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The Shocking Truth: 5 Key Reasons Why 'Hoda And Jenna' Was Cancelled And What Happens Next

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The rumors are true: The beloved daytime program Today with Hoda & Jenna, which captivated audiences for years, officially concluded its run in its original format in early 2025. This seismic shift in the television landscape sparked immediate and widespread speculation about a full cancellation, but the reality is a complex story of personal priorities, a major anchor departure, and a strategic network rebrand. The show did not get "cancelled" in the traditional sense of low ratings, but rather transitioned dramatically.

The definitive end of the iconic pairing of Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager arrived on January 10, 2025, when Hoda stepped away from the fourth hour of the Today Show. The program immediately entered a transitional phase, temporarily titled Today with Jenna & Friends, before a new permanent co-host was announced in late 2025, cementing a completely new era for the 10 a.m. ET time slot.

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager: A Biographical Overview

The partnership between Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, which began in 2019, became a staple of morning television, celebrated for its authentic conversations and infectious chemistry. Their careers leading up to the fourth hour of the Today Show are marked by significant achievements in journalism and public life.

  • Hoda Kotb (Born August 9, 1964):
    • Role: Television News Anchor, Journalist, Author.
    • Career Highlights: Joined NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline NBC. Co-host of the fourth hour of the Today Show (initially with Kathie Lee Gifford, then Jenna Bush Hager) from 2008 to 2025. Co-anchor of Today (main show) since 2017. Host of the popular podcast Making Space.
    • Personal Life: Has two adopted daughters, Haley Joy and Hope Catherine. Her journey as an older mother and her daughter Hope's health battle have been central to her public narrative.
  • Jenna Bush Hager (Born November 25, 1981):
    • Role: Journalist, Author, Television Personality.
    • Career Highlights: Daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush. Joined Today as a correspondent and contributor in 2009. Became a co-host of the fourth hour in 2019, replacing Kathie Lee Gifford. Founder of the successful book club, Jenna's Book Club (formerly Read with Jenna).
    • Personal Life: Married to Henry Chase Hager, with three children: Mila, Poppy, and Hal.

The Definitive Answer: Why 'Hoda and Jenna' Ended in 2025

The question "is Hoda and Jenna cancelled" is best answered by understanding the specific circumstances of Hoda Kotb’s departure. The show was not a victim of poor performance but rather a strategic shift following a major personnel decision. Here are the five key reasons why the original format of the show concluded:

1. Hoda Kotb's Decision to Prioritize Family and Step Down

The single most significant factor in the show's transition was Hoda Kotb's voluntary decision to leave the fourth hour. Announced in September 2024, and effective in January 2025, Hoda cited a need to step back and focus entirely on her personal life and her daughters.

  • The Hope Factor: A major element of her decision was the health of her youngest daughter, Hope, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Hoda openly shared that the demanding daily schedule of the show made it challenging to provide the necessary care and attention for her family.
  • Turning 60: Hoda also mentioned celebrating her 60th birthday as a turning point, prompting a realization that she wanted to dedicate more time to her children while they were young.
  • Continued Role: Crucially, Hoda did not leave NBC or the Today Show entirely. She remains the co-anchor of the main two hours of Today alongside Savannah Guthrie, ensuring her presence on the network continues.

2. The Official End of the Original Program Title

From a network perspective, the show Today with Hoda & Jenna officially "Closed" on January 10, 2025, marking the end of that specific partnership and brand. [cite: 1 (from step 1)] This is the technical truth behind the "cancellation" rumors. The time slot itself, however, remained a cornerstone of NBC’s morning lineup, immediately pivoting to a transitional format to maintain audience flow.

3. The 'Today with Jenna & Friends' Transition Period

Following Hoda's departure, the show was temporarily rebranded as Today with Jenna & Friends. This period, which spanned nearly a year (from January 2025 to January 2026), featured Jenna Bush Hager hosting with a rotating lineup of celebrity and network guest co-hosts. This "friends" format allowed NBC to test chemistry with potential permanent replacements while keeping Jenna at the helm.

  • Guest Co-hosts: The rotating chair saw familiar faces from the Today family, such as Sheinelle Jones and Craig Melvin, as well as outside celebrities, maintaining a fresh and dynamic feel.
  • Audience Reaction: The transition was met with mixed reviews. While some fans expressed nostalgia for the Hoda-Jenna dynamic, leading to speculation that "the magic is gone," the overall Today show ratings remained strong, and the time slot continued to perform well, with viewership figures around 1.456 million.

The New Era: Who Is Replacing Hoda Kotb?

The long-running speculation over who would permanently join Jenna Bush Hager was finally put to rest in late 2025, confirming that the show was never truly cancelled, but strategically evolving.

4. The Announcement of Sheinelle Jones as Permanent Co-Host

On December 9, 2025, NBC officially announced that Sheinelle Jones would become the new permanent co-host of the fourth hour. This decision brought stability back to the program after nearly a year of rotating hosts and provided a new, exciting dynamic for the show.

  • A New Dynamic: Sheinelle Jones, a familiar face from the Today 3rd Hour, is set to bring her own unique warmth and journalistic depth to the role. The pairing is significant, as Jones is the first Black anchor to co-host the fourth hour of the program.
  • The New Title: The show will officially relaunch on January 12, 2026, under the new title: Today with Jenna & Sheinelle. This move demonstrates NBC’s continued commitment to the time slot and to Jenna Bush Hager’s role as the central anchor.

5. Jenna Bush Hager's Continued Commitment to the Show

Despite the major changes, Jenna Bush Hager remains fully committed to the Today Show. She addressed rumors about her own potential departure in 2025, confirming her desire to stay and continue the show's legacy. Her surprise and emotional reaction to Hoda's initial announcement underscored the strength of their personal bond, but her professional focus remained on the future of the time slot.

Jenna's success extends beyond the desk, particularly with her influential book club, which has become a powerful literary entity. Her established presence and strong connection with the audience were key factors in NBC’s decision to maintain the time slot and build a new partnership around her. [cite: 14 (from step 1), 18]

Conclusion: The 'Cancellation' Was a Transformation

In short, the answer to "is Hoda and Jenna cancelled" is a resounding no, but yes, the original show is over. The program was not shut down due to failure; rather, it underwent a major, high-profile transformation driven by Hoda Kotb's personal decision to step away for family reasons in January 2025. The show transitioned from Today with Hoda & Jenna to Today with Jenna & Friends, and is now confidently moving forward as Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, beginning in January 2026. This new chapter ensures that the beloved 10 a.m. slot remains a vibrant, essential part of the Today Show franchise for years to come.

is hoda and jenna cancelled
is hoda and jenna cancelled

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