good spirits, announcing that she had “the best time” on her first day as a morning talk show host Tuesday (Jan. 21).
“I went to bed last night and I was like, buzzing,” she told Bush Hager. “I was so excited, I like prepared everything for today… I love this job!”
Bush Hager said that she was “delighted” to have Johansson on the show. She spent most of the broadcast gushing over her new co-host, especially when they brought back some of the most popular segments Bush Hager used to do with Hoda Kotb when she was still on the show.
At one point on the episode, Bush Hager even announced that they should just change the show’s name to Today With Jenna & Scarlett.
“Now that you’re a morning television host, I mean, Jenna & Scarlett sounds good. We can just change it,” she said.
“I agree, let’s make it happen!” Johansson giddily responded.
Photo: NBC
It’s just Johansson’s second day on the job, but it looks like she’s made quite the mark on Bush Hager and NBC. By the end of Wednesday’s episode, Bush Hager announced that she needed a sharpie to scratch out “& Friends” from the show’s title.
Johansson will be guest hosting for the rest of the week. In fact, Thursday’s broadcast will be a family affair as Johansson and Bush Hager will be joined on the show by both of their twin siblings. Today has yet to announce who will be the next guest host to join Bush Hager once Johansson leaves.
While it’s been fun to see Bush Hager co-host with the likes of Keke Palmer and Eva Longoria, the Today host is still searching for a permanent co-host to replace Kotb, her partner in crime, who recently retired from daytime television. But Johansson certainly brings a sunny attitude and quick wit that matches Bush Hager’s hosting style. Could she be the one?
It might come down to a matter of money. At one point on today’s show, Johansson’s husband, Saturday Night Live cast member Colin Jost, joined the duo for a playful debate during which Bush Hager had to rule in favor of Jost. “Scarlett, please do the show with me if we can round up a lot of money,” she pleaded to Johansson after choosing her husband over her.
Today With Jenna & Scarlett certainly does have a nice ring to it. Fingers crossed this works out for Bush Hager!
Today with Jenna & Friends airs on weekdays at 10/9c on NBC.
