Just like us, Carson Daly is eagerly anticipating the reveal of who will step into Jenna Bush Hager's shoes as the new cohost for the fourth hour of the 'Today' show. However, he can confidently eliminate one Hollywood heavyweight from the running.
"I inquire about it all the time," Daly, a 52-year-old staple anchor on the morning show, exclusively shared with Us Weekly at the New York City premiere of Jeff Ross's 'Take a Banana for the Ride' on Monday, August 18. When asked if he had any inside scoop, he remarked, "I believe they want to continue with this rotating format."
Hoda Kotb bid farewell to her 17-year tenure on the NBC morning show in January, with Craig Melvin taking over as Savannah Guthrie's news coanchor. Meanwhile, Bush Hager, 43, relaunched the show's fourth hour—formerly known as 'Today With Hoda & Jenna'—into 'Today With Jenna & Friends,' featuring a revolving door of cohosts.
"I've admired many of the cohosts," Daly continued enthusiastically. "Dwayne Wade was fantastic. I thought he was incredible. Every time Erin Andrews appears, I'm like, 'She's phenomenal.' Scarlett Johansson is everyone's favorite, but she happens to be Hollywood's priciest actor. We simply can't afford her, despite her loving it."
If Daly had his way, he'd keep the mix-and-match approach going. "Jenna has had an array of truly wonderful people," he said. "I quite like the rotating ensemble. It keeps the show lively and fresh."
In addition to Johansson, 40, who holds the title of highest-grossing actor of all time according to Variety, Wade, 43, Andrews, 47, and others like Taraji P. Henson, Keke Palmer, and Amy Poehler have joined Bush Hager.
Kotb, 61, playfully addressed Bush Hager upon announcing her exit in September 2024, saying, "Whoever sits in this seat will have the easiest job in the world because they'll be sitting next to you. The only thing they have to do is not laugh so hard they wet their pants. That's it. They just have to hang in there. You are this radiant beacon, you always have been, and now it's your moment to shine."
As for Daly, he somehow manages to carve out time to support his friends' endeavors when he's not on air with 'Today' or hosting 'The Voice.'
"We're thrilled to be here supporting Jeff on this new chapter in his life," the TV personality shared with Us about Jeff Ross's new one-man show, which traces his life story through daring jokes, heartfelt recollections, and live audience roasting.
Nicknamed the "Roastmaster General," Ross, 59, opens up about losing family members, comedy friends, and his own battle with cancer—and how he persevered through comedy.
"I surround myself with funny people to dispel sadness and lift my spirits, and that's the role comedians play in the world. It's incredibly important, especially these days," Ross told Us ahead of the opening night. "My dear friend Norm Macdonald kept his health struggles hidden, and we couldn't give him a proper farewell. So, I wanted to let my friends know what I'm going through and that I'm doing well. Better than well. I'm on Broadway!"
