Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin and Al Roker All Take Time Off from “Today”

**Savannah Guthrie Takes Time Off for New Game Show; Co-anchors Fill in on Today**

On Tuesday, July 21, viewers of the Today show noticed some familiar faces were missing. Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker were absent from the morning broadcast, prompting Sheinelle Jones and Willie Geist to step in as co-anchors. Their absence was previously communicated, with Guthrie utilising this period to film episodes for an upcoming game show based on the popular word game, Wordle.

Willie Geist shared the exciting news with viewers, stating, “Savannah’s taking a little time to film the very first episodes of the big Wordle game show coming here to NBC next year. We cannot wait for that.” Meanwhile, Craig Melvin was enjoying a family holiday, which had been planned in advance. Jones remarked positively on Melvin’s break, saying, “I love that. He’ll come back all nice and rejuvenated.”

Al Roker, who was present during the Monday broadcast, was also missing from the show that Tuesday. Dylan Dreyer stepped in to cover for him, ensuring a smooth transition for the audience.

Guthrie’s absence comes shortly after she revealed her plans to take time off for the new project during the broadcast on Thursday, July 16. She announced that she would be away for a few weeks as the team prepared to film the entire season of the Wordle game show. “We’re super excited,” she said during her announcement. Guthrie had returned briefly to the show on Monday, July 20, following her brief hiatus, while Melvin’s absence was coincidental as he began his vacation that same day.

The three personalities were not absent due to the recent alarming break-in incident at the Today show studio on July 16. This disturbing event involved an individual trespassing into the studio premises in New York City; however, the trio’s time away seemed to be unrelated to this incident.

Guthrie first disclosed her association with the Wordle game show during an episode on May 11, where she appeared alongside the programme’s executive producer, Jimmy Fallon. The two had been secretly developing the series for over two years with The New York Times, and it was confirmed that Guthrie would host the show. Fallon expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We were looking, we’re like, ‘Who’s the perfect host of this?’” He complimented Guthrie’s pilot performance, emphasising the importance of having a host who embodies the spirit of the game.

The return of Guthrie to her role at Today follows a challenging period in her life. In February, her mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reportedly abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona. The investigation is ongoing, and as of now, no suspects have been arrested. The FBI and local authorities continue to seek information regarding her disappearance. Anyone with details is urged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

Despite her personal struggles, Guthrie remarked on the joy the game show project brings her, especially in light of the circumstances surrounding her mother’s disappearance. Thanking those who supported her and the production team that paused filming during her family’s crisis, she expressed gratitude saying, “I just want to say thank you, it means so much to me.”

This new endeavour is seen as a timely outlet for Guthrie, aiming to bring a sense of joy and excitement to families watching at home as they navigate through their own daily lives. The combination of her enthusiasm for the project and the public’s anticipation creates a positive outlook ahead for both Guthrie and her upcoming game show venture.