NBC Orders 'Wordle' TV Adaptation, Hosted by Savannah Guthrie, for 2027 Premiere
Produced by Jimmy Fallon and the New York Times, the game show will turn the viral word puzzle into a team competition for a cash prize.
Key Details
- The series will feature teams of competitive players solving five-letter word puzzles for a cash prize.
- Production is set to begin later in 2025; a casting call has already opened.
- The show is executive produced by Jimmy Fallon via Electric Hot Dog, with Universal Television Alternative Studio producing in partnership with Electric Hot Dog and the New York Times.
- Additional executive producers include Jim Juvonen, Caitlin Roper, Jonathan Knight, and Wes Kauble (who will also serve as showrunner).
- The "Wordle" format will be licensed by NBCUniversal Formats.
Background
The original mobile game was created by software engineer Josh Wardle in 2021 and acquired by the New York Times in 2022, attracting millions of daily players. A TV adaptation was first reported in development in October.
Guthrie announced the greenlight during the April 14, 2025 broadcast of "Today." She had returned to the show on April 6 after a hiatus due to her mother's disappearance. The series is scheduled to premiere in 2027 and will be hosted by the "Today" anchor.
Statements
"I am honored to work with Savannah Guthrie. This show is a SOLID GAMER for PRIME-time."
— Jimmy Fallon, executive producer
"The show translates the social experience of playing Wordle with friends."
— Jonathan Knight, head of games at the New York Times
"The series is a natural extension of NBC's game show legacy."
— Sharon Vuong, NBC executive vice president of unscripted programming
"Our goal is to create an equally addictive show."
— Toby Gorman, president of Universal Television Alternative Studio
"Savannah Guthrie is a passionate Wordle player."
— Caitlin Roper, executive editorial director of film and TV at the New York Times